For International Menopause Month this October, we sat down with Giedre Gabrenaite, General Manager of our portfolio company Feel, to talk awareness-raising, natural health and women’s wellbeing.
Feel offers a range of science-led, high-quality nutritional supplements and functional foods, via an online subscription service. One of its products, Feel Menopause, is designed by women, for women, and uses tailored, natural, plant-based ingredients for women going through perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause* who are looking for an alternative to hormone therapy.
There’s a real movement now surrounding menopause, with high-profile women doing TV shows, podcasts and books about it. Why now? Why didn’t this happen years ago?
I think there has been a huge shift in how we perceive women in their late 40s/50s/60s. Years ago, menopause marked a symbolic ‘end to a woman's life’ as it was not uncommon for women at that age to already be grandmothers and be considered ‘old’ or sadly ‘done’. Talking about menopause was not very common, as it was seen as something you just dealt with.
What we are seeing now in the media, the world of celebrity and in our daily lives has massively shifted the perception of age. We are seeing women in their 40s/50s/60s who look amazing, who are experiencing their biggest career milestones; starting new degrees, careers or businesses; and getting into new relationships. In Western countries especially, the script has been flipped positively. Seeing celebrities openly talking about their menopause journey is refreshing. I think there has been a collective shift in removing the shame from talking about female health whether that's on social media or in a female friendship group. We all deserve to feel and look our best at any age!
What’s the one thing most people need to know about the menopause, but don’t?
The fact that symptoms can last for seven years or more, therefore menopause is a very significant part of women’s lives that can have detrimental effects on physical and mental wellbeing.
Tell us about Feel Menopause. What made you look into developing it in the first place? What ingredients are in it and how do they work?
From the very start of Feel, we wanted to create best in class, in-house formulations with clean, research-backed ingredients. Three years ago, the menopause market looked surprisingly under-served, primarily filled with cheap high street options with fillers/bulking agents. Which is why we have partnered with Nicki Williams, an award-winning hormone and menopause expert, to create a natural alternative for women who cannot and don’t want to be on HRT. Using targeted plant-based ingredients, we’ve formulated a product that is ideal for women experiencing perimenopause, menopause, and post menopause, designed to combat fatigue and promote hormonal balance. We are really proud of this product and the feedback we have received from women, with some calling this supplement “life changing”.
Tell us more about that feedback.
We’ve had hundreds of amazing reviews from customers. Here’s a few:
“These have helped me so much! My anxiety is practically gone, along with my night sweats. I’ve also been sleeping better and been in a much better mood…nearly finished my second batch and will keep reordering!” Victoria Brown.
“HRT did not work for me so I was looking for an alternative. These capsules are really good, my mood has greatly improved as has my sleep and the hot flushes have diminished to one every now and again, no more night sweats either. I have recommended them to all my friends. Very impressed!” Sarah Walsh.
“Since taking these I have more clarity in thought, more energy and sleep better at night. I've also experienced less bloating. I would recommend taking Feel Menopause supplements to anyone who is wondering if they work, take the plunge - you won’t regret it!” Sarah Blackburn.
How do you see the wellness industry supporting and developing products that help with the menopause in years to come? Will there be more to come from Feel for example?
I think a lot of brands are seeing it as an opportunity, with numerous products being launched recently. I do think that women deserve more effective and more natural options than HRT. At Feel, we are proud of our formulations for all female related problems. We have a few very exciting launches by the end of 2023 which will continue to address female health so keep an on our website and social media for announcements!
If you’re interested in this subject, check out our article The Menopause Business too.
Footnotes:
*Menopause: When a woman’s menstrual/reproductive cycle ends and her periods stop. Menopause is defined as having gone 12 months without a menstrual period. Most menopause occurs in a woman’s 40s or 50s. The average age in the U.S. is 51. A surgical menopause occurs after surgery to remove the ovaries (an oophorectomy), sometimes as a result of a cancer diagnosis or treatment.
**Perimenopause: The years leading up to menopause, when women may experience irregular periods, along with other symptoms such as hot flushes/flashes or a drop in energy levels or libido. Levels of the key female hormone, estrogen, start to decrease. Perimenopause can begin anytime between mid-30s (an early perimenopause) or as late as the mid-50s. It can last for a short time, or for as long as eight years.
***Post Menopause: The time after menopause, when a woman hasn’t experienced a period for more than a year. Once you enter post menopause, you're in this stage for the rest of your life. Menopausal symptoms may ease, stop or continue for longer.
Sign-up to The Spark newsletter for the latest insights, case studies and industry news.
