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Menopause is a normal, natural event that women experience. It is considered a transition period when the ovaries stop making eggs, menstruation begins to slow- eventually ending all together, and the body produces less estrogen and progesterone.

Menopause usually begins when a women is between the ages of 45 and 55. It is confirmed after 12 consecutive months of missed periods (in the absence of other obvious causes). At this time, women no longer face the risk of becoming pregnant.

The symptoms associated with menopause can last for 5 years or more. They are different for each individual and include any or all of the following…

• Irregular heartbeat (feels like heart is racing or pounding)
• Hot flashes
• Flushed skin
• Night sweats
• Decreased interest or stimulation in sex
• Irregular periods (before stopping)
• Urine leakage
• Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression
• Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
• Painful intercourse
• Vaginal dryness or discomfort
• Yeast infections
• Achy or sore joints

Although menopause cannot be prevented, there are tips to help ease the painful symptoms. These include the following…

• Avoiding caffeine and alcohol
• Not smoking
• Staying away from spicy foods
• Eating a low fat diet with plenty of vitamin D and calcium
• Including soy foods in your diet
• Exercising daily (including Kegel exercises)
• Practicing breathing techniques
• Doing yoga, tai chi, or meditation to help relax
• Remaining sexually active
• Using lubricant gels during intercourse
• Treating vaginal dryness with a moisturizing feminine wash or medicated wipes
• Taking antidepressants or high blood pressure medicines
• In extreme cases, seeking hormone treatment

It is important to speak to your doctor about your menopause concerns. If you are experiencing discomfort, pain, or emotional stress related to menopause, your doctor can help develop a plan and prescribe any necessary medication or treatment.

A menstrual cycle is the series of monthly changes that a women’s body goes through to prepare for possible pregnancy. Every month, the uterus grows a new, thickened lining called the endometrium. The lining is meant to hold a fertilized egg during pregnancy. If there is no pregnancy, there is no fertilized egg so the uterus sheds its lining. The shedding of the lining is the monthly menstrual bleeding that women go through.

Women experience different menstrual symptoms throughout their life. Some women suffer from extreme discomfort while others have very minor pain. The symptoms can be affected by age, weight, activity level, food or drink, and birth control or other medications.

Common symptoms that occur include…

• Bloating in the abdomen
• Cramping in the legs, back and lower abdomen
• Breast tenderness
• Headache
• Foul Odor
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Mood Swings
• Irritability
• Fatigue


To help manage discomfort during PMS or Menstruation, women should…

• Cut back on salt to reduce bloating
• Lessen caffeine intake to control irritability and tension
• Increase calcium consumption to relieve PMS
• Keep active with aerobics or cardio to improve blood flow and reduce pain
• Get consistent sleep to control fatigue
• Apply a heating pad to your abdomen or soak in a warm bath to alleviate cramping
• Take non prescription pain killers to relieve headaches, bloating, and cramps
• Use feminine washes like Intimore™ Fresh Sensitive to sooth and moisturize skin discomfort as well as clean and freshen away foul odors.

What is a Vaginal Yeast Infection?

Yeast is a fungus, naturally present in the vagina. Normally, the amount of yeast is small. A yeast infection means that there is an abnormal amount of yeast cell build up growing in the vagina. Although the infection is common and easy to treat, it can be very uncomfortable for women.

What is a Vaginal Yeast Infection caused by?

The vagina contains a certain amount of bacteria that controls the amount of yeast. If the bacteria amount is affected and an unbalanced level occurs, additional yeast cells start to grow.

Common causes of the unbalanced level of bacteria are if you are taking antibiotics, if you have a change in estrogen levels due to pregnancy or hormone replacement therapy, if you have diseases like diabetes or HIV, or if you are taking birth control, menstruating, or allow sperm to enter during sex. Women who are pregnant or have experienced menopause are also more likely to get yeast infections.

What are the symptoms of a Vaginal Yeast Infection?

Most women experience itching, soreness, a burning sensation during urination or sex, and a thick, white, clumpy, odorless discharge.

How can you treat a Vaginal Yeast Infection?

Treatment can usually be handled with over the counter medications like antifungal cream, a suppository, or antifungal tablets. Most times the infection will clear on it’s on but if not, or if you are experiencing yeast infections on a regular basis, it is important to visit a doctor to make sure everything is ok. They may recommend a yeast infection treatment or prescription medication.

How can you prevent a Vaginal Yeast Infection?

The following methods will help eliminate the chance of getting a yeast infection…

• Wear cotton underwear instead of synthetic fabrics that don't let you breathe as well
• Change out of wet clothing and swimsuits right away
• Avoid scented feminine products and toilet paper
• Use unscented detergents and washes in your genital area
• Use a pH balanced feminine wash for your genital area on a daily basis
• Be sure to use protection during sexual intercourse

The pH value is the measure of acidity or alkalinity of any solution. The value is a numerical measure on a scale from 0 to 14. The neutral level is 7 with increasing values having increasing alkalinity and decreasing values having increasing acidity. When referring to the pH of the vagina, we are talking about the pH level determined in the secretions continually produced by the vaginal walls.

A normal vagina is typically between a pH level of 3.8 and 4.5. This makes the vagina slightly acidic which helps keep it healthy. Elevated pH levels can signify infections or disease including Bacterial Vaginitis (BV), Sexual Transmitted Diseases including HIV, Cervical Cancer, and more.

Although there are sometimes no signs of an elevated vaginal pH, there are certain symptoms to look out for. These symptoms include unusual discharge, itching, burning, irritation, or painful intercourse.

Some of the infections that are associated with an abnormal vaginal pH can be easily treated with antibiotics, but proper detection is needed. If not treated, the diseases could lead to further complications and health problems.

To ensure that your vaginal pH level is within a normal, healthy range, pH tests should be completed by your doctor. These are a standard inclusion in annual gynecology appointments. If you feel any discomfort or irregular discharge it is important to make a doctor’s appointment to get checked out as soon as possible.

Intimore products are all at a 3.5 pH level formulation to keep and maintain the vagina area in the normal range. The pH in Intimore products is derived from the lactic acid ingredient and the total formulation. The vagina is constantly in danger of a heightened level of pH so daily maintenance with Intimore products and their special formulation will keep the area healthy.