Menopausal women say life was 'uncomfortable' before finding £31 sell-out product

Menopause is usually associated with hot flushes and mood swings, however women often experience a plethora of other symptoms which aren't necessarily spoken about as much. One of these is vaginal dryness, with symptoms including unusual discharge, spotting or bleeding, needing to urinate more often and recurring UTIs, according to the NHS.

This kind of dryness can also be caused by things like certain medications, cancer treatments and breastfeeding as well as being something that over 50-60% of women experience during perimenopause and menopause, health insurance and healthcare company Bupa says. Left untreated it is unlikely to go away and can impact not only physical health, but mental health too, they add.

A number of women have found a brand whose products they say have helped soothe sensitive intimate areas 'in minutes,' with one customer also crediting the products with helping them 'feel like myself again.'

Menopause care brand GLORIAH was founded in 2021 by Scottish entrepreneurs Jessica Watson and Isla Telfer. After a friend went through surgical menopause at 25, the duo were left 'shocked' by her experience, not least when she was suggested 'products that looked like they belonged in a back alley clinic, not on her bathroom shelf.'

And so their brand, which they describe on their website as 'more than a business, it's a rebellion,' came into being. The name is a tribute to 'great Glorias' like writer and activist Gloria Steinem and singer Gloria Gaynor. And the added H?

"That stands for pleasure. For the moment you exhale. The "ahhh" that comes with relief, comfort, and being seen," they say.

In March they were announced as one of eight winners of the first-ever Sky Zero Footprint Fund: Local Heroes initiative, which gives innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) TV advertising to amplify their impact.

In celebration of their TV campaign, they are offering £10 off a months supply of their bestselling bundle of their Liberation Oil and Soul Gel using the code EXPRESS, which works out to just 50p a day and includes free shipping and a money back guarantee. The bundle costs £41 at full price, but is currently reduced to £31.

Their Liberation Oil, an intimate oil inspired by the women's liberation movement and which has sold out three times, launched their brand. This intimate oil is natural, and helps to 'soothe, hydrate, and protect' skin

It has been formulated with Algapur algae oil, and it helps improve elasticity and lock in moisture. While perfect for moisturising intimate areas, it is an all-rounder and can also be used on dry patches anywhere else on the body too.

The Soul Gel, powered by aloe vera, oat extract and ginkgo, is a natural, waterbased lubricant and daily moisturiser, and can be used before intimacy or as a daily vulval moisturiser. Used together this duo of products offers relief and reassurance for dryness.

Helping women in menopause and perimenopause tackle this kind of discomfort has become more of a priority over recent years, thanks not just to GLORIAH but other brands such as YES, which has a range of moisturisers, lubricants and intimate cleansing products. Their Menopausal Intimate Dryness Bundle is £40.99 for a one-off purchase and contains three products (their moisturiser, lubricant and cleanser). They say their products are pure and natural and they also have an unfragranced option.

ElsewhereBoots has their own brand Menopause & Me Vaginal Moisturising Gel for £7.99 for 30ml. They say it is long-lasting, up to three days per application and provides relief from dryness, itching and discomfort.

GLORIAH products may have a higher price point than other brands offered, but this is off set by premium packaging which includes glass bottles and paper tubes. Reviews from GLORIAH customers include one person saying: "Unlike other oils it doesn't leave a greasy residue - sinks into the skin very quickly. Honestly so happy, I feel like myself again."

Meanwhile another, named Fiona, said: "I cannot recommend this enough. Menopausal intimate itching was making life very uncomfortable and difficult and nothing else seemed to work. I'm now on my second bottle."

Another customer said: "Excellent for sensitive intimate areas... this is the only product that doesn't cause burning, and in fact soothes within minutes."

One customer who bought only the Soul Gel said: "I haven't been using it long enough thus my 3 star."

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