Morning Glow Newsletter Vol. 23
- Team Yara - Writing
- Oct 28
- 6 min read
Not Another Hot Flash: Meet the New Kid on the Block
Hello radiant readers,
Big news in the menopause world: there’s a new pill called 'Lynkuet' that treats hot flashes... and the experts agree it could be a worthwhile option for many. Unlike traditional hormone therapy, this one is hormone-free. It works by blocking certain nerve signals in the brain that trigger the heat and night sweats common in menopause.
Why does this matter?
For decades, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been the gold standard, and experts agree it still is for many women. But HRT isn’t suitable for everyone and leaves some women uneasy because of its history. That’s where non-hormonal treatments step in. Lynkuet is now one of three such drugs approved in the US for moderate to severe hot flashes.
What can you expect?
In trials lasting 12 weeks, those taking Lynkuet reported about a 73 per cent drop in hot‐flash symptoms. By contrast, those on a placebo saw around a 47 per cent drop. Users also reported fewer sleep problems and better overall quality of life. Side effects were mostly mild and included headache, fatigue, dizziness, stomach upset and muscle spasms.
Here’s the key takeaway
If hot flashes are all you’re having, a non-hormonal option like Lynkuet could be a good fit. But if you’re also concerned about bone health, heart health, or vaginal dryness, then hormone therapy might still be the smarter choice. Experts agree. The main point is that this isn’t a one-size-fits-all fix; what matters is your symptoms, your health history, and your personal preferences.
In short: the options are expanding. Get informed, ask questions, and don’t feel you have to go it alone.
— Yara x
Kiwi, Water and the Art of the Unblock
If your gut is behaving like a stubborn jammed door, there’s encouraging news. New research shows that when it comes to chronic constipation, two kiwifruits a day and some mineral-rich water might be better bets than vague “eat more fibre” advice... experts agree.
According to updated guidelines based on 75 clinical trials, kiwifruit, rye bread and water high in minerals (particularly magnesium and sulphate) all carried fairly strong evidence for easing chronic constipation. The typical prescription: two to three kiwifruits daily for at least four weeks, or half to one and a half litres of high-mineral water a day over 2–6 weeks. These worked by bulking up stool, softening it and helping it move along. Surprisingly, the old standby of “just up the fibre” didn’t always stack up when assessed alone.
Look, let’s not pretend it’s glamorous. Constipation affects up to one in five adults and drags on your mood, energy and general wellbeing. What the new guidelines offer is something more concrete — food and drink choices you can actually try. If you’ve been waiting for something practical rather than platitude, this is a good one.
That said, this isn’t a miracle fix. If you’ve got other issues, say medication side-effects, hormone changes or bowel conditions, then these strategies may help but might not be enough on their own. Put simply: eat the kiwis, drink the better water, track your stool frequency and consistency. If you’re still stuck after a few weeks, it’s time to bring in a professional.
Your gut’s getting the memo. Now let’s hope it reads it.
Skipping Breakfast? Your Metabolism Might Disagree
If you’re someone who skips breakfast for the sake of a little extra sleep or a longer lie-in you are far from alone. But experts agree this common shortcut might be quietly tipping your body into unfriendly territory. Recent research shows that routinely skipping the morning meal is associated with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, that nasty gathering of raised blood pressure, stubborn belly fat, high blood sugar and poor cholesterol.
Why does breakfast matter more than you might think? When you skip that early meal your body stays in a fasted state for longer. Your insulin sensitivity may tumble. Your hunger hormones go haywire. You end up reaching for sugar, fast carbs or any quick fix you can find. Experts agree over time that super-early emptiness like this can set the scene for metabolic mess.
Here’s what the evidence suggests: After following large groups over time it turned out those who regularly avoided breakfast were more likely to show signs of poor metabolic health. On the flip side people who made time for a morning meal tended to have a lower risk of those markers. It’s not a guarantee of perfect health but it stacks the odds in your favour.
So what can you do? Try not to skip breakfast too regularly. Choose a meal that offers protein, fibre and a little complexity; oats with seeds and fruit, scrambled eggs on whole grain toast or Greek yoghurt with berries. Give yourself the best chance to fuel the day not react to it. Your metabolism will thank you.
Stay savvy, stay safe, and keep glowing.
Before the Last Period: When to Start Hormone Therapy
If you’re approaching menopause and wondering when the right moment is to start hormone replacement therapy (HRT), you’re not alone. New studies suggest that timing matters more than we used to think... and experts agree that earlier could be better.
Traditionally HRT has been reserved for women once they’ve had their last period but it now seems starting during perimenopause, the transition phase before menopause, may offer better outcomes. Studies reviewing millions of health records show that women who began HRT early had lower risks of heart disease, stroke and even breast cancer compared with those who waited until years after menopause.
It’s still crucial to understand that HRT is not a magic bullet. Getting started early can be helpful, but it must be tailored to you. Your age, overall health, how long it has been since your periods stopped and any existing conditions all matter. Experts agree That HRT is most effective and carries fewer risks when it begins before age 60 or within about ten years of menopause. Starting late can increase risk of stroke or cardiovascular problems.
If your symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats or brain fog are persistent and affecting your life, it may be worth having that discussion with your doctor now, rather than waiting until you’re certain menopause has officially started. The key is a clear conversation about benefits and risks, honest assessment of your health, and a willingness to revisit the plan as things evolve. HRT isn’t “one size fits all.” Starting it at the right time can tip the balance.
Take away: Have that conversation while the window is open.
Jab for Shingles, Shield for the Heart & Brain
A new wave of research is turning heads: the jab for Shingles may offer more than just protection from that painful rash. Experts agree the vaccine appears tied to significantly lower risks of vascular dementia, strokes and heart attacks.
In a recent large-scale study, adults aged 50 and over who received the shingles vaccine showed roughly a 50 per cent lower risk of vascular dementia. The same group also had about a 25 per cent reduced risk of heart attack or stroke, a 27 per cent lower risk of blood clots and around a 21 per cent lower risk of death, compared with those who were unvaccinated. 
Why would a vaccine for a skin rash show benefits for the brain and heart? The likely culprit is inflammation. The virus behind shingles, Varicella‑zoster virus, lies dormant in the body after chicken-pox and can reactivate later in life. That reactivation can trigger widespread inflammation, which in turn damages blood vessels and brain tissues. Vaccination may stop the reactivation early, reducing that inflammatory impact. Experts agree this link between viral prevention and long-term organ health is gaining credibility.
What does it mean in practical terms? If you are eligible for the shingles vaccine, often recommended for those aged 50 and over, it is worth considering not just for rash prevention but for broader health protection. That said, this is observational data. It does not prove cause and effect yet and more research is needed.
In short: getting the shingles jab might be a smarter move than most of us realise. It could help defend against more than just blisters. Always talk to your doctor about whether it’s right for you.
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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