The Ultimate Vagina Workout (AKA Vag-WOD) - So you too can have a Vagina that can crush (wal)nuts! Just kidding - whilst a strong vagina can make sex better, it is also important for overall health, proper posture, incontinence and leakage, and core strength.

Guest Authored by Dr. Robyn Kutka

Experiences like soul-crushing insomnia, annoying hot flashes and surprising zero-to-b*tch mood swings are often blamed on shifting estrogen levels. And less-recognized changes like itchy skin, scalp irritation or a general sense of being "off" are lumped into the same hormone bucket.

Guest Authored by Dr. Robyn Kutka

I've had the pleasure of working with a woman we'll call "Penny" for over a year now. Penny has been postmenopausal for almost 10 years, and together we've been exploring her hormone levels and the changes she's been navigating in menopause.

For Penny, those changes included:

• anxiety
• low mood and motivation
• sleep concerns

When it comes to medical care in menopause - the spectrum can vary wildly... We hear from women who tell is that they heard: 'it's all in their head', to 'just deal with it', or 'just use more lube', or some combination of idiocy that would be funny if it weren't our health (and our sanity) on the line.

When it comes to soy, the answer is in the science (grab your lab coats, we've come prepared!)

Guest Authored by Dr. Robyn Kutka

If you’re taking oral progesterone and thinking, “I sleep a bit better… but why do I still feel off?” You’re not imagining things — and you’re not doing anything wrong.

This is something I see all the time in perimenopausal women.

Guest Authored by Dr. Robyn Kutka

At this point, you’ve likely been here long enough to realize that perimenopause and menopause are more than just hot flashes changes in your period — they’re a whole-body shift. Many women find themselves struggling with concerns like fatigue, sleep problems, anxiety, irritability, mood swings and more - symptoms that feel…welll… stress-related. But what if stress isn’t just “in your head,” and what if the usual hormone targets (like estrogen and progesterone) aren’t telling the whole story?

[Guest Authored by Morven Watt]

Parlor Games’ story started six years ago… but really, it started decades earlier.

Two little girls became friends. Kate and Kirsti’s three-year-old daughters. And like all playground-origin stories, their moms ended up chatting in the pick-up line. What started as small talk quickly turned into something more solid, a friendship built while navigating parenting, husbands, and a shared desire to stay healthy and well through it all.

Years later, Kirsti would call her BFF Kate wondering why things down south had turned drier than the Sahara and to ask “was sex this painful for everyone in menopause?!”

Twenty Years on the North American Menopause Society Changes some positions on hormone replacement...

If you live to 95 and your heart rate beats on average 75 times a minute for each of those 95 years, that’s, on average 3,744,900,000 beats. Is your mind blown by that math yet?

A lot of women love estriol cream for helping to make sex comfortable again… but we also hear from women who aren't having sex and wonder whether they need it.

Often, these women are uncomfortable too — and they wonder if estriol cream was designed for them.

The answer to that is a resounding, YES!

Are you in your late thirties or early forties and wondering why your body feels like it’s been hit by a truck, given a shot of meth, and survived a nuclear holocaust? Is it burnout, perimenopause, because you skipped yoga this week, or are you just going insane?

It’s the last one - you’re going insane…

Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy focused on the muscles, connective tissues, and nerves that support the bladder, bowel, uterus, and vagina. These muscles are responsible for continence, sexual function, core stability, and pelvic organ support. When they are not functioning properly, the effects can show up in ways that are often dismissed as “normal,” especially for women.

Stress is a funny thing. Stressful situations are a natural part of being a creature - hamster, hyena, or human. The stress response is a triumph of evolution and a necessary part of survival for any species. Traditional human stresses were famine, disease, accidents, threat of harm from a fellow human, attack by a wild animal, and separation from the tribe.

How Long Does Menopause Last? Take a room filled with women over 45. How many of them have them have the same menopause? The answer is… 0. Nada. None. Zilch.

What is the Mona Lisa Laser, and how does it help my vagina?

You start a new intimate skincare routine — finally doing something nice for your delicate bits — and then… surprise. Some unexpected changes show up down south: a little extra discharge, some itching, maybe a twinge that feels all too familiar.

Before you blame your new cream (or your laundry detergent, or your favorite undies), there's something worth understanding: starting a new routine can sometimes bring a pre-existing imbalance to the surface rather than cause it. Here's the science of what's really going on.

We are all familiar with the unpleasant ‘someone has threaded wire into my urethra’ feeling that signals the dawning of a UTI.

What starts as a small discomfort quickly turns to full blown burning and stinging every time we sit down to pee. We are then stuck in a catch-22; drink less means pee less, but worse for UTI, drink more is better for UTI, but then pee more. 😭 Right as we plan to get on a plane for several hours...!

Why Can't I Relax?!

Understanding hormones, inflammation, and the potential impact on autoimmunity.

Nobody handed you a manual for what estrogen changes actually do to your body — especially the parts your doctor probably glossed over. The pelvic region is lined with estrogen receptors, and when estrogen levels drop at menopause, intimate skin and surrounding tissue feel it. Understanding what's happening down there is the first step to doing something about it.

Crotch Itch? Vaginal Variables? Here's the deal when it comes to vaginal itching, what's going on down south, and how to figure out what's throwing off your comfort.

You may have heard about the thyroid. You may know that it has something to do with weight. You may know that it is a hormone… But, what else do you know about it?

The more we learn about hormones, the better we are able to evaluate the different ways to supplement hormones when our own levels start to decline. There are actually five different ways that hormones can be delivered, and this blog will look at the advantages and disadvantages of these. Because every woman’s hormone profile is different, and every woman has different access to medical care with hormones it’s important to understand all these different methods so you can work out what is the right method for you.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced they will remove the “black box warning” from hormone therapy (HRT) products used for menopause. This warning was the strongest kind the FDA can give, and for years it scared many women away from treatment that could actually help them feel better.

Let’s break down what this change means, in simple terms.

In a sea of supplements, how do you know what’s gold and what’s a gimmick?

“Menopause? What is that?” ~ 1850’s women… probably. Menopause wasn’t a problem historically, because as you can see from our nifty graph, until 1900, most women died before they even experienced it! Times have changed a hell of a lot since the 1900’s, and yet many women still don’t have good access to information about menopause.

What are dilators? Is it a sex toy? A kegel exerciser? Some terrifying leftover from the Victorian era?

Decades ago, one big study had women everywhere swearing off hormones in a panic — but it left out a huge part of the picture. How we actually feel in midlife isn't about any single hormone (or any single scary headline). Inflammation, lifestyle, diet, and stress all play starring roles. Let's look at the whole system.

We hear from a lot of women that they are no longer interested in sex (or they're thankful that part of their life is over) — and that is completely valid. But we also hear from just as many women saying they miss sex terribly, or that finding the right personal care support made a meaningful difference in their comfort and confidence.

For the women who still want to engage in sex or sexual activity (partnered OR solo!), there are ways to approach intimacy more comfortably — and to rediscover some of the unexpected benefits linked to sex that we might not have even considered, like creativity.

When it comes to creativity, what comes to mind? Botticelli? Picasso? Kahlo? Perhaps a favorite musician or author?

We believe what goes on your body matters. That's why you'll never find parabens in a Parlor Games formula — ever. Here's what parabens actually are, and why we leave them out.

There aren’t many magazines with headlines about the health of your vagina. There’s no school class about women's delicate hormone balance and how it changes over the years. But, there are a million books, articles and products talking all about sex and our vagina; the focus of the attention is on whether our vajazzle is ready for some razzle-dazzle.

Except on my head!

How Long is a Piece of String?

Your vagina’s microbiome is way more interesting (and more easily confused) than you probably think - and not every weird smell, discharge, or itch is bacterial vaginosis (BV). In this blog we’ll walk through the common things that can mimic BV, what modern swabs and lab tests actually tell us (and when testing matters), when hormone checks are useful versus when a short trial of local estrogen makes more sense, the bigger causes that set the scene, and how simple gut-friendly moves like adding fiber can help your vaginal defenses.

Sex toys have a lot of stigma - from kinky, to frightening, to pop culture icons (we're looking at you Rabbit!), but the reality is that sex toys can provide us with everything from crucial information to pain relief... so shouldn't we know more about them?

Weight A Minute... It can be pretty strange when we see the scales start to shift (seemingly for no reason) during peri- and menopause. Is it the estriol, or is something else going on...?

No one is writing love poems to their vacuum cleaner. No one goes home and stares at it lovingly. No one keeps their vacuum in a special gilded cupboard on a velvet cushion. But, without it, your house would be filled with dust, dirt, hair, and grime within a week. Say you spill a bag of chips? Who's the hero then?

Stinging & Scorching…

I’ll take ‘Words I don’t want to use to describe my Vagina for $500.’

Everyone is unique. Which is great... but it's also a total pain when it comes to figuring out how often to apply estriol cream. So instead of handing you a rigid set of "best practices," we're sharing some real-life scenarios so you can get a better sense of what might work best for you.

Xeno comes from the Greek word ‘foreign’, and it refers to the fact that xenoestrogens are compounds which mimic the activities of the hormone estrogen (in both men and women), and in doing so, they can wreak havoc on the endocrine system.

Welcome to the wacky world of menopause treatments gone mad - from uterine fumigation to inserting weasel testicles (yes, really!) - take a look at some of the more baffling menopause remedies to ever hit the market!

Everyone says it's hand skin that gives away our age... but for many of us, it is the delicate patch of skin under our eyes that can really give us trouble. It feels like it happened overnight, right? One day you’re breezing through your makeup routine, the next you’re wondering why your concealer is staging a protest and your eyes look permanently “tired.” Suddenly its crepey, crinkled, and feels paper thin... so what is happening - and more importantly - how the heck do we deal with it?

Guest authored by Dr. Robyn Kutka

You’ve had a hysterectomy, so balancing your hormones should be simple, right? You just need estrogen?

Not exactly…

Guest blog from Dr. Robyn

When people talk about hormones, they usually think of estrogen, progesterone, or maybe even testosterone.

But there’s one hormone that rarely gets the spotlight—insulin—and it plays a huge role in how your body works every single day.

You love your kids. You (mostly) like your partner. Your co-worker isn’t even that annoying.

So why do you suddenly want to scream at all of them?

If you’re in your late 30s, 40s, or 50s and finding yourself irrationally irritated by background noise, your partner’s breathing, or the sheer existence of laundry… it’s not that you’re “losing it.” You might be in perimenopause.

There’s nothing quite like waking up with a chin zit at 47. Just when you thought you’d graduated from hormonal acne in your twenties, here it comes—sneaky, cystic, and conveniently showing up the night before a big presentation.

Hot flashes at 33? Mood swings at 38? Still getting dismissed by your doctor?

If you’re in your 30s or early 40s and feel like your hormones have gone rogue, it might not be "just stress"—it could be early menopause.

If you’re a woman aged 35 and up, there’s a good chance you’ve heard some version of:

• “Weight lifting makes women bulky.”
• “Cardio is better for fat loss.”
• “You’re too old to start lifting now.”
• “Just do yoga and walk—weights are too intense for women your age.”

When it comes to vaginal atrophy—what comes to mind?

For many women, the answer is: not much. And that’s the problem.

Because:

1. We aren’t taught about it—ever.
2. Many doctors downplay or misdiagnose it.
3. The new clinical label, Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), makes it sound like a UTI or a sci-fi villain.

Let’s talk guts. Not the metaphorical kind it takes to wear a thong-kini at 47, but the actual bacterial jungle that lives in your intestines. Yes, your microbiome—the trillions of microbes that help digest your food, regulate inflammation, keep your immune system in check, and (plot twist) talk directly to your brain.

But here’s where it gets juicy: your gut is not just a passive digestive factory. It’s in constant conversation with your hormones—especially the sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) and cortisol, the big boss of your stress response. And when those hormones get out of whack—say, during perimenopause, PMS, or a stress spiral triggered by your teenager’s math homework—your gut microbes feel it. Hard.

Menopause isn’t just a hormonal shift—it’s a full-body metamorphosis. And your gums might be trying to tell you something before your brain even catches on.

Bleeding gums, mouth dryness, or tooth pain in midlife aren’t just dental issues—they’re health alarms. Understanding the hormonal underpinnings of oral health is a powerful way to protect not just your smile, but your brain and body for decades to come.

We've all heard of hot flashes and night sweats. Maybe you've even braced yourself for the Big M like it's a freight train coming at 50. But what if perimenopause started years earlier than you thought—and what if the early signs weren't so obvious?

Let's pull back the curtain on the subtle shifts and changes that may already be affecting your mind, body, and mood—often long before the big fireworks begin.

Guest Author: Dr. Robyn Kutka

HPA Axis Dysfunction is real, and it’s more than “just stress.” If you’re constantly exhausted, not sleeping, gaining weight, and feeling like a hollow shell of your former self—your brain and adrenal communication might need a reset.

Let's get.... statistical, statistical... I wanna see your statistics...

How Menopause (and perimenopause) Can Affect Your Career

Blissful Second Base & Mind-blowing Third Base? Some partners are generous with their pre-game lovin', but others are more wham-bam thank you ma'am... if you get anything at all. But if intimate touch feels uncomfortable right now, skipping foreplay altogether isn't the answer — so what are you supposed to do about it?

You're feeling more hormonal than expected — and you've just started a topical progesterone cream. Tender breasts, a little bloating, mood that's doing its own thing. What gives? This is actually a well-documented adjustment phenomenon: progesterone and estrogen interact in complex ways, and when your body's hormone balance shifts, it takes a little time to find its new groove. Here's the biology behind what's happening — and why it usually passes.

If your back aches, your knees creak, and your muscles feel like they’ve been bench-pressing your mood swings—you're not crazy (or just "getting old"). You might be experiencing Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause (MSM).

You're 44, and you are basically a rockstar. You've figured out what hair style and outfits look best, you know not to apply that glittery green (depending on your skin tone, obvs) eyeshadow that makes you look vaguely ill, you are crushing it at work, and you're basically supermom to your kids, cats, plants, or niblings and then.... sh*t starts to go haywire. Let's face it, in 2025, you look 27, but you're about to enter perimenopause...

It can seem counterintuitive that estrogen applied topically both enters the bloodstream AND stays localized... so let's look at how that works. Topical estriol is absorbed through the skin or vaginal tissue, but studies show that about 97% of it stays localized to those tissues, with minimal systemic absorption. Here's a simplified breakdown of why that happens...

Menopause can mean a lot of things - more free time, more travel, less condoms, and a few grumbling grandbabies to take care of…

But, where are you in this mix?

Guest Author: Dr. Robyn Kutka

If you’ve been spending any time scrolling social media, chances are you’ve come across advertisements promoting the promising health-effects of “adaptogens.” From herbal teas to mushroom coffees, flavored waters, pills and more, adaptogens are a hot topic in today’s health world.

We hear a lot of women struggle with weight in menopause, wondering why their weight has changed even though their diet and exercise routine hasn't... or why weight gain seems to have shifted to the tummy.

Let's take a look at the science of why that is...

Just started one of our creams and noticing a few things? Here's what's normal during the settling-in period — and what to do if the adjustment isn't your favorite.

Here's the bare naked truth, your sexuality does change as you age, and for women, it does get harder to have an orgasm. (Another truth, there will be some sex puns in this blog - read on at your own risk).

If you've ever tuned in to our Ask Dr. Robyn, then you will have heard us talk about hormone conversions - now, understanding how our hormones change inside our bodies is crucial to understanding our hormone health - let's get nerdy!

From 1923 to today... a lot has changed when it comes to Hormones...

Guest Author: Dr. Robyn Kutka

When it comes to sexual health, STIs (sexually transmitted infections) can affect anyone — at any age. Older adults are often left out of the STI conversation, which means less awareness, less testing, and more stigma. Here's what you need to know.

When it comes to pain down south, we mostly talk about the vagina and the vulva - but, with age, other areas (cough - the butt) can start to become a real... pain in the butt - literally and figuratively! So, how do we deal with hellish hemorrhoids?!

Worried you might have missed something great? Check out some highlights from 2024 and don't miss any of the latest Menopause or Parlor Games News!

Gut health is linked to a whole load of positive benefits, like better skin, better mental clarity, and - as it turns out - better vaginal health. The concept of 'good bacteria' can be tricky to take on, but these mighty helpers work to break down and assimilate nutrients into our bodies, and they can become disrupted or even wiped out by things like antibiotics, alcohol, or high sugar consumption.

Birth control is important in perimenopause, as you can still get pregnant until you reach menopause. IUD's are a popular pick, but they can complicate things when it comes to hormone balance, and knowing whether you have entered menopause.

Seed oils. You've probably heard a lot about them in the context of cooking and diet, with opinions ranging from "essential" to "toxic." But, what is the truth?

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is one of the most common viral infections worldwide. Though it carries an outsized stigma, understanding the basics — transmission, outbreaks, and how hormonal changes may play a role — can make a real difference in how you navigate life with it. This post is a general educational overview. It is not a substitute for medical advice.

Or maybe lust…

EQ, P/E2... strange numbers on your hormone report got you questioning your IQ? Don't worry — we've got you covered with this blog all about what your hormone ratios mean, why they matter, and what a balanced hormonal picture looks like for you.

By the time bedtime rolls around, you’re less in the mood for some sheet shaking, and more in the mood for some sleep making. It’s not as simple as gobbling down a plate of oysters; humans are complex and so is our sexual function.

Let's face it, looking at the back of the packet is key nowadays. You've got to know what goes into what you eat and what you put on your body. When it comes to food, the formula is simple — try and eat things with few ingredients that you can pronounce. When it comes to lotions and potions? Those ingredient lists can look like a chemistry exam you never signed up for. Let's fix that.

Progesterone is one of the body's key hormones — and one that doesn't always get the attention it deserves. Here's a plain-English look at what it does, what shifts when levels change, and why that matters for how you feel.

When it comes to skincare, we knew women needed something that actually worked - without breaking the bank or using 102993757923 different products - or using products that are just plain weird... But, this is easier said than done. After a year in development, where we tried multiple formulations and explored new and exciting elements to skin care (like NAD!) here is the inside scoop on MoreWOW!

Up next in our examples, we have a 53 year old woman, who will be discussing her issues and her hormone supplementation routine with Dr. Robyn.

Our examples take a close-up look at real saliva hormone testing results — walking through what different patterns can mean, and how lifestyle factors, stress, and age can all show up in the data. These examples are designed to help you understand what your own results might look like, and what questions to bring to your healthcare provider.

New to Silky Peach, Vibrant Third, ReBounce, or Chaos Calmer? Here's how to start with each one, how to adjust your amount, and how to settle into a routine that works for you.

Let's face it, UTI's have always been a pain in the (front) butt, but often - we knew why we were getting them... (perhaps having sex that third time/on the beach wasn't such a great idea!). However, as we get older, it can feel like we get UTI's much more easily, and for no good reason, so what gives?

We all know our breasts can change - from periods to pregnancy - and yes, in menopause. Let's take a closer look at breast tissue and breast changes from peri-menopause onwards!

One question we hear from women at every stage of life past menopause is: "Is it too late for me?" The short answer is no — but the longer answer is more interesting. Here's what science tells us about how key hormones behave as we age, and what that means for how you feel.

As women move further past menopause, hormone production continues to decline as the body's natural production winds down. That's why so many women explore hormone supplementation at different points in their lives. The good news: it's never one-size-fits-all — and knowing your hormones is the first step.

You're out having coffee with the girls and someone tells a great joke... you're running for that nasty drop shot on the pickleball court... you're taking the grandkids to the trampoline park... you're in the park with your baby and your allergies act up... What do all these scenarios have in common? Pee Risk Category? DEFCON 1.

What is a hormone receptor, and how do they work? On the inside of every cell there are a large number of molecules called receptors. These receptors are the eyes and the ears of the cell, waiting for messages which they then act upon.

We all know that bacteria – good or bad - are part of life. We can keep the bad ones at bay with food and other lifestyle choices, as well as not slicing our fingers on rusty nails. But, to truly understand bacteria (the good and the bad) we have to dig a little deeper...

Bliss is a Brain in Balance

You wake up energized. You’re crushing your to-do list and it’s not even 10am. You’ve got so much work done, you can take that hour lunch to get a workout in. 5 mile run? Easy. Laundry? Done. New ideas to pitch the boss? All amazing. You’ve got dinner prepped by 4pm. You are a goddess of cool, calm, collectedness.

We all know what it is like to have those days; engaged, relaxed, focused, calm, just on it. This is when the brain is balanced, and for many people, is the definition of bliss. It’s not just a feeling, science says there’s some chemicals involved too…

Ever wonder what exactly is causing your particular selection of troubles? It can be easy to use the blanket term 'menopause', but actually, there are some specific areas of concern that can link symptoms and give you a better insight into what you need...

Every woman’s health and hormone history is as unique as her fingerprints. In perimenopause, menopause, and beyond, our hormones start to shift – some decline, others get imbalanced, and there aren’t a lot of resources to help us.

This can leave many women feeling alone and frustrated (and that’s not including all the wretched symptoms like hot flashes, weight changes, vaginal dryness, foggy thinking, and mood swings.)

Who remembers the days where you fell, delightfully tired, into bed, soft warm covers around you and slept for seven maybe eight solid hours? For many women – that is a loooong time ago. Falling into bed now can mean tossing and turning until two in the morning with a scant 3-4 hours of decent sleep. No wonder we have 'menobrain' – sleep can be hard to come by during and after menopause and lack of sleep will quickly fry a brain. Part of this has to do with hormone and neurotransmitter changes and a fair amount has to do with stress as well... so, what can we do?

“It’s as if I’m sewn shut.”
“It feels like even a finger would be too much.”
“My partner can barely get inside me before it hurts too much to carry on.”

When we talk about hormones, it’s easy to think of estrogen as a single type, but actually, there are three different types of estrogen, each with unique features. Silky Peach uses estriol and, for good reason; to better understand this, let’s take a look at estrone, estradiol, and estriol.

We get asked a lot about weight gain in menopause. What causes it? Is estrogen responsible? Will HRT make me gain weight? Is it just bloating? And, what the heck can I do about it? Weight seems simple, but as we age, weight actually DOES get more complex, hormones DO play a role, and you do need to be more considerate of a variety of factors....

Let's not keep you weighting... read on!

Laugh Lines? Bunny Wrinkles? Cleavage Crinkles? There’s nothing wrong with showing a little texture on the map of your life, but sometimes, we want a little help in the wrinkle department.

Estrogen is estrogen is estrogen.... right? ❌ Nope, not all estrogens are created equal, and it is crucial that you know how different estrogens play a role in our bodies. Read on to find out...

When it comes to the subject of menopause, there's one topic that's often swept under the rug—vaginal dryness. If you're unfamiliar with this term, you might be squinting your eyes right now and saying, "Vaginal what-now?"

Well, buckle up because we're about to dive deep into the world of vaginal health.

How do I know my progesterone is actually working?

Welcome to Menopause 101; your new favorite science class.

When you think about all the things you enjoy as life gets richer — fine wines, quiet vacations, time between the sheets with someone you love — hormones probably weren't on your agenda. And yet here they are, demanding attention. Let's talk about why, and what the options look like.

Toddlers, maybe a new baby or two, a career, date night, girls night, that cycle class you love, sorting out the bills, the laundry, planning your next vacay… You’ve ditched the worries (and nightclubs) of your twenties, finally found a pair of jeans that work for your body, and now you’re juggling your career, your kids, and finding time to live your best life.

So basically, you’re just somewhere between energetic and perma-exhausted…

Much has been written about the alcohol and health…some say a little resveratrol in red wine is a good thing, while other research clearly shows that too much alcohol has a major impact on the health of our organs and body systems.

When it comes to brain health, hormonal changes during menopause are worth understanding. Brain fog, changes in memory, and shifts in mental clarity are experiences many women notice — and there's a growing body of research exploring why. This post dives into what the science says.

Think you've got the run-down on your low-down? Well, everything can run just fine until peri-menopause, then all of a sudden... things can get a little bit more complicated! Check out our top tips from the experts for keeping your Lady Bits in tip top condition.

Let's talk about acne. Oh, did you think you’d left that behind in high school? The truth is, acne can show up at any age, especially for women who have more hormonal imbalances throughout their lives (thanks periods and pregnancies… and of course, perimenopause).

Sweaty Betty? Sticky Sally? Fiery Fiona… What's actually happening inside your body during this fiery (and let’s face it, awful) experience?

Stress has become an omnipresent force affecting people of all ages and backgrounds — but it seems to be particularly present in perimenopause and beyond. Women report stress and tension high up in the list of meno-symptoms they'd love to ditch. The demands of work, personal relationships, and societal expectations contribute to a constant state of tension. Understanding the root causes of stress is the first step towards managing and moving through it.

Unlike normal feelings of frustration or even anger, in perimenopause, many women report intense feelings of irritation, resentment, and well... rage, in just a matter of moments. A bit like a hot flash that comes out of nowhere, these feelings can be triggered by things you normally wouldn't have batted an eye at - but suddenly, in perimenopause, a red mist descends leaving you incandescent and your loved ones wondering what the heck is happening.

Moody, hormonal, bitchy, weepy, emotional, PMS'ing... women have heard it all - pretty much before we even get our first period.

Why don't you use the word vagina? Or Vulva? You need to use the anatomical terms!

We know, we know.... we often do. And, well, some of the euphemisms are pretty fun (Velvet glove, growler, south mouth...). However, some of the anatomical terms, though they might sound scientific, have roots that have a little less legitimacy than we might like.

Not all estrogens are the same — and most of us never got that memo. Before you write off any topical estrogen cream, here's what you actually need to know about the three types of estrogen and what makes estriol different.

In the quest for a fulfilling and healthy life, we often find ourselves seeking the elixir of longevity. While various factors contribute to the aging process, emerging research suggests that the key to unlocking the secrets of a long and vibrant life might be hidden within our social circles. Let's take a look at the profound impact of friends, social engagement, and group activities on cognition as we age, drawing parallels with the Blue Zone theory of aging and highlighting the protective factors that different types of relationships offer against aging and disease.

You know, menopause is a bit like that uninvited party guest. It pops up out of nowhere, overstays its welcome, and brings with it some rather unwelcome presents. (Thanks, but no thanks, hot flashes, and night sweats.)

Testosterone, often regarded as a predominantly male hormone, plays a crucial role in both men and women, albeit in differing quantities. While women typically have lower levels of testosterone compared to men, it remains a vital hormone influencing various aspects of their health.

Did you know that food can affect your mood? Certain nutrients play a role in how the body produces and uses neurotransmitters like GABA, oxytocin, and dopamine — compounds associated with feelings of calm, connection, and motivation. These foods may support overall brain and hormonal wellness, but balance is key. A varied diet with plenty of nutrient-dense whole foods, adequate hydration, and less processed food and sugar can positively support overall well-being.

Remember, if you have concerns about mood, energy, or hormone changes, a knowledgeable healthcare provider is your best resource.

Extreme vaginal itching — the kind that makes you want to rip your own labia off — is one of those experiences nobody warned you about. Rubbing your crotch constantly. Feeling like your vulva is on fire. Toilet paper feeling like sandpaper. Sex? Ha. What actually causes it, and what do women do about it?

There are more answers than you'd think — and understanding the root cause is the first step to finding what works for you.

In the world of natural hormone therapies, yams have emerged as a popular source for progesterone. Yet, the path from a humble yam to a hormone-balancing cream isn't as straightforward as it might seem. Let's unravel the nuances between bioidentical progesterone creams derived from yams, wild yam supplements, creams, and the simple act of consuming yams, especially in the context of their effects on menopausal women.

What's happening down south — and why? The clitoris is a sensitive, vital part of your sexual anatomy, and menopause can bring some real changes to how it looks, feels, and responds. We're breaking down why that happens, what it can mean for your sex life, and what options are out there — so you're not left googling symptoms at 2 a.m. wondering if it's just you. (It's not.)

Ladies, let's talk about something that's been whispered about in hushed tones, often surrounded by myths and misconceptions. Having problems 'downstairs' in the 'ladies parts' department? You know, the dryness, discomfort, and the 'why does it feel like the Sahara Desert down there' kind of issues?

Turns out, it's not just you and it's not a secret society! This troublesome guest is known as vaginal atrophy. But before you start picturing your hooha as an old, shriveled apple (there’s a mental image), let's debunk some of those scary myths.

Don't be a bone head... be bone smart!

Osteopenia and osteoporosis are serious concerns as we age - for good reason - both hormonal changes and aging in general can increase the risk of both, especially for women - so what can we do about it?

Did you know that a baby is bathed in estriol for 9 months when it is in utero? This hormone plays a key role in child development, but also in postpartum health. It's gentle nature means it causes no ill effects to male or female babies, but after childbirth, fluctuating hormones can wreak havoc on women, in what has been dubbed the 'fourth trimester'.

Menopause is a natural stage in a woman's life — and it can bring some genuinely uncomfortable changes, especially when it comes to vaginal dryness and comfort. If that's on your list of "nobody warned me about this," you're in good company. Here's what to know about bioidentical estrogen creams and how they fit into the conversation.

Why is perimenopause so awful for so many women? What quietly breaks my heart is that women experience such a wide range of symptoms when their hormones start to change, that they can end up divorced, out of a job, have to switch to part time, feeling terrible about themselves and utterly miserable. And the worst part? Many women have NO IDEA what is going on. We are not educated about menopause, and we can all experience it so differently that it can be hard to figure out what the heck is going on - especially when doctors often offer little help, and the internet is rife with misinformation.

Eat your leafy greens is a great mantra to live by for a long and healthy life. Platefuls of lettuce, and kale, and spinach, and chard, will surely keep you feeling nutritionally strong and ready to take on the world, for ever and ever. Yes, it can seem the route to world domination is, in fact, through consumption of leafy greens.

Ah, but hold on there... Let’s check this theory out. Can there be too many leafy greens? Well, like many things in life, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing…especially when it comes to the oxalates found in some green leafies.

Sugar has become an integral part of our modern diet. From desserts to drinks, it seems to be (and is) lurking everywhere. While it may bring temporary pleasure to our taste buds, the science behind sugar reveals a darker side. In this blog, we will delve into why sugar is bad for you, what it does to your body and brain (and your menopause!), where it hides in your food, and give you some tips to ditch the sweet stuff!

Greetings, wise women of the world! Today, we embark on a mystical journey through time and space to uncover the ancient secrets of menopause remedies that have been passed down through generations - a.k.a., we weren't getting help from Doctors back then (kinda like how we aren't still), and so we figured stuff out on our own! As we venture through different cultures, we've got some scientific stardust to verify or debunk these folk remedies.... And some? They simply don't have answers (we're looking at you honey!), but they are fun to learn about, and you can always give them a try!

What Can Bioidentical Estriol Do BEFORE Menopause? In our 30’s, we often think we’ve got things all figured out… Then we get married, or kids come along, we get promoted, or change careers, and suddenly stress has built up and we can’t figure out why things are hurting, or why ailments start popping up.

Perimenopause sneaks up on you. One day everything feels normal; the next, sleep is elusive, moods are unpredictable, and your body seems to be running on a different operating system. Progesterone — one of the first hormones to shift in this transition — plays a bigger role in all of that than most women realize.

Here's a plain-English look at what progesterone actually does, how it changes during perimenopause, and what supporting your hormonal wellness routine might look like.

Here are some facts:

✅ Many women notice changes in intimate comfort during and after menopause
✅ Intimate discomfort is more common post-menopause than most people talk about
✅ There are real lifestyle and care options that can help you feel like yourself again

Sadly, many women hear the opposite. They feel isolated and like no one else understands. It doesn't help that it's rarely talked about — and that doctors don't always offer much. But you're not alone, and you don't have to just accept this as your new normal.

Welcome to the exciting world of menopause - the phase that brings about wisdom, experience, and sometimes, a stray gray... (or two)! As we embark on this hairy adventure, we'll explore the mysteries of hair loss, thinning, and texture changes during menopause, and uncover the secrets to maintaining a fabulous head of hair. From quirky old wives' tales to cutting-edge treatments, let's dive into the realm of hair care during menopause and discover the best ways to keep those strands shimmering!

What DO you do when your vagina becomes a Vagi-No-Way?!

We've all felt it, experienced it, but we often shy away from discussing it. As if whispering its name would summon a beast… We're here to lift the lid off a hidden truth, to bring to light the dry painful elephant in the room — vaginal dryness. It's the unwelcome, all-too-frequent tag-along of menopause we all skirt around.

New source of office heating found – increasing numbers of women in menopause. As more and more women enter menopause (2 million a year!), many of whom choose to continue their careers, it makes sense that menopause is going to become an office issue… so how do we deal with menopause in the workplace?

Inflammation really might be the root of all evil; when it shows up in our bodies it literally wreaks havoc, from aching joints to gut disruptions... but what about when we get inflammation that targets the brain...?

Wondering how to manage PCOS? PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS affects 5 to 18% of all women and is the most common hormonal disorder in women. It is also one of the most common causes of female infertility. PCOS is often missed by practitioners, especially if women have always had irregular periods. Many women are offered hormonal birth control to manage the condition and that can often make the situation worse.

Menopause and mood are more connected than most women realize — and more connected than most doctors bother to explain.

When hormone levels shift, the brain's stress chemistry shifts with them. That restless, on-edge, can't-quite-settle feeling? There's real science behind it. Here's what's going on — and what some well-studied ingredients may have to do with it.

DHEA levels begin declining around age 30 — and by the time menopause hits, many women are running on fumes of what they once had. We asked a group of women in their 50s and 60s to share what they noticed after two months of adding topical DHEA to their routines. Here's the science, and here's what they told us.

Social media has become an integral part of our daily life, providing some instant gratification to help us wind down after a busy day when our heads go in way too many directions. Work over for the day, dinner complete, a few house and garden chores done, and we head for the sofa… phone in hand.

But, what exactly is going on inside our brain when we click open Instagram or Facebook?

Constipation During Menopause: Causes, Triggers, and Remedies

You've dealt with the hot flashes, you've handled the brain fog, and now you have constipation... What the heck?! Constipation is a common concern that affects many women during and after menopause. In this blog, we'll discuss what causes constipation during menopause, what makes it worse, and what you can do about it (because eating half a packet of ex-lax is not the answer!).

What the heck is Lichen Sclerosis, you might be wondering... or, if you already know, then you know how miserable it can be... But, there is hope. As science and clinicians seek to understand LS further, there do seem to be some commonalities and solutions emerging!

You've probably heard that women gain weight around menopause, you might even have heard of the dreaded... meno-belly... but, is it real? Are you actually stuck with weight gain, or is there something you can do about this?

"I love the cream, but it is so hard to pump!"

We hear this a lot at Silky Peach HQ, and you might be wondering why the heck we haven't got new bottles when we know they are hard to pump, but actually there is a reason (and a remedy) for this...

When it comes to aging, there are thousands of products you can try - all modeled by ancient 30 year olds.... In reality, many of these skincare products are mostly filler - and by that, we don't mean that they are using models with botox and filler... we mean non-active ingredients, with small amounts of an 'active' ingredient. However, there are some potent serums that really do help with wrinkles, discoloration, pore size, and overall skin quality. These can help combat signs of aging (if you want to) and improve overall skin integrity.

When it comes to menopause, some of the common questions many women ask are, why am I gaining weight? how do I lose weight? Why are my hot flashes so bad? Is there anything I can do about these symptoms naturally? The answer? YES! Diet and health are integral factors when it comes to menopause interactions, and changing our diets can not only help reduce 'meno-belly', it can help overall health, longevity, and reduce some nasty symptoms like hot flashes, anxiety and night sweats.

Maybe you love exercise, maybe you hate it - but the science all agrees, exercise helps slow and generally improve the aging process, and ensure that you stay as healthy as possible no matter your age! Fitness and health are directly linked, not only to how well we can move, but to our hormones! This means, for women, that exercise can not only affect how we age, but also how we experience menopause!

Prolapse is a displacement of a part or organ of the body from its normal position, usually downward or outward, often resulting in it protruding from an opening.

Not exactly something you want to hear from your doctor…

Let's be real - sex can absolutely get better as we age (hello confidence, knowledge, comfort, zero pregnancy risk, more time), but it can also throw some challenges our way... So, how do we deal with our changing bodies to make sure our sex life stays *spicy*?

Can any estriol cream increase yeast? Or change my natural scent? This is an interesting question.Estriol cream will not cause vulva/vaginas to smell, however, estrogen can alter the vaginal microbiome - specifically the levels of yeast.

Ever wonder what the issue is with your vagina? UTI? Yeast Infection? STI? Vaginal Atrophy? Lichen Sclerosus? Sadly, our (amazing) vaginas are also a little temperamental and require a Goldilocks environment to be happy... but, thankfully, there are a lot of options for resolving vaginal discomfort... the real question is... what do all those things do in the women's health section of the pharmacy?!

When we talk about being healthy from the inside out, what does that really mean? Well, healthy organs, good gut health, and good bone health. Your skeletal system needs love, especially as we age and our hormones change, since estrogen decline can be a cause of osteoporosis...

Maybe you can't use Silky Peach, or maybe you're just looking for a little extra help in the dryness department. We're going to take a look at some of the alternative natural options and creams that might help in your journey AWAY from dryness!

We’re not talking about ‘Dirty Talk’, we’re talking about how to talk to your partner about your sex life, lack of, or changing sensations that affect the practicalities of everything from first base through fourth! Talking about sex is a tricky topic, and, even for the most liberated person, bringing up that your partner might not be doing it for you isn't exactly easy. Looking for even more of a challenge? Telling your long-term partner that, all of a sudden, the stuff they used to do isn't working anymore.

It seems like as we get older, even looking at a donut can add 5lbs…but is that really the case?