Morning Glow Newsletter Vol. 11

Team Yara - Writing
Jul 28, 2025
7 min read

Updated: Jul 30, 2025

28th July 2025

Your Cycle, Your Clue: How Menopause Apps and Menstrual Data Could Change Women’s Health Forever

Let’s be honest, most of us have come to expect a bit of chaos when it comes to women’s healthcare. Whether it’s waiting months for a specialist, being handed the “it’s just your hormones” line for the hundredth time, or feeling like you’re the only one tracking your own cycle because nobody else will… the bar hasn’t exactly been high.

But this week? Something quietly radical happened.

Two pieces of news dropped that, while they may not have made the front pages, could actually shift the needle in how our bodies are treated, not just in midlife, but across every life stage.

First up: the MENO.Pause App

A new app developed by University College London Hospitals, simply called MENO.Pause, is now being rolled out to GPs across the NHS. And before you roll your eyes at yet another health tech thing, hear this: it’s already helping doctors prescribe personalised menopause care, on the spot, without having to refer patients to a specialist.

Here’s why that matters. At the moment, whether or not you get support for perimenopause (or even a basic understanding of what’s happening to your body) can depend entirely on your GP’s personal interest in women’s health. Some are brilliant. Some are baffled. Most are undertrained.

The app acts as a clinical decision-making tool. It takes your health history, symptoms, and risk factors into account, then cross-references that with national guidance to suggest safe, tailored treatment options, including HRT or non-hormonal alternatives. No guesswork. No “let’s wait and see.” Just evidence-based support in real time.

It’s already live in some NHS Trusts and showing promising results, especially for women with more complex needs, like those recovering from breast cancer, who often fall through the cracks. In short: this could level the playing field.

Next: The Period Data We’re Not Collecting

Now for the second headline you might’ve missed. Experts are pushing for something that feels long overdue: making menstrual health a standard part of NHS health records. Not just whether you bleed but how, when, how much, and how it feels.

Sound basic? That’s because it is. But currently, unless you’re actively trying to get pregnant, struggling with fertility, or shouting from the rooftops, your menstrual history rarely makes it into your medical file.

This matters because your cycle isn’t just a reproductive event, it’s a vital sign. Changes in flow, pain, regularity, or mood can point to underlying conditions like PCOS, thyroid issues, fibroids, endometriosis, even cardiovascular risk. And yet, most GPs don’t routinely ask. It’s like taking your blood pressure once at 30 and never checking again.

A recent review found that nearly 1 in 5 women experience severe period pain, and 40% report heavy bleeding, yet data capture is inconsistent. If you’ve ever had a doctor dismiss your symptoms as “normal” without asking follow-up questions, you’ll understand how urgently this needs to change.

What This Means for Us

Put simply: these developments suggest the tide may finally be turning. Not just towards more access, but toward a system that recognises your cycle, symptoms, and hormonal shifts as real medical data… not a personal inconvenience.

If you’re in your 40s or 50s, this could mean fewer hurdles between you and treatment. If you’re younger, it could mean earlier detection of conditions that often take years to diagnose. For all of us, it means we may finally stop being expected to self-manage while silently suffering.

So, What Can You Do?

If you’re navigating perimenopause, ask your GP whether they’re using tools like the MENO.Pause app or have access to updated menopause training. If they look at you blankly, you’ve done nothing wrong, ask anyway. And if you’re tracking your cycle with an app or journal, bring that information to your next appointment. Your body is data. Use it.

Let’s keep talking. Let’s keep asking. And let’s make sure this momentum doesn’t get buried in clinical white papers. These stories may not have gone viral, but they matter deeply. Especially to anyone who’s ever walked into a clinic and felt invisible.

Written for the women who ask twice. And the ones who stopped asking altogether. We’re bringing you back into the centre of your care.

— Yara x

Matcha + Walking: A Simple Combo with Surprising Results

Whether you drink it hot, iced or in a latte, matcha delivers powerful health benefits

Looking for a gentle way to support fat loss, boost energy, and steady your blood sugar? According to experts, combining a daily cup (or three) of matcha green tea with a brisk walk could offer exactly that without extreme diets or exhausting workouts.

Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder that’s whisked directly into hot water or milk. Because you’re consuming the whole leaf, it delivers far more antioxidants than regular green tea, up to 137 times more, according to researchers. One antioxidant in particular, EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), has been shown to help the body burn fat more efficiently, especially when paired with movement.

In one UK-based study, women who drank four cups of matcha and walked briskly for 30 minutes a day showed significantly increased fat burning. Another research group found that matcha helped reduce blood sugar and insulin levels, key if you’re trying to shift stubborn belly fat.

The best part? You don’t need to overhaul your lifestyle. Simply stir half a teaspoon of matcha into hot water or blend it into a smoothie. Experts suggest three to four cups a day, ideally alongside 30–60 minutes of walking, five days a week.

Prefer a latte? That’s fine, just skip the sugar. And if caffeine isn’t your friend, decaf matcha still offers powerful benefits.

It’s simple, affordable (about £1–£6 per ounce), and quietly effective. Sometimes the best solutions really do come from a cup and a stroll.

Want Firmer Skin After 50? This Light-Based Technique Is Worth Your Attention

You’ve probably tried the creams, the serums, the latest collagen-boosting miracle. And while those can help, there’s one non-invasive method that’s quietly gaining ground, for good reason.

It’s called red light therapy, and experts say it can support skin firmness, reduce fine lines, and even boost your body’s natural healing response.

Also known as low-level light therapy, it works by delivering gentle, targeted wavelengths of light to the skin. These wavelengths stimulate collagen production, improve circulation, and support cellular repair, especially helpful in areas like the neck, chest and face where skin tends to thin with age.

What’s exciting is that red light devices, once reserved for specialist clinics, are now widely available for home use. Many recommend using them three to four times a week for 15 to 30 minutes to see results. Some models are designed just for the face, while others offer full-body panels or wearable wraps.

Beyond skincare, early studies suggest red light therapy may also support wound healing, reduce inflammation, relieve muscle tension, and even improve sleep quality, making it a holistic option for those looking to age well.

Of course, it’s not a magic wand, but if you’re after plumper, more resilient skin and want to complement your topical routine with something deeper, this gentle tech might be worth switching on.

What Does Ashwagandha Do? Here Are All the Benefits

The adaptogenic herb has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.

Ashwagandha has become a bit of a wellness buzzword lately, but this calming root has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic practice, and for good reason. Known as an adaptogen, ashwagandha helps the body respond to stress more evenly, making it easier to stay balanced during busy or emotionally intense times.

One of its most talked-about benefits is how it may help with sleep. Some studies suggest it can support people who struggle to switch off at night, especially if stress or anxiety is playing a role. Rather than sedating, it’s thought to promote a more grounded, restful state.

Ashwagandha is also linked to cortisol regulation, the stress hormone that can throw everything off when it stays elevated for too long. By supporting the adrenal system, it may help the body become more resilient over time.

Other potential perks? A boost in energy and focus, gentle support for hormone balance, and even antioxidant protection, which is key when it comes to managing the visible effects of aging and everyday inflammation.

It’s not a magic fix, but used consistently as part of a balanced lifestyle, ashwagandha might be one of those quiet helpers that makes a real difference.

Struggling to Focus? This Simple Practice Could Sharpen Your Mind at Any Age

Learn how in as little as 10 minutes, meditation can boost focus.

If your attention span feels like it’s been chipped away by stress, screens, or a never-ending to-do list, you’re not alone. Holding focus is harder than ever… and that’s before we even factor in hormonal shifts, disrupted sleep, or information overload.

Research now shows that one simple, low-cost habit may help: guided mindfulness meditation. In just 10 to 15 minutes a day, this gentle practice can improve how quickly and clearly your brain tunes in, and tunes out distractions. And encouragingly, the benefits seem to hold across all age groups, including those in their 50s, 60s and beyond.

The study looked at how short daily meditation sessions influenced attention. Using clever eye-tracking tasks, participants were asked to identify shapes and ignore distractions on screen. Those who meditated showed quicker reactions, more precise focus, and less distraction by irrelevant information. What’s striking is that the improvements weren’t just “felt”... they were measurable.

What’s going on in the brain? Scientists believe this type of practice influences areas involved in focus and regulation, which can become less efficient with age. Meditation may help recalibrate that response, helping you stay grounded and attentive even in noisy environments, busy households, or anxious moments.

Interestingly, participants didn’t necessarily feel more mindful, they just performed better. It’s a quiet shift, the kind you only notice when you realise you’re not rereading the same paragraph five times.

In a world that pulls us in a hundred directions, finding your own pause button might be the most useful skill of all. A few minutes a day, consistently, could be all it takes to start building that mental muscle again.

Why not try it this week, and see what changes?

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