What is it? A personal cooling pad.

What's it for? This top buy can help you beat hot flushes and night sweats. You simply fill it up with tap water, which is then absorbed to create an effect similar to memory foam. The cooling, soothing sensation of the pillow eases you into a relaxing sleep. It's great for treating hormonal headaches, too - and also comes in a smaller size to keep you cool when you're on the go.

Buy it: Chillow, £27.50; Mini Chillow, £19.95: both from Personal Cooling Centre (www.personalcooling.co.uk).

What is it? A tiny magnetic device that attaches to the front of your knickers.

What's it for? Yes, we know it sounds a little odd - but studies suggest Ladycare helps reduce symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, fatigue, memory loss and vaginal dryness. It's thought magnetic therapy works by having a soothing effect on the nervous system. In a 2006 trial, women reported a 70% reduction in symptoms after three months of using Ladycare.

Buy it: Ladycare, £23.95, Magnopulse (www.ladycare-uk.com).

What is it? A wicking nightwear collection.

What's it for? This clever range is made from a special fabric that uses patented Heat Release Technology to keep you feeling cool and comfortable throughout the night. The collection also includes pretty shirts, vest tops and camisoles, which can be worn to fend off hot flushes during the day, too.

Buy it: Spot On nightwear, from £15.95, Coolsleepwear (www.coolsleepwear.co.uk).

What is it? A simple and easy pelvic toning device.

What's it for? Used for five minutes daily, this savvy little product can help strengthen and tighten pelvic floor and vaginal muscles that have been weakened by a drop in oestrogen levels. The PelvicToner works by offering resistance for you to squeeze against. The result? Improved bladder control and heightened sexual enjoyment.

Buy it: PelvicToner, £29.99, PelvicToner.co.uk (www.pelvictoner.co.uk).

You might also like...

How to tighten your pelvic floor

What is it? A specialist bedding range.

What's it for? DermaTherapy bedding uses advanced fabric technology to wick moisture away from the body, speed up evaporation and cool your skin during the night. In recent clinical trials, the range was found to improve sleep quality for women who suffer from night sweats by more than 60%. The collection includes pillowcases, fitted sheets and flat sheets.

Buy it: DermaTherapy bedding, from £34.95, Dermatherapybedding.co.uk (www.dermatherapybedding.co.uk).

What is it? A cooling neck scarf.

What's it for? From the same people who brought us the Chillow (see earlier), this handy scarf helps stave off hot flushes throughout the day. You simply soak it on cool water then wrap it around your neck to reduce body temperature.

Buy it: Cool Scarf, £5.95, Personal Cooling Centre (www.personalcooling.co.uk).

What is it? A reusable device that's inserted like a tampon.

What's it for? IncoStress helps alleviate symptoms of stress incontinence due to weakened pelvic floor and vaginal muscles. It works by gently compressing the urethra to control unwanted loss of urine, but won't interfere with your usual flow. It can be worn for up to eight hours at a time.

Buy it: IncoStress, £28.99, Boots (www.boots.com).

You might also like...

Urinary incontinence: the facts

Best buys for incontinence

What is it? A cooling mattress cover.

What's it for? The Mattress Topper uses cool gel technology to help beat night sweats and maintain a comfortable body temperature while you sleep. It works by dissipating heat away from the skin. Like the idea? A Pillow Topper is available, too: it can be stored in the fridge for two hours before bedtime to keep it even cooler.

Buy it: Mattress Topper, £69.95; Pillow Topper, £29.95: both from Personal Cooling Centre (www.personalcooling.co.uk).

What is it? A home test to find out what stage of the menopause you're at.

What's it for? While this kit can't alleviate symptoms, it can help you work out if you've reached the post-menopause stage. The pack contains two test strips, to be used two weeks apart, which detect follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in urine. An increased level means you've probably had your last period.

Buy it: Novogen Menopause Test Kit, £16.35, Boots (www.boots.com).

What is it? A handbag-sized water spritz.

What's it for? OK, it's not really a gadget - but this soothing pure water spray is the ideal quick fix if you suffer from hot flushes while you're out and about. And because it's so gentle and has a low mineral content, it's ideal for skin that's become sensitive due to the effects of the menopause.

Buy it: Eau Thermale Avène Spring Water Spray, £3.15, chemists nationwide.

You might also like...

Beauty buys for post-menopausal women