A woman’s body goes through many changes as a result of menopause and vaginal dryness is a common problem. During the menopause there is a natural decrease in the amount of the hormone oestrogen being produced by the body. The reduction in oestrogen can cause the skin and support tissues of the vagina and outer intimate area to become thinner and less elastic. This can cause a reduction in the natural lubrication which helps to keep the skin supple and protects it from becoming dry and uncomfortable.

How do I know if I have vaginal dryness?

There are a few common symptoms of vaginal dryness, which include:

·         Itching and stinging around the vaginal opening and in the lower third of the vagina

·         Pain or discomfort during intercourse

·         Friction on delicate skin can lead to bleed or spotting

Vaginal dryness can also lead to psychosexual problems as the discomfort can affect confidence and enjoyment.

What treatment options are available to me?

It is best to discuss available treatments with your GP or gynaecologist as there are lots of options. Health professional can prescribe a vaginal moisturiser such as ReplensMD, which is completely oestrogen free and therefore it is suitable for most patients.

ReplensMD is applied using an applicator, and provides immediate relief to dry skin as the purified water is driven into dehydrated tissues.  Regular use of the product should eliminate symptoms altogether, returning the vagina to pre-menopausal condition.  ReplensMD:-

-          Provides immediate, longer-lasting relief from symptoms

-          Lubricates the entire vaginal passage

-          Delivers continuous moisture for up to 3 days from one application

-          Encourages the return of natural secretions

-          Improves elasticity of vaginal walls

-          Restores the natural acidity of the vagina

-          Prevents build-up of dry skin cells

-          Maintains vaginal pH at healthy levels

What else can I do to minimise the discomfort of vaginal dryness?

-          Stick to breathable cotton underwear and loose clothing until symptoms improve

-          Do not practice douching. Instead, wash externally with warm water

-          Do not use soaps or shower gels to cleanse the vagina. Why not try Replens Intimate gynaecological wash bar which is pH balanced and specially developed for feminine use?

-          Use a lubricant before intercourse (ReplensMD can be used safely in conjunction with other lubricants)

-          Visit your gynaecologist, GP or practice nurse for regular check-ups

Rediscover sex and find out what ReplensMD can do for you. ReplensMD is the only non-hormonal vaginal moisturiser available for women and can be purchased as a three dose pack, a six dose pack and a 35g tube (up to 12 applications), which includes a re-usable applicator. ReplensMD is available to buy from larger stores of Boots and Superdrug.  Alternatively you can order online from Anglian Pharma

For further information on ReplensMD visit your GP or go to www.replensmd.co.uk. ReplensMD helpline:- 01256 772742

“Consumer attitudes are changing. The baby boomer generation is now going through the menopause and they are much more willing to look for different options,” Ms Pearson adds.

 (Article Appeared in C+D, 6 February 2010, Francesca Robinson)

Linda Pearson, marketing manager at Anglian, said:- “We chose Woolley Pau because of its fresh creative approach to communicating messages around vaginal health.”

The London-based PR shop has been briefed to start this month, on a retained basis to boost the brands’ profiles to the UK’s female population.

Media Contact:

Meera Surendran at Woolley Pau PR

Tel: 0207 395 1919 / Email: meera@woolleypau.co.uk

ReplensMD Pharmacy Sales up by 103%

Anglian Pharma announce a substantial increase in ReplensMD sales since launching a new pharmacy counter display unit during July 2009.

Anglian Pharma UK pharmacy sales team have reported an uplift in sales for August overall of 103% across ReplensMD product lines in independent pharmacy since launching the new merchandising unit. The ReplensMD pharmacy counter display unit not only draws attention from the customer but also provides useful training information on vaginal dryness for pharmacy staff on a pull-out back panel.  

Linda Pearson, Marketing Executive for ReplensMD UK says: “Vaginal dryness is a difficult subject to talk about for many women therefore it is important when they do ask pharmacy staff for advice, that staff also feel confident to provide accurate information and advice on the subject”.

If you would like to hear more about the latest offers for pharmacy from Anglian Pharma or if you would like to order a ReplensMD display unit for your pharmacy please contact Anna Vasco on avasco@powermedhealthcare.co.uk


                                             

Top style consultant Carol Spenser who has worked with celebrities and fronted many shows on TV, believes that fashion has nothing to do with age and everything to do with attitude of mind. As an incredibly stylish 55 year old, who  runs a successful style consultancy –www.styledirections.com –  Carol knows a thing or two about how to look fabulous whatever your age. So let’s start from the top, how can we all pull off a ‘Helen Mirren’?

Hair

According to Carol, very long hair can be extremely ageing. “Helen has opted for a mid-length style with lots of volume which takes the eye away from the downward lines which occur on the face as we get older, especially near the eyes, nose and mouth. A shorter, swept-back style gives an instant face-lift without surgery.”

Should we cover up the grey or be bold and embrace a whiter shade of pale? “Too dark hair gives the complexion a drained and greyish look. Dyeing your hair dark when you are older will only look good if you have a deep complexion. As hair goes grey, pigment is also lost from the skin and eyes and this effect will simply be accentuated by too intense a hair colour.

 Silver grey or white hair, can look striking and positive but the cut needs to be sharp and dynamic – definitely not the ‘old-lady’ perm. Yellow-grey (with its confusion of warm and cool shades) often looks dowdy and dull, so colouring it to a warm brown or honey-blonde brings life and vitality back to your look.”

For most women hitting fifty, flabby arms are a big issue, unless of course you have been practicing yoga with Madonna. The good news is that baked beans can do the trick! Carol recommends lifting large tins of baked beans up and down above your head in the morning and last thing at night. The process can tone up the muscles and means you can wear a T shirt with pride. Alternatively, invest in elbow length sleeves for summer and see-thru sleeves or wraps with strappy tops for evening wear.

Top on Carol’s list of essentials – besides the baked beans of course – is a well-fitting bra. It’s estimated that 90% of women are wearing the wrong size. Make the effort to be measured by an expert at a leading department store or lingerie shop. “A bra that fits well will give you a better, more youthful silhouette,” says Carol. “Body shapers and control pants also can help pull-you-in and push-you-up in all the right places.”

Should we wear tight or revealing clothes beyond the big five -0? The answer to this depends on how you feel and of course how slim you are. However, Carol’s advice is to resist the temptation to flaunt what you have in preference to choosing a good cut that skims the body and only exposing one body-area – e.g. cleavage, legs or arms – but not all three at once. “A slightly larger size of clothing can make you look younger, slimmer and more elegant – and, remember, nobody sees the size on the label!”

Another top tip from Carol is to spend more money on fashionable accessories. “It’s the easiest and most cost-effective way to update your wardrobe as you get older. An eye-catching necklace will not only add a splash of colour but also distract from a spare tyre! The latest shoes and bag give a classic outfit a contemporary twist and make you feel a million dollars. Keep your glasses up to date too; nothing is more ageing than outdated specs.”

The way we feel on the inside is just as important as choosing the right clothes and hair style. A loving relationship can give you an outer glow and boost your confidence and that’s why thousands of women use ReplensMD, the only non-hormonal vaginal moisturiser available for women. The active ingredient is purified water (78.8%) which is slowly released from a specially designed applicator into the vagina to provide long lasting relief. Clinical studies have shown that best results are achieved from regular use, three applications a week, preferably in the morning. It means you can be flirty and fabulous forever! www.fiftyplus.co.uk