Banner image by Monika Grabkowska, sourced on Unsplash.
Understanding Hormonal Balance and Its Impact on Well-Being
At the core of the conversation was hormonal balance, a topic often overlooked yet essential to both physical and mental well-being. Dr. Lewis shed light on how hormones influence everything from energy levels and mood stability to long-term cognitive function.
She discussed the increase of early perimenopause, highlighting how lifestyle, stress and environmental factors may be accelerating hormonal shifts in women. With hormone testing becoming a debated topic, she emphasized that while some tests provide useful data, hormone fluctuations make single time testing less reliable. Instead, she recommended tracking symptoms over time for a more accurate understanding of hormonal health.
Dr. Tamsin Lewis (left) and Poppy Jamie (right) at Mejuri on 4 March.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Benefits and Cautions
One of the most pressing concerns was hormone replacement therapy, also known as HRT. Dr. Lewis explained that menopause isn’t just about managing symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings, instead it is a “significant hormonal shift that affects bone health, brain function and cardiovascular” which is the circulatory system’s well-being.
While HRT can be beneficial when introduced early, she warned against excessive dosing and emphasized starting with low doses tailored to individual needs. For those who struggle with progesterone intolerance, alternatives like vaginal or rectal progesterone treatments were suggested as gentler options.
Nicotine and Cognitive Benefits: A Surprising Insight
Nicotine was another surprising topic of discussion. While excessive nicotine use is widely discouraged, Dr. Lewis mentioned that in small, controlled doses, for example as a nicotine patch or gum, it can have cognitive benefits, particularly in stimulating focus and brain function. However, she was careful to note that this is not a recommendation to encourage nicotine use but rather a fun fact.
Caffeine’s Impact on Hormones: Finding the Right Balance
The conversation also touched on caffeine’s impact on hormones. While some claim morning coffee disrupts cortisol balance, Dr. Lewis reassured attendees that moderate coffee consumption is unlikely to cause significant harm, especially when paired with proper nutrition and hydration. Although it’s important to note that “having that window for caffeine early in the day, helps to allow your body to produce melatonin in the evening.” It is all about finding a balance that works for yourself.
Embracing Longevity and Personalized Wellness
As longevity continues to gain momentum in the wellness industry, discussions like these help to understand our everyday well-being. Whether through mindful lifestyle choices, nutritional support or personalized medical interventions, the event highlighted the importance of understanding our bodies, advocating for our health and embracing the evolving conversation around womanhood.
For the Vogue College of Fashion students in attendance, this talk offered an invaluable glimpse into the future of wellness. “It was an incredibly insightful experience, reminding us that no matter our age, hormones have a huge impact on our overall well-being,” says Bianca Peace, BA Hons Fashion Communication and Industry Practice student. Alexandra Haworth, BA Hons Fashion Communication and Industry Practice student, expressed a similar sentiment: “It was a powerful reminder that our well-being is deeply connected to understanding and managing our hormones, and it’s something that we should never overlook.”
By Angelina Struk, BA Hons Fashion Communication and Industry Practice
