How common are these experiences?
Sadly there can be a hint of stigma about anxiety, hot flushes, mood swing, feeling vulnerable, night sweats or insomnia women experience which can make this a difficult topic to discuss openly. So, if you find this being treated as a taboo subject, you may be reassured to know that four out of five of us experience hot flushes, quality of life is affected for one in four and depressive symptoms affect one in ten women. This is a significant stage in our life journey that we should recognise – and embrace. The more we can understand what is happening the better our chances of living life to the full.
HRT (hormone replacement therapy) is most often prescribed for women who seek help. Non-hormonal prescription options can also be offered including a drug called clonidine, psychological therapy to help manage the way we think and feel and certain antidepressants that can help with low mood.
Has this effect been scientifically proven?
No. Surprisingly, given the benefits that people report, I have not been able to find any studies that specifically validate (or invalidate) these effects. There are some studies that corroborate healing and pain relief effects of magnetic fields (see background page) but these are not directly relevant. Private sector research funding would be available if there was a prospect of earning future revenue. In the absence of a profit incentive research would have to compete for funding with many other worthy areas.
So is this a bogus product?
Well we all know there is an enormous amount of quackery out there. Most of us rely on our GP to guide us through that minefield. So do consult your GP. But I would urge you to try the magnets before you do so. That way you will be able to make a judgement based on the evidence of your own experience and your GP’s advice.
Is it safe?
If you have a pacemaker or other types of medical electronic devices you should avoid close proximity to magnets. You should consult your doctor for advice on safety in your circumstances. Risks associated with HRT have been thoroughly researched and are well known. In contrast more research is required to properly assess risks of static magnetic fields. The combined maximum field strength of magnets supplied with the August Rose slip is within the recommended limit for acute exposure by the general public provided you are not using implanted electronic medical devices or implants containing ferromagnetic materials.
Health Effects of Exposure to EMF (2009) published by the EU Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) summarises the positon – there is still a lack of adequate data for a proper risk assessment of static magnetic fields. More research is necessary, especially to clarify the many mixed and sometimes contradictory results. Nonetheless the 2009 Guidelines on Limits of Exposure to Static Magnetic Fields published by the Commission on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) states that current information does not indicate any serious health effects resulting from the acute exposure of stationary humans to static magnetic fields up to 8 Tesla. Based on scientific knowledge on the direct effects of static magnetic fields on humans, the ICNIRP guidelines are that acute exposure of the general public should not exceed 400 mT (any part of the body). Much lower limits (0.5mT) are appropriate where implanted electronic medical devices and implants containing ferromagnetic materials are present. The combined field strength of magnets supplied with the August Rose slip is within the 400 mT ICNIRP guideline.
What if I find this doesn’t work?
We do not understand how or why this works and there is no certainty that it will work for every woman. But, if after trying this for a month you find it has no benefits, just return the product in good condition to receive a refund (less a small handling charge).
Can I use the August Rose slip in the gym?
Yes you can! The cotton material is absorbant and the slip is discrete.
Can I use generic magnets?
You can. Powerful magnets are manufactured from material that is prone to corrosion and will be coated for protection. Do bear in mind that some coatings cause skin irritation or may corrode in prolonged contact with perspiration. Magnets also come in various strengths. Finally if you are not using the August Rose slip you will need to devise way to keep the magnets in position.
Can you provide replacement magnets?
Yes – if you find you need replacements just contact us.
Does the direction of the magnetic field matter?
The north and south poles are on the faces of the magnets supplied with the August Rose slip. So you can wear the magnets with either the north pole or the south pole closest to your body. I have not noticed any difference in effect between north pole and south pole but do experiment – it may be different for you.
What’s different about the August Rose slip?
Other products are available. The advantages of the August Rose slip are:
• The slip is very discrete and does not cause an unsightly bulge.
• You are less likely to lose a magnet.
• The ability to change the strength of the magnetic field to best suit you.
• Moisture absorbent cotton next to your skin rather than metal or plastic.