Feburary 2024

Welcome to the Menopause and Women's Sexual Health Newsletter! Get ready to embark on a transformative journey of well-being, empowerment, and inspiration. Dive into our treasure trove of evidenced-based research, covering a range of women's health topics. Explore our monthly "favorite things," where we share noteworthy products and recommendations. Indulge your taste buds with delicious recipes or discover a new favorite restaurant and check out our monthly read. Stay informed, inspired, and uplifted as we guide you towards a healthier, happier future. Join our community and unlock the power of menopause and women's sexual health together!

Research Insights: Empowering Women's Health

Water based lubricants: Water-based lubricants are just one type of lubricant and can be used for enhancing sexual experiences and decreasing friction. However, one often overlooked aspect of these lubricants is their osmolarity, a critical factor that plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome. Understanding the importance of osmolarity in water-based lubricants is essential for both consumers and healthcare professionals.

  Osmolarity refers to the concentration of solutes in a solution, and in the context of water-based lubricants, it measures the concentration of dissolved substances in the lubricant. Osmolarity is expressed in milliosmoles per liter (mOsm/L).

Using a water-based lubricant with improper osmolarity can lead to cellular damage in the genital tissues. High osmolarity may cause dehydration and cell shrinkage, while low osmolarity may lead to swelling and disruption of cell structure. Both scenarios can contribute to irritation, discomfort, and an increased risk of infections. Products labeled as "iso-osmotic" or "isotonic" are designed to match the body's natural osmolarity, offering a safer and more comfortable option. 

 
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Favorite Recipe:

 

Anna's pick: My new favorite 2-point Weight Watchers snack. Cut the Joseph Lavash flat bread (available at Walmart) with a pizza cutter. You get 70 crackers out of one piece of flat bread: 120 calories and 12 grams protein. Spray with olive oil and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning. Bake at on a parchment lined cookie sheet at 375 for 5 minutes. Nice crunch to go with favorite hummus or Greek yogurt dips. Enjoy!

 

"A few our favorite things:"

Good Clean Love products

  

Jean's pick: The founder, Wendy Strgar, started the company after struggling with her own difficulties with vaginal dryness, painful sex, and recurrent vaginitis. Good Clean Love products are all about protecting the vaginal microbiome with safe ingredients. You have the option of several lubricants and moisturizers, a wash (although Rachel, Anna, and I recommend only using water), and probiotics. And yes, their water based lubricants have the correct osmolality (and pH).

 

What we are reading:

The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

 

Rachel's pick: This book is incredible and despite being 715 pages long, you won't be able to put it down. It follows a matriarch through her life from child marriage, to the trials and tribulations a family curse brings along


 

We're excited to announce two upcoming events that promise to be unforgettable:

On Tuesday, February 6, we invite you to join us at Crimson and Clover in Cleveland Heights for an indulgent evening of lingerie and champagne. Then, on February 10, immerse yourself in a day of relaxation at the picturesque Inn at Brandwine Falls. Thanks to the generous support from Astellas, we're delighted to offer this retreat at an exclusive discounted price of $100 for the day. Your registration includes a delightful full high tea experience, and for those seeking an extended escape, participants have the option to stay for dinner and enjoy a restful night, complete with breakfast and a morning wrap-up. Prices for the overnight package vary depending on your choice of bedroom. Joyologist, Mary Ellen Layman will be joining us Saturday to discuss finding joy in difficult times.

Seize the opportunity to be part of this empowering journey! Visit our website for detailed information and secure your spot on Eventbrite today. Elevate your well-being with an experience designed for and by women who understand the value of support and connection.

Crimson and Clover
Brandywine Falls

We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our resource library on our website! We invite you to explore the wealth of valuable information now available.

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