What happened when we gave Corinne Yeadon, hot flush sufferer and founder of Being Better, the opportunity to trial Become's Anti-Flush collection? 

Something she can only describe as 'magic' (and her other half agrees!)

Over to you, Corinne...

The reality of hot flushes

"Hot flushes tend to be the defining characteristic of the menopause. I confess to completely underestimating the ferocity of this symptom. 

"I would love to view my flushes as surges of energy and positivity, however, when I’m manically clawing at my clothing and skin in an attempt to free myself from the blazing inferno originating in my neck and spreading into my head and upper body, it’s not so easy to have a positive mindset. 

"I would argue that the disruptive nature of flushes exacerbates other symptoms, such as anxiety and brain fog. It is easy to lose your thread in a work environment when your body is overtaken with seemingly combustible flames, which is not great for self-belief and confidence. Menopausal women are often the butt of jokes and, in some cases, this is an effort to diffuse an uncomfortable or awkward situation. It may be well-intentioned, but I have witnessed it unleashing feral fury in ordinarily quietly assertive women!"

Menopause clothing? REALLY?

"There is an abundance of remedies, practices and approaches to combat menopausal symptoms. I confess to trying many mainstream options and also some a little more left-field. 

"I was aware of menopause clothing but poo-pooed it, feeling doubtful that something on the outside could positively impact on internal flushes. When my Become tops arrived, I have to confess to feeling a little giddy. I don’t mind admitting that I am no skinny Minnie. I’m quite content to paddle about in my slippers, wearing something snuggly, munching crisps and chewing sweets. No surprise that I have gained weight then. Opening my packages and examining the fabric, my initial euphoria dissolved, the word spinning around my head was ‘unforgiving’".

My other half has his say

"I was proved wrong. My other half came in and said, 'Is it wrong to fancy you in menopause t-shirts?'

"Let me be clear, my other half is a dyed-in-the-wool Yorkshire chap, not one for compliments or even noticing a change in appearance. Leggings are an integral part of my wardrobe, worn under short dresses and tunics. Thankfully, Become have created leggings that are high-waisted, seamless and not see-through, therefore more flattering and enabling me to feel less self-conscious."



It's a kind of magic

I have posted on social media waxing lyrical about the clothing. I have been approached by many checking out the validity of my comments. I had read the science behind the fabric, but currently lack the capacity to store and recount such information, so refer to it as ‘magic’. I can genuinely say that I wear them 3-4 times a week and have only experienced one flush during that time. When I did experience the flush, I was absolutely devastated, believing the honeymoon to be over, but thankfully not.

Clothing might not be the answer to all menopause symptoms but, in my experience, the other symptoms are easier to manage when the dominant flushes are dampened or eradicated. 

Not-so-sweet dreams

The most challenging time for me is during the night time. I’m like a bear with a thorn in its paw when my sleep is disrupted. For me, the flushes and sweats are at an optimum level during the hours of darkness. My sleep veers between non-existent to catnapping. Many women report mood swings and exhaustion during the menopause, I genuinely believe that fatigue and erratic moods are a result of not getting a good night’s sleep. Having the windows open, fan on and bedclothes on and off is also not conducive to harmonious relationships. So, that’s why I’m delighted to find out that Become has launched a night dress! Otherwise, I would have been wearing my other items to bed!

The new me 

I am looking forward to the next phase of my life. It is my firm belief that for everything the menopause strips away, it replaces with newfound skills, learning and creativity. I object to being viewed as past my sell-by date. In some ways, I am a shadow of my former self, in others, I am flourishing and developing in ways I never thought possible.

Connect with Corinne

Corinne's Being Better is a private therapy practice that helps people be better, feel better and stay better. The practice offers one-to-one sessions and workshops in and around Skipton in North Yorkshire. Find out more about its work at www.beingbetter.org.uk