In 2025 we are talking more openly about women’s health and wellness, which means more information on the subject of perimenopause and menopause. This can only be a good thing, right?
Traditionally — or should I say historically — most women enter perimenopause in their 40s. However, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation, because some women as young as late teens have started with early-onset perimenopause. It’s quite rare, but not unheard of. So, what better time than now to talk freely about the subject!
As menopause wellness is the hot topic of conversation at the moment, our writer, and forty-something woman currently going through perimenopause, Rachel McAlley is invested in finding out more.
Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause
Perimenopause marks the transitional phase when symptoms of menopause begin—such as mood changes, hot flushes, and sleep disruption—even though periods may still occur relatively regularly. This stage can last for several years and officially ends once you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a period, at which point you enter menopause. Menopause itself is defined by the cessation of menstruation due to a natural decline in hormone levels, though it can also be triggered by medical interventions such as surgery (including oophorectomy or hysterectomy) or cancer treatments that affect hormone production.
Balance Activ
Leading women’s health brand, Balance Activ, recently launched a collection of products which have been expertly formulated and tailored to support and maintain overall wellbeing through the transitional phase of menopause.
The range – hervitality – includes six new products available in Boots stores and Amazon. Each product has been given the GenM accreditation, a universal symbol for menopause-friendly products which refers to any product, across all categories that can help relieve or ease one or more of the 48 menopause symptoms and signs.
Yes, you read that correctly — there are 48 symptoms! Here are just a few that you may possibly be aware of:
- Hot Flushes
- Anxiety
- Mood Swings
- Brain Fog
- Headaches
- Palpitations
- Joint Pain & Muscle Pain
- Weight Gain
- Reduced Sex Drive
- Insomnia
Balance Activ Stats
Historically, there has been a stigma attached to menopause with many women believing they must go through it alone and in silence. However, menopause is a natural phase in every biological female’s life and, with prominent celebrities and healthcare professionals speaking out, societal stigmas are slowly being dismantled. In fact, when you look at different age demographics, there is a clear shift in its image with younger people, with 28% of 25-34 seeing menopause being portrayed much more positively in society vs only 8% of those aged 65 and older.
The new research commissioned by Balance Activ has found that three-quarters of women in the UK say self-care products for managing menopause symptoms are crucial. However, at the same time, 44% of menopausal women say their needs are unmet by the existing products available. This is backed by Gen M’s Invisibility Report 2024 which states that 86% of women are seeking alternative and complementary products and solutions to manage their menopause better.
The hervitality range has been designed to offer a non-hormonal range specifically formulated to maintain wellbeing while experiencing common menopausal symptoms. This includes dry and itchy skin, vaginal dryness, depleted energy, and brain fog. Backed by extensive research and development, these innovative products are tailored to the unique needs of perimenopausal and menopausal women. With carefully selected ingredients, Balance Activ aims to empower women by offering specific products that help them maintain their wellbeing throughout every stage of menopause.
Balance Activ Menopause 2024 Research. Sample: perimenopausal or menopausal women 325.
Hervitality Products
Anti-Aging Menopause Face Serum
Formulated to hydrate, moisturise, and revitalise the skin, combating dryness and itchiness caused by hormonal changes. It is clinically proven to correct signs of menopause-related collagen loss, fight dryness, and even tone with innovative ingredients that leaves skin visibly fuller and firmer, nourished and glowing. £24.99
Collagen Boosting Menopause Face Mask
Offers hydration, moisture, and revitalisation. With key ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and prebiotics, it combats dryness and promotes plumper, healthier skin. £14.99
Menopause Cooling Mist
Clinically proven* to cool the skin in one application, this mist contains red rose water and aloe vera to cool, refresh, and soothe dry and itchy menopausal skin. £12.99.
Menopause Vaginal Moisturising Gel
Clinically proven to provide fast-acting and soothing relief from vaginal dryness and atrophy, this gel restores moisture with a Ph-balanced and hormone-free, non-sticky texture, gentle enough for daily use. £10.99
Menopause Vaginal Moisturising Pessaries
Clinically proven to effectively restore vaginal moisture, these pessaries use hyaluronic acid – naturally occurring in the body – and vitamin E to restore vaginal moisture and relieve dryness while offering a unique formula, free from irritating parabens and hormones, and suitable for regular use. £10.99
Perimenopause & Menopause Complex
Formulated with 20 essential vitamins, minerals, and botanicals such as Maca Extract and Isoflavones, this supplement is designed to support overall wellbeing during all phases of menopause in 10 ways. £13.99
What I Thought of The hervitality Range
I recently tried the hervitality Menopause Cooling Mist, Anti-Aging Menopause Face Serum, Menopause Face Mask, and Menopause Vaginal Moisturising Gel. Being a woman in her late 40s currently going through perimenopause, I am the perfect person to try out these products from Balance Activ.
My first thought about the Cooling Mist is that this could be a game changer for all hot flushes, and I was right. It hydrates, refreshes, and soothes the skin, exactly what my face needs during an episode – also great for a hot day in general!
I have been using the Face Mask once per week for three weeks and the Face Serum every evening before bed. Between these two products, my face has felt hydrated, moisturised, and revitalised. Dare I even say that my cheeks and under eyes are starting to look a little plumper and less lacklustre.
Admittedly, the product I was least excited about trying out was the Vaginal Moisturising Gel, but I felt compelled to test this out for my own peace of mind. Clinically tested to restore moisture, this gel provides soothing, rapid, and lasting relief from vaginal dryness. And honestly, if you’re suffering from irritation and discomfort, this really does help.
Visit hervitality to find out more.
Period Pads by FLUUS
What if you’re still suffering with periods, and you’re completely fed up with throwing away your sanitary pads that are filed with plastic?
We’re now in a world moving away from plastic straws and microbeads, however one major culprit remains overlooked: period pads. Most are still made of up to 90% plastic — and they can take over 500 years to decompose!
FLUUS is revolutionising period care with a world-first, fully flushable pad, that is also 100% biodegradable – zero landfill, zero microplastics, zero hassle. The brand is redefining simplicity in period products – with the belief that the best choice for the planet should also be the easiest for the consumer.
Founded by Dr. Olivia Ahn, FLUUS has launched the world’s first fully flushable, microplastic-free period pad. Backed by patented Flushtec® technology, these pads disintegrate safely in water — turning into renewable energy and fertiliser, not waste. FLUUS pads are:
- 100% biodegradable, eliminating landfill waste
- Microplastic free
- Carbon negative
- Zero hassle
With over £12M raised and 20,000+ testers behind them, FLUUS isn’t just launching a product — they’re starting a movement. Their Flush-and-Forget campaign aims to break taboos and make sustainable period care the new norm.
Flush and Forget
FLUUS isn’t just launching a product – it’s creating a movement. As the brand prepares for its retail debut in Boots in June 2025, it is introducing Flush and Forget – a campaign designed to shake-up the femcare conversation.
Built around the idea of ‘flushing away’ the negative experiences and feelings for people who menstruate, Flush and Forget is an unapologetic, consumer-first campaign that challenges societal expectations. For too long people have been conditioned to stay silent and simply put up with their period experiences, despite spending an average of seven years menstruating over their lifetimes (often with inconvenient or even debilitating symptoms). This campaign flips the script, inviting consumers to ‘make a fuss/share their added mental load’ and reclaim their experiences.
FLUUS Products
FLUUS Liner
Designed for daily discretion, can be worn for 4-6 hours. Perfect for spotting or lighter days. Made with cloud-soft materials for breathable comfort, great for sensitive skin. The wrapper as well and the pad are both flushable. £3.49 (15 liners).
FLUUS Winged Small Pads
Made with a snug, contoured fit in a small size, ideal for teens, young people, or anyone who finds standard pads too big. Complete with secure wings and soft, breathable fibres, they offer reliable protection and can be worn 4-6 hours. Again, they are made with a flushable wrapper and pad. £3.99 (12 pack).
FLUUS Medium Pads
The medium pads are designed for natural comfort and reliable protection. Secure-fit wings, made with soft, plant fibre top-sheet for breathable comfort and fluid-locking core to keep you feeling dry. Dermalogically tested and perfect for sensitive skin. Can be worn for 4-6 hours on a light to medium day. £3.99 (10 pack).
FLUUS recommend flushing their products in any modern-day system where you’d be comfortable flushing 12 pieces of toilet paper.
Visit FLUUS to find out more, and Boots and Amazon from June to purchase.
Words by Rachel McAlley for House of Coco Magazine
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