Shopping with your gynecologist
The products I recommend to patients, organized by what you're feeling. Every pick comes with my note to help guide your conversation with your clinician.
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Vaginal dryness
Moisturizers you use a few times a week, not just during sex
Falling estrogen thins and dries vaginal tissue. A long-acting moisturizer, used two to five times a week, is the maintenance layer most women skip.
Revaree hyaluronic acid vaginal insert
A hormone-free hyaluronic acid insert for everyday dryness. Hyaluronic acid is my go-to non-hormonal moisturizer, and it's an option for many women who can't use estrogen.View on Amazon
Miracle Melts hyaluronic acid vaginal inserts
Another favorite hyaluronic acid insert for dryness and discomfort with sex.View on Amazon
V Serum with hyaluronic acid
Do you have sensitive skin and experience vulvar dryness? This may offer you relief.View on Amazon
Vulvar dryness and irritation
Gentle care for the outside
The vulva needs less, not more: no soaps, wipes, or scented products. A good balm adds comfort and barrier protection.
Gyn tip. If itching or soreness lasts more than a few weeks, see your clinician. Persistent symptoms can be lichen sclerosus, which needs prescription treatment, not a balm.
Vag of Honor vulvar moisturizer gel
A hormone-free gel with ectoine and hyaluronic acid for external dryness.View on Amazon
Honor Everyday Balm
For people in perimenopause who are experiencing vaginal dryness, I love this option alongside your treatment as guided by your medical professional. While safe, it may irritate because of the scent, so be mindful and stop using it if you experience irritation.View on Amazon
Painful sex
Lubricants, buffers, and dilators
Pain with sex is common and treatable. Start with the right lubricant, then add tools that let you stay in control while you work on the cause with your clinician.
Silicone lubricant, home and travel bundle
As a woman (and gynecologist) in perimenopause, I love Uberlube because it offers long-lasting lubrication with no sticky residue. Fun gyn fact: this silicone-based lubricant also doubles as hair gel and cuticle oil.View on Amazon
Good to Go travel refills
Now in travel size.View on Amazon
Free Love water-based lubricant
A glycerin-free, water-based option that's condom- and toy-friendly.View on Amazon
Wearable buffer rings
Sex should be pleasurable. If you're experiencing pain with penetration, this could be a nice tool to add to solo or partnered play. As a provider, I like it because patients can measure their progress by stacking rings.Shop Ohnut
Expanding vaginal dilator
Best used in conjunction with pelvic floor therapy.Shop Milli
Wearable vaginal dilator set
Best used in conjunction with pelvic floor therapy.Link coming soon
Low desire and arousal
Set the mood, wake up sensation
Desire changes in midlife are real and treatable. Some women respond to sensation and setting first, with desire following.
Awaken arousal oil
For folks in perimenopause, I encourage giving this a try before intercourse to heighten the senses.View on Amazon
Burn massage oil candle
For folks in perimenopause, I encourage giving this a try before or during intimacy to heighten the senses.View on Amazon
Orgasm and pleasure
Tools gynecologists actually recommend
Vibrators are guideline-endorsed, not just permitted. They can help with arousal, orgasm, and blood flow.
Eva hands-free vibrator
Did you know a vibrator can support your pelvic floor and sexual function? Eva is a hands-free wearable vibrator that's perfect solo or with a partner.View on Amazon
Aer suction massager
Aer is a great tool to enhance pleasure using unique air technology.View on Amazon
Smart vibrator
Not all vibrators are the same. This smart vibrator can teach you about your unique orgasm through science.Shop Lioness
Hot flashes and night sweats
Non-hormonal support
Hormone therapy is the most effective treatment for hot flashes. If it isn't right for you, these are non-hormonal options to discuss with your clinician.
Relizen hot flash relief
Relizen is a hormone-free option that's clinically tested to relieve hot flashes and night sweats. Please speak with your healthcare professional before use.View on Amazon
Wave 2 cooling wristband
Embr cools and warms at the touch of a button and can provide relief for hot flashes, night sweats, sleep, and stress.View on Amazon
Me.No.Pause supplement
Me No Pause offers relief from the severity of hot flashes. Please speak with your healthcare professional before use.View on Amazon
Menopause relief
Estroven offers relief from major symptoms of menopause. Please speak with your healthcare professional before use.View on Amazon
Sleep
For the 3 a.m. wake-up
Night sweats, anxiety, and falling progesterone all disrupt sleep. Treat the cause first, then add support.
Magnesium bisglycinate
Magnesium glycinate is gentle on the stomach and may help you relax at night. Think of it as support, not a sleeping pill.View on Amazon
Brain fog
Focus and memory
Brain fog in perimenopause is real and usually improves. Sleep, exercise, and treating hot flashes matter most.
Magnesium L-threonate
The form of magnesium that crosses into the brain. The evidence is early, so set expectations accordingly.View on Amazon
Thinning hair
Hormonal hair changes
Hair thinning in midlife is common. Topical minoxidil is first line, and your clinician should check iron, thyroid, and hormones.
Women's Balance (age 45+)
Are you experiencing hormonal hair loss due to postpartum or perimenopause? Nutrafol has proven results. I like this treatment option in combination with PRP.View on Amazon
The Root Of It scalp serum
Are you experiencing hormonal hair loss? The Root Of It hair and scalp serum may offer you symptom relief.View on Amazon
The Crown Pleaser hair mask
Are you experiencing hormonal hair loss? The Crown Pleaser hair mask may offer you symptom relief.View on Amazon
Dry skin
Dryness from head to toe
Estrogen helps skin hold water. When it falls, skin dries everywhere.
The Full Monty vitamin C body oil
During perimenopause, the loss of estrogen means dryness from head to toe. This may offer you relief, plus it smells amazing.View on Amazon
Period and pelvic pain
Drug-free relief
Severe cramps are not something to push through. See your clinician to rule out endometriosis or fibroids.
Menstrual pain relief device
Do you experience extreme menstrual cramps? This wearable is a great option to reduce cramp pain.View on Amazon
Bladder leaks
Pelvic floor strength
Leaking when you laugh or lift is common, not normal, and very treatable. Pelvic floor physical therapy is first line.
Wearable pelvic floor stimulator
An external, home-based pelvic floor stimulator for stress and urge leaks.Shop Elitone
Safer sex
Protection that's actually pleasant
HPV is now a leading cause of throat cancer. Barriers for oral sex matter.
Single-use oral sex protection
Did you know 70% of throat cancers in the U.S. are caused by HPV? This product innovation is groundbreaking for sexual health.Shop Lorals
Longevity
Women live longer, but in poorer health. Let's change that.
Women outlive men, yet we spend more of those years in poorer health. My goal is to add healthy years. In a Finnish study of 1,688 women and men aged 50 and over, followed for about 15 years, those who used a sauna 4–7 times a week had far fewer deaths from heart disease and stroke than once-a-week users (BMC Medicine, 2018). An earlier study of Finnish men found 40% lower death rates from all causes (JAMA Internal Medicine, 2015).
These are observational studies of traditional Finnish saunas: they show an association, not proof. Infrared saunas run cooler and haven't been studied the same way; their advantage is that many women find them easier to use often. Check with your clinician first if you are pregnant or have heart disease, low blood pressure, or take medications that affect heat tolerance. Hydrate and start with short sessions.
Indoor: infrared, plugs into the wall
Barcelona 1–2 person far infrared sauna
The easiest way to start a regular heat habit. Plugs into a standard outlet and fits a spare room or bedroom corner.View at Select Saunas
Santorini 1–2 person full spectrum infrared sauna
Full-spectrum heat with very low EMF, for women who want more features in a small footprint.View at Select Saunas
2-person full spectrum infrared sauna with Himalayan salt bar
Roomy enough for two, so it can become a shared ritual.View at Select Saunas
Outdoor: traditional Finnish-style barrel
Salem 2-person barrel sauna
The same kind of traditional hot sauna used in the Finnish studies, made in the USA.View at Select Saunas
Watoga 2–4 person classic barrel sauna
Room for a partner or friend. Habits last longer when someone shares them.View at Select Saunas
Fairmont 4-person canopy barrel sauna with porch
A covered porch for cooling down between rounds, the Finnish way.View at Select Saunas
Traditional heaters usually need a dedicated 240-volt circuit installed by a licensed electrician. Plan for that cost.
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Disclosure. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may also earn a commission from other brand links on this page, including Select Saunas. I only list products I would recommend to my own patients, and a commission never decides what goes on this page.
Not medical advice. This page is for education only and does not replace care from your own clinician. Talk with your healthcare professional before starting any new product or supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a cancer history, or take other medications.
Prices and availability are set by the retailer and may change.