The Not-So-Silent, Sometimes Hilarious, Journey of Peri-Menopause:

A Skin & Bones Perspective

Ladies, gather around! Let's talk about a journey every woman inevitably embarks upon. No, it's not the quest for the world's comfiest bra or the perfect pair of shoes. It's the roller-coaster of menopause.

Let’s dive into the first stage that's as wild and unpredictable as your favourite reality TV show: peri-menopause! Yes, that stage of life where your hormones seem to throw a party, and your body is invited without your consent.

The ‘Peri’ What Now?

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, for those who are scratching their heads, peri-menopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause. It's like the Monday of menopause. You know it’s coming, and sometimes it just feels a bit... bleh. And bringing on the delightful mood swings (why choose between happy and sad when you can feel them both within a five-minute span?), peri-menopause sure knows how to make an entrance.

The Emotional Rollercoaster:

First, we've got the emotional rollercoaster. One moment you're laughing, the next you're crying over a commercial for dog food. Oh, and did we mention the night sweats? It's like Mother Nature herself decided to throw a party in your bedroom. But hey, who needs sleep when you can be a human mood ring?

It’s Getting Hot in Here (And Not in a Good Way)

Ever found yourself in a meeting and suddenly felt like you were inside an oven while everyone else is casually sipping their coffee? Welcome to the world of hot flashes. You're not morphing into a dragon (though that would be cool), it's just your hormones doing the cha-cha.

If one moment you're getting emotional over a romantic scene, and the next you're frantically searching for something cold to combat the heat, then brace yourself. You're likely navigating the turbulent waters of peri-menopause. Hold on to your serums and retinols, it’s going to be a wild ride!

A Cracking Affair – The Tale of Skin & Bones

Let's talk skin, one day it's glowing like a teenager on prom night, and the next, it's parched like the Sahara. Hormonal fluctuations play havoc with collagen production, which in plain English means: "Wrinkles, party of one, your table is ready."

Remember those teenage years when spots were the primary concern? Well, fasten your seatbelts because those breakouts decide to make an encore during perimenopause. Apparently, they missed the spotlight!!!

But wait! that's not all, What about those creaking bones, you might find them acting a bit like moody teenagers - they suddenly want more attention. This is due to decreasing oestrogen, which affects bone density. So, while you're stressing over that spot that decided to set up camp on your chin, remember to get enough calcium and vitamin D. Your bones will thank you with fewer tantrums.

The Great Skin Escape

Now that we've set the stage with our temperamental skin, what's a girl to do? Enter the hero products, serums and retinol.

Serums: Think of them as your skin's personal bartender, mixing the right concoction to hydrate, brighten, and revitalise. With the onset of peri-menopause, our skin needs that extra TLC. And no, pouring your morning latte over your face doesn't count.

Retinol: Ah, the Beyoncé of skincare. It's got a reputation, and for a good reason. By promoting collagen production, retinol smooths out those little lines that seem to have popped up overnight (or over-lunch, depending on how closely you inspect your reflection).

A Few More Tips (Because Why Not?):

• Stay Hydrated: Not just with your morning coffee or Friday night wine. Water, dear. Your skin and bones will thank you.

• Exercise Regularly: Keep those bones dense and dance away the stress. Bonus: you might also dance away from the mood swings.

• Sunscreen: Because even though you're hot stuff, UV rays aren't doing your skin any favours.

• Laughter: It's great for the soul and the wrinkles. Every time you laugh, somewhere out there a wrinkle decides to postpone its arrival.

In the grand scheme of things, peri-menopause is just another chapter in the fabulous book of "Being a Woman." And while it might come with its quirks and challenges, remember that like any good book, every chapter has its purpose and charm.

So, to all the peri-menopausal women out there, chin up, fan on, serum at the ready – let's rock this chapter with grace, humour, and a killer skincare routine!