Morning Glow Newsletter Vol. 21
- hello78369
- Oct 14
- 6 min read
Hormones, Hips and Hurts
Menopause can turn aches into regular guests, but they don’t have to overstay their welcome.
Many people do not expect menopause to bring lasting pain, yet new insights suggest it can play a significant role in chronic discomfort. According to experts, the drop in oestrogen levels during the menopausal transition may lower the body’s pain threshold so that aches and pains feel stronger. This shift coincides with age-related wear and tear, as well as changes in bone and muscle health, creating fertile ground for chronic issues.
Conditions often reported during this period include joint pain from arthritis, persistent headaches or migraines, musculoskeletal pain, and even widespread pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia. While some may have experienced such conditions before, menopause can exacerbate them or reveal vulnerabilities previously unnoticed.
The explanation lies partly in hormone modulation of the nervous system. Oestrogen influences how pain signals are processed. When levels fall, the nervous system may become more sensitive, causing stimuli that once felt mild to become painful. Additionally, inflammation may increase in tissues that were previously regulated by hormones.
Experts caution that menopause is not the sole cause of chronic pain. Sociological, psychological and lifestyle factors all influence how pain is experienced. Prior injuries, stress, sleep disruption, and mood shifts may amplify symptoms. As one specialist put it, chronic pain is rarely one-dimensional during this life stage. A holistic view is necessary.
What can be done?
The leading view is that treatment must be personalised. A healthcare provider will often begin by ruling out underlying causes, such as metabolic or inflammatory diseases. From there, options may include hormone therapy, which some report helps reduce joint and muscle pain, though responses vary widely. In many cases, hormone therapy is used not for pain directly, but to manage other symptoms that disturb sleep or trigger flares.
Other supportive strategies include tailored physical therapy, progressive strength training, good nutrition, sleep hygiene and stress management. Over time, small consistent changes may yield meaningful relief. Above all, those experiencing pain during menopause deserve to have their suffering acknowledged and treated seriously.
— Yara x
Why Your Eyes Are Suddenly Feeling Desert-Dry in Midlife
Menopause brings surprises, and dry eyes is one of them. Experts say that shifting hormone levels, especially a decline in estrogen and androgens, can disrupt tear production and alter the oil balance that typically keeps eyes moisturised.
Typically, your tear film consists of three layers: watery fluid, mucus, and an oily layer produced by glands in your eyelids. That oil slows evaporation, helping your tears stick around longer. When hormone balance changes, these oil glands may underperform, leading to faster evaporation and that gritty, uncomfortable feeling.
Symptoms often include burning, stinging, scratchiness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and waking up with tight eyelids. Sometimes the eyes water, which is your body’s reaction to surface irritation.
Other non-hormonal triggers also play a role, including prolonged screen use (resulting in less frequent blinking), dry atmospheres, wind, air conditioning, certain medications, or age-related decline in tear production.
So what helps?
Many experts suggest a layered approach:
Use preservative-free lubricating eye drops to replenish moisture.
Apply warm compresses to help unblock oil glands.
Gently clean your eyelids to remove debris.
Reduce screen time and take regular breaks to rest your eyes.
Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
Consider dietary support (omega-3s, antioxidants).
Hormone therapy is sometimes discussed as a possible aid in restoring glandular balance, but evidence is mixed. Its impact on dry eye varies by individual, so it’s best to consider it cautiously and discuss it with a professional.
If symptoms persist or worsen after trying home strategies, it’s wise to consult an eye specialist. Early intervention may prevent more serious ocular issues.
Stress Less, Sleep More: The Lowdown on Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has surged in popularity as a go-to supplement for stress, energy and sleep. According to experts, it belongs to a class of so-called adaptogens, believed to help the body manage stress and calm the nervous system. Many who take it report benefits over time, though it rarely acts as a quick fix.
The most common uses include promoting a sense of calm, lowering cortisol levels and improving sleep quality. Some studies suggest that standardised root extracts of ashwagandha (those containing measurable amounts of active compounds called withanolides) show more consistent results. Experts often recommend taking such formulations rather than non-standardised or powdered versions.
It comes in various forms, including capsules, tablets, powders, liquids, and even gummies. While capsules with standardised extract tend to be preferred for predictability, liquid and gummy options are available for those who dislike swallowing tablets. That said, potency and absorption can vary, so choosing a trusted source is key.
Many guidelines recommend taking ashwagandha daily for at least six to eight weeks before assessing its effects. In other words, don’t expect instant results… its effects build gradually. Because individual responses differ, some people see noticeable shifts sooner, while others take longer.
Safety is also a key consideration. Experts advise checking with a medical provider before beginning any new supplement, especially for those with thyroid conditions, hormone-sensitive conditions or who are on other medications. It’s also wise to monitor any changes in mood, digestion or sleep while using it.
In sum, ashwagandha may offer a helpful boost in supporting stress resilience and better sleep. But like many botanical allies, patience, quality and consistency are what make the difference.
Mango or Munchie? What That Sweet Bite Might Do for Diabetes Risk
A new study has put mangoes in the spotlight, not as guilty treats but as possible allies in managing blood glucose. According to researchers, participants who ate a fresh mango daily for 24 weeks exhibited better insulin sensitivity and improved glucose control compared to those who consumed a low-sugar granola bar with similar calorie content.
Why might a high-sugar fruit come out ahead? Experts point out that whole mangoes contain fibre, vitamins, antioxidants, and a complex food matrix that slows down the absorption of sugar. These factors may blunt post-meal glucose spikes in a way that refined snacks simply can’t.
That said, the authors of the research caution against seeing mangoes as a cure-all. Variation in the study group and reliance on self-reported diet adherence limit the extent to which the conclusions can be generalised. Also, the mango trial was relatively small and narrowly composed in terms of demographics.
In practice, experts stress that no single food can prevent type 2 diabetes on its own. The real key lies in sustainable diet patterns, consistent activity and healthy weight management. Swapping refined snacks for whole fruit is smart. However, fruit intake still needs moderation; too much sugar, even from natural sources, can undo its benefits.
All in all, mangoes might earn a place on your plate, not just for their flavour, but as one piece of a broader strategy to support metabolic health.
Calcium Cups, Not Brain Gaps
A recent study offers reassurance to those taking calcium supplements: daily use does not seem to increase the risk of dementia. Many people take calcium to support bone health, especially as they age, and conflicting reports about cognitive decline have stirred concern. This latest research helps settle some of those fears.
Over a lengthy follow-up period, individuals who used calcium supplements were compared with those who did not, and rates of dementia between the groups showed no significant difference. The finding suggests that the supplementation was neither harmful nor protective in terms of long-term cognitive outcomes.
Still, the researchers caution that the results do not prove calcium is irrelevant to brain health. Instead, the evidence so far indicates that moderate use of calcium does not pose a detectable risk for dementia. Other factors, such as genetics, cardiovascular health, sleep, diet, and exercise, likely have much greater influence over cognitive ageing.
While the study strengthens confidence in supplement use, it also reminds us that calcium alone is not a silver bullet. Obtaining nutrients from a variety of whole foods should remain a priority; dark leafy greens, dairy or fortified alternatives, nuts, and seeds all make essential contributions.
For those already taking calcium supplements under medical guidance, this data provides reassurance that they may continue without undue concern about cognitive risk. Of course, any decision about supplementation should take into account personal bone density, diet, kidney health, and potential interactions with other medications.
Ultimately, the best strategy for supporting both bone and brain health lies in a balanced diet, regular physical activity, mental stimulation, and overall cardiovascular wellness. Supplements can have a role, but they work best as part of a bigger picture.
Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment. It is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional.
Comments