Morning Glow Newsletter Vol. 22
- Team Yara - Writing
- Oct 21
- 5 min read
When Mood Swings Compete: Welcome to the Emotional Olympics
Hello radiant readers,
Welcome to this edition of Morning Glow, where we unpack the latest science around those wild mood swings that come with peri-menopause and menopause. Far from mere moodiness, experts agree there is solid evidence to show hormonal shifts are very real trouble-makers.
Recent research indicates that during peri-menopause, the fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone seriously affect neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. One major international review found that women in this phase are two to four times more likely to experience depression or anxiety than before. The biological changes are not just physical: they impact our minds too.
At the same time, a UK study published in 2025 found mood symptoms peak in the late stage of perimenopause and often continue into early menopause. Even younger women in their early 30s reported significant symptoms, which shows how unpredictable this phase can be.
But here’s the silver lining: the mood roller coaster doesn’t have to dominate life. Treatments like tailored hormone replacement therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and lifestyle changes are gaining traction. Experts are strong on this point: the key is recognising the signs early and accessing the right support rather than dismissing the changes as simply ageing.
So how do we stay competitive in the “emotional Olympics”? First, name the symptoms for what they are. Second, speak up and book a review with your clinician. And third, remember that this transition is a biological phase, not a personal failure.
Here’s to mastering our mood swings with the same intensity we’d bring to gold-medal workouts. Shine on.
— Yara x
The Liver’s Sneaky Fat Fiesta
So you’re not losing weight, but your liver’s looking like a buffet plate for fat? Welcome to the intriguing world of fatty liver disease in people who don’t even look like they should have a problem. Experts agree that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) isn’t just about excess waistline, and a new term has emerged: MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease).
Recent studies highlight that even relatively lean people can develop this sneaky condition. One comprehensive review found that when the body stores fat in unusual places, like the liver, the risk of inflammation, scarring and severe damage is just as real for normal-weight folks as it is for those carrying extra kilos. For women heading into midlife, particularly those past menopause, the hormonal shift away from oestrogen also appears to raise the risk.
What’s the fix, you ask?
Weight loss still helps, yes, but strategy matters. It turns out that diet quality, regular activity, even if your scale isn’t budging, and avoiding crash dieting are just as critical. The Mediterranean-style diet gets good press, especially when combined with moderate exercise. One study showed improvements in liver fat even without major weight changes, so even minor tweaks matter.
Time to be kind to your liver. Schedule a health check, embrace steady lifestyle upgrades and rethink weight alone as the magic bullet. Because while your body’s changing, you’ve still got agency. And that liver of yours? It deserves its own glow-up. Shine on.
Weight-loss Drugs: The ‘Golden Dose’ Glitch... When the Extra Shot Isn’t a Bonus
Let’s talk straight about what’s happening behind the buzz around drugs like Mounjaro (tirzepatide). These GLP-1 injections have become household names in weight-loss and type 2 diabetes conversations, and the term golden dose has recently stirred raucous chatter. Experts agree this idea of a “bonus” fifth dose in the pen is not just misleading, it’s risky.
Here’s the low-down: Each pen is built for four solid doses. The leftover fluid? That’s not a fifth helping; it’s called overfill, a standard buffer to ensure each full dose works properly. Use it anyway, and you’re looking at under-dosing, overdosing, contamination or disposal issues.
Safety warnings from leading bariatric and metabolic experts confirm this isn’t one to side-step. When users try to squeeze extra from the pen, the risks go up: infection from extended pen use, uncontrolled side-effects, and the illusion of a shortcut that hardly ever is one.
It also matters that these medications are titrated carefully; raising the dose too fast or bypassing guidance? Not clever. No amount of social media hype changes the real stakes. If you’re using them, regular follow-up with your clinician and registered dietitian is vital. Don’t DIY.
So this is your cue to pause the scroll, check your facts, and sideline shortcuts. Bottom line: there’s no silver-bullet golden dose. But there is a path built on trust, evidence and safe steps.
Stay savvy, stay safe, and keep glowing.
Vest-Wearing or Vest-Worrying? The Weighted Vest Trend Hits Menopause
Today’s deep-dive comes from a newsletter piece by The 19th exploring why the humble weighted vest has become a hot topic—especially for women in peri-menopause and menopause. Experts agree the reasoning behind this fad makes sense on paper: adding weighted vests forces our bones and muscles to work harder, which could help counter bone-density loss and metabolic changes triggered by falling oestrogen.
A few preliminary studies have shown that walking with a lightweight vest (usually around 5-10 per cent of body weight) can boost muscle engagement and may slow bone loss. But—and this is important, it does not substitute strength training, a protein-rich diet or clinical care.
Here’s the deal for the menopause transition
Our bodies shift. We lose bone mass. Muscle declines. Metabolism dips. A weighted vest might offer a clever hack for those effects. Still, it is a supplement, not a miracle. It helps carry the metaphor of the season: heavier load but smarter movement.
Before you strap one on, give this some thought. Are your joints stable? Is your back sound? Do you move regularly? If yes... a vest could be a fun addition. If not, you may still gain the benefits by walking, resistance training and loading your bones naturally.
So, whether you vest-up or opt for body-weight moves, remember this: tools are useful, but they’re only as effective as the routines around them. Prioritise consistency, plenty of protein, strong movement and a realistic bar for yourself. After all, this phase is not about lifting weights, it’s about lifting confidence. Shine on.
Buy you're own weighted vest here: https://www.yaraglow.com/movement
Skin Deep: What Ageing Really Does to Your Outer Self
Let’s pull back the curtain on what happens to the skin as the years roll in. Experts agree that ageing is far from uniform. Two processes work across our skin at once. The first is intrinsic ageing — the natural decline that affects us all. The second is extrinsic ageing — the damage from sun, pollution and lifestyle.
Intrinsic Ageing
Intrinsic ageing makes the outer layer of your skin thinner and less plump. The collagen and elastin that give skin its bounce begin to dwindle, causing the skin to lose volume and look less smooth. The small blood vessels under the surface become more fragile, causing you to bruise more easily.
Extrinsic Ageing
Extrinsic ageing brings the heavy hitters: UV rays, smoking, and environmental pollution. These forces accelerate the breakdown of connective tissue and can lead to sagging, deep wrinkles and uneven tone. The overlap of both processes means your skin shows multiple stories at once.
The Silver Lining
But here’s the silver lining: there is plenty you can do. Stay sun-safe every single day. Use moisturiser and gentle soap, avoid hot baths and excess fragrance. A humidifier might help, especially when the air gets dry. Drink sufficient water and treat your skin kindly.
And if you notice new or changing spots, don’t shrug it off. They could be more than just age marks. Get them checked. Your skin is still speaking, still changing, still worth your full attention.
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.
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