Talking Perimenopause With Valerie Founder, Wizz, and Valerie Perimenopause Expert, Becks

Knowing that the journey through perimenopause can be a particularly challenging and isolating experience, Valerie, a revolutionary wellness brand founded by retail expert Wizz Selvey and wellness guru Olly Johnson is on a mission to empower women to navigate hormonal changes. Creating innovative solutions, and fostering a welcoming, knowledgeable community, Valerie is reshaping the conversation around perimenopause, helping women to thrive through this major transitional stage of life.

Creating Valerie Daily Essential, the first-of-its-kind adaptogenic, botanical, vitamin, and mineral perimenopause supplements, Valerie helps to alleviate the most common symptoms and signs of perimenopause, combining high-quality ingredients to enhance your well-being, ensuring that women feel their absolute best during this transitional period.

Championing education and community, Valerie has an incredible team of specialists and nurses who offer invaluable resources and insights to help women understand perimenopause, offering guidance on perimenopause treatment for everything from depression and mood swings to dealing with fatigue.

Sharing real-life experiences and cultivating a network where women can connect and learn from one another, Valerie fosters an open dialogue when it comes to Perimenopause and as well as creating one of the best perimenopause supplements to help alleviate the symptoms of perimenopause, Valerie also actively collaborates with influencers and thought leaders in the wellness industry to amplify its empowering message and spark meaningful conversations around the importance of women's health.

Knowing that by raising awareness and destigmatising perimenopause as a topic they pave the way for women to take charge of their hormonal health and live life to the fullest, Valerie is rapidly transforming the way women approach perimenopause, targeting a whole demographic of women to make them feel more like themselves.

Speaking with Becks, a Valerie Perimenopause Expert and nurse specialising in female health, and Wizz, co-founder of Valerie, we found out more about the innovative perimenopause brand, discovering why Valerie supplements are important and why they believe Valerie’s mission to empower and educate women on perimenopause is having a revolutionary impact on the community.

Valerie was founded after Olly saw first-hand how his mother struggled with finding effective support to relieve her perimenopause symptoms. Can you share why you think there’s so little help available?

Becks: “Great question to kick things off! It’s only in the past five years that perimenopause has really hit the radar, thanks to passionate campaigners and a whole lot of media attention. But here’s where things get tricky: women today are absolutely swamped with “helpful” advice, especially online and on social media. My experience tells me that while there’s a huge market for menopause products and tips, what women really want is advice that speaks to their individual experience—not just what worked for other people. Because, let’s be real, perimenopause is a very personal journey. 

Symptoms can start as early as your 40s and can last for 8-10 years, but here’s the kicker: some women hit early menopause before 40, and the signs are often brushed off or misdiagnosed. I’ve seen too many women under 45 who end up in a frustrating cycle of GP visits because their symptoms are misunderstood or dismissed. Research from last year even pointed out the barriers women face when seeking support. We’re talking about at least 48 potential symptoms, from the classic hot flushes to the more surprising ones like itchy skin and painful feet. And let’s not forget the all-too-common story of women being put off after a negative experience with a healthcare professional. 

It’s shocking, but it can take an average of seven GP visits to get the right care for menopause. Why? Because menopause training isn’t a requirement for GPs*. Yes, you heard that right! The very thing that affects women emotionally, physically, and socially often gets overlooked in medical training. Thankfully, organizations like the British Menopause Society are pushing for change, and there’s hope on the horizon. But for now, it really comes down to finding a healthcare professional who knows their stuff.”

Why do you think there’s so much stigma and shame associated with perimenopause? 

Becks: “This is absolutely tied to menopause being kept in the shadows for so long. Even now, despite all the conversations happening, we’re still fed this idea that menopause is a sign of “getting old.” And let’s be honest, topics like dry, itchy vaginas, hot sweats, and flushes are wrapped in shame and embarrassment. Don’t even get me started on the stigma around reduced libido—it’s a tough one, and those discussions can leave women feeling inadequate or frustrated in their relationships. 

What’s even more frustrating is how much of the menopause marketing is aimed solely at women. It isolates the experience and leaves men completely in the dark, while women are left feeling like it’s a secret that should stay that way. But here’s the thing—I’m a huge believer in flipping the script and celebrating this phase of life. Menopause isn’t some tragic milestone; it’s a time of wisdom, empowerment, and embracing a sexy, experienced mind. There’s so much we can learn from women going through this transition, and rather than hide it, we should be shouting from the rooftops. We’ve made it this far, and we have so much to contribute—so let’s own it!” 

Why do you think women are encouraged to just grin and bear their symptoms so much? 

Becks: “I would relate this to the above points, misunderstanding what perimenopause symptoms are, means women tend to put up with symptoms as they can be attributed to something else. Often stress! Which is stressful in itself!  

The lack of training and experience of primary care professionals in prescribing HRT or managing perimenopause effectively results in unsatisfactory consultations. Often women don’t want to bother services again and again. Adequate time and an appropriately trained professional would prevent women from living and often struggling with symptoms that impact daily life and well-being.  

I am in a privileged place, as I have other qualifications that support the 360 holistic approach that is very much needed at this stage of life. “

Since launching Valerie, have you noticed a shift in power and openness surrounding perimenopause?  

Wizz:“Since launching Valerie, we've seen such a positive reaction from women to our marketing campaign, the “Peri-paradox”. It has been about the differing symptoms women can feel all at the same time, such as “Why do I love my partner one minute and then can’t stand the sound of their breathing the next?”  and “Feeling sexy AF in new matching underwear/so bloated. Bridget Jones knickers it is then (again).” 

Every single woman will experience perimenopause differently, from the type of symptoms to the severity - and there are a lot of them! So, when women realise it’s OK to feel all over the place one minute and then totally different the next, it’s like a collective sigh of relief. They finally feel seen, heard, and understood—and know they don't have to compare notes with their friends like it's a competition. Everyone's hot flushes are their own!”

Can you share what you think is the most positive outcome of launching Valerie?  

Wizz: “The customer feedback has been amazing, we created the liposomal formulation because it ensures the nutrients actually get into your bloodstream, it’s x46 more bioavailable than pills and powders, so it actually works! Some women have been messaging that it’s changed their life, they could barely function and now have the energy to do more and have had fun for the first time in a long time. We have been blown away by some of the responses and can’t wait for more people to try it. The fast results have been incredible with 80% feeling a difference within 8 weeks based on our trial community. Of course, everyone’s different, so results will vary based on where you’re starting from, but still—it has been described as liquid gold!” 

Do you have any exciting products or innovations in the pipeline? 

Wizz: “We've got something very exciting coming in the new year, and trust me, it's all thanks to the amazing feedback from our community about their symptoms. Let's just say, we've been listening—and what’s on the way is going to be a game-changer. Stay tuned, because 2025 is about to get a whole lot more interesting!”

What are some of the key symptoms your consumers have reported that Valerie has eased? 

Wizz: “The main benefits we have seen through reviews and messages in our community are increased energy, reduced irritability, better sleep and more clarity and focus. Some women have reported increased libido and no longer having itchy, crawly skin, some of the lesser known symptoms.”

What was most important to you when creating Valerie?  

Wizz: “To create a product that would work and make an impact on women’s lives. But to also not let perimenopause define you, even the word can bring up strange feelings so we say “Your perimenopause is the least interesting thing about you”, it doesn’t define a woman it is just something that is happening to her.”

Can you share one of least expected symptoms of perimenopause?

Becks: “Absolutely! Bleeding gums is a symptom not often included in main perimenopause information. Oestrogen actually plays a big role in keeping your gums healthy and directing blood flow to the tissues. So, when those hormone levels start to dip, your gums can become more vulnerable to bleeding and even gum disease. Not the most glamorous side effect, right? But don’t worry, good dental hygiene can help keep things in check. Just make sure you’re brushing, flossing and maybe give your dentist a call for an extra clean-up if needed. Your gums will thank you!”

Have you found that since launching Valerie people are becoming more switched on about their perimenopause symptoms? Recognising the symptoms of perimenopause earlier? 

Wizz: “This is exactly why we’re zeroed in on perimenopause. Menopause might get all the spotlight, but perimenopause starts sneaking up as early as your 40s when hormones start their little rollercoaster ride. The early signs? Think random 3 a.m. wakeups, anxiety that seems to pop out of nowhere, mood swings, irritability, and bloating—period changes aren’t always the first sign (shocker, right?). 

That’s why we say, “Don’t whisper for relief—shout for change!” The more we talk about this, the more women can actually understand what’s going on and how to deal with it.  

Empowering women means swapping those polite whispers for real talk, bold conversations, and straight-up demands for better support and healthcare. It’s time to take back control—no more tiptoeing around the topic. Let’s turn those frustrations into action. Because perimenopause isn’t something to suffer through in silence; it’s a call to revolution!”

If you could share one thing that encourages someone suffering terribly from perimenopause to speak up and get help, what would it be?  

Becks: “This is a time of life where there is change. Our bodies are entering a new stage, and it’s crucial to embrace some self-care and prioritise our well-being. As women, we wear so many hats and juggle a million responsibilities, but let’s not forget: this is often referred to as our “second spring.” You’ve got adventures and journeys ahead, and you’ll want to be at your best to enjoy every minute of it! 

Now is the time to really dive into you and claim your best health—not just for now, but for the fabulous future ahead. So, seek support! Book an appointment with your GP that lasts at least 20-30 minutes (or go private if your wallet allows it). Make sure to see someone who specialises in menopause health. Don’t shy away from exploring all your options, and remember, it’s perfectly okay to return for further advice and management. 

Also, take a moment to explore other ways to support yourself. Most importantly, carve out some time for yourself to really understand your body and seek out others to share your experiences with. You’ve got this!” 

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Loved learning all about Valerie and their revolutionary perimenopause supplement? Stick around a while longer and delve into our latest blog where we Talk Winter Sunscreen Protection With Dr. Derrick Phillips Consultant Dermatologist & British Skin Foundation Spokesperson.