Periods, the menopause and the products that can help.

In this conversation with Lauren Derrett, founder of Wear ‘em out and Sarah Ferrari, Customer Experience Manager at Nature’s Journey, we hear more about their personal journey and some of the products that can help.

Lauren, What inspired you to develop Wear ‘em out? – was it a personal story?

I’d been wearing reusable pads for years, but didn’t like the designs on offer - they were fairly basic, not very comfortable and made me feel a bit embarrassed, meaning I wouldn’t talk to my friends about them. So, I decided to design a pad that pad wearers would love, looked cool and prompt lots of conversations around the benefits to wearing reusable period pads.  We were featured as one of Stylists as ‘6 of the best eco-friendly period products you need to know about’ within a few months of launching which was amazing!

Sarah, you’ve worked in the beauty industry for over 20 years – what was it that attracted you to Nature’s Journey? And did it come from a personal place?

The opportunity to join the Nature’s Journey team came at the perfect moment – I’d not long been made redundant from a job I’d been doing for a really long time, my menopause started in full force – and the country had just started to emerge from the dark days of the pandemic. It’s true to say that I was suffering from major imposter syndrome, and I’d lost some confidence – but the opportunity to be part of something new, working with amazing products (that really do deliver) and equally amazing people was just a dream come true. I’ve got so much still to give, and as a small team, I feel like I can add real value, every day.

How does menopause affect the regularity and intensity of periods?

LD: During perimenopause periods can become more erratic and bleeding can become heavier. Your cycle may become shorter, and you may have mid-month bleeds.  Menopause itself is a one-day event, it’s the day when you’ve not bled for 12 months.

How did menopause affect your sleep quality/levels?

SF: Sleep was one of my biggest challenges during menopause – along with brain fog and low mood, which certainly weren’t helped by the lack of sleep. I just couldn’t drift off - and when I was able to steal a few hours, I never really got into a ‘deep’ sleep. It left me feeling lethargic and my mood really suffered as a result.

Tell us about your range and how it can help women going through perimenopause/menopause.

LD: Our Mini Flo pads are perfect for everyday use when you have no regularity to your periods, they are discreet, breathable, and absorbent and will give you more confidence, ready for any unexpected bleeding. Our Mega-Mega pads are the hardest working of all our pads, they have been designed for problematic bleeds, so perfect protection for those heavier days/nights.

What are you go-to products in the Nature’s Journey range for helping to ease menopause symptoms?

SF: Having worked in the wellness industry for so much of my career, I’ve always looked after my skin – but when I started my menopause, I noticed that my skin lacked ‘bounce’ and I found that it was becoming more sensitive to the sun, and other environmental factors.  I was so relieved when I tried the products for the first time and my skin just LOVED them. We’ve formulated the range to be gentle, but effective – even for sensitive skin like mine. I’ve been using the range for a while now, and I have to say that Hydrating Face Serum, Radiance Facial Oil and Restoring Night Cream have become my absolute must-haves – and it’s no exaggeration to say I’d be lost without Sleep Easy Pillow Mist. It really helps me to drift off, but also to get a quality night’s sleep – essential for my overall wellbeing.

What are some of the misconceptions about reusable pads?

LD: There may be concern that they’ll leak, and that they’ll smell. Our pads have been designed in a way that leaking will be minimal if at all, and with our breathable fabrics there is no odour created, our customer feedback on Trustpilot confirms this time and time again.

How did menopause affect your mental health – did it impact your confidence?

LD: I suffered terribly with my confidence when perimenopause hit, my memory was really struggling and for the first time in my life I started to experience anxiety. I’m still mindful daily of my mental health and stress levels. I’ve also had to give up alcohol and caffeine as my body has become super sensitive to both.

SF: My ability to recall or retain information was a real frustration for me, particularly at work. There seemed to be no pattern as to when it would happen so I couldn’t prepare, this led to feelings of self-doubt which in turn affected my confidence.  I would feel myself hesitate, lose my train of thought, and then I become frustrated with myself which added to the cycle.  Following these instances, it would lead on to time spent analysing what I said, why I said it, and what I should have said – so exhausting and at times it felt this was all I did, a never-ending cycle!

Tell us a bit about some of the ethical/sustainable elements behind Wear 'em out.

LD: Our pads are manufactured here in the UK and are made to last up to 3 years. Whilst we do include some microfibers in our designs, we are always looking for eco alternatives that work as hard for us in our busy modern lives. We focus on the fact that our pads will reduce the energy/single-use plastic/transportation it takes to manufacture single-use menstrual products, alongside reducing the 200,000 tones of menstrual waste that hits UK landfill per year. It’s all about the bigger picture, and making offsets where possible to reduce our waste whilst offering a hard-working pad that can be reused time and time again.

What other lifestyle changes have you made to help alleviate some of the symptoms, and how have they helped?

SF: One thing that I learned that has been life-changing for me – quite literally, was that sugar and the menopause are not friends. I made a lifestyle change towards a no or low sugar diet. This helped ease my symptoms, and also led to a considerable weight loss – which I’ve managed to maintain, and it’s definitely helped improve my energy levels, too.

And finally, some quick-fire questions

My favourite way to unwind is...

LD: I love to get outside for a good walk, or enjoy a good book or some reality TV!

SF: A nice soak in the bath (I love to mix some bath salts with a few drops of our Relax Aromatherapy Blend) – I love it so much that my husband has been known to check on me as I have a habit of nodding off!

When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me...

LD: Playing catch up with life admin, family time and housework

SF: Out enjoying a long, brisk walk along the coast with my good friend – and if I’m feeling really indulgent, I’ll be curled up on the sofa with a cuppa (or a glass of red) and my e-reader. I love to read!

My top wellness tip is...

LD: Sleep! Aim your day around getting a good night’s sleep, physically exhaust yourself,  put your phone on ‘sleep’ mode at 8pm, get to bed early, and of course, use Nature’s Journey Sleep Easy Pillow Mist!

SF: Don’t compromise on doing things that bring you joy. Smiling and laughing are the best antidote to lift your spirits and boost your energy. Give yourself permission to do things that make you feel good. Be selfish with your time, and what you do with it.

Share some words of wisdom that have inspired you.

LD: Life is full of chapters, when making tough decisions ask yourself ‘would this make an interesting chapter in my book of life’

SF: The further down the path of life I go, the more I’m reminded of the words ‘work like you don’t need the money, love like you’ve never been hurt, and dance like nobody’s watching’.