Fairlady HOT Guide to Menopause 2025

Years ago, my friend Sarah and I played pool against two of our best male friends for the title of Champions of the World Forever, Indisputably, No Debate and No Rematch. I don’t think we had ever beaten them before, but we did then. Despite that heavy defeat (some might say excruciating, although naturally I couldn’t possibly comment), one of those men is now my husband – although who knows for how much longer now that I have mentioned The Match in print. I hardly ever refer to it – only maybe once a day or so; it’d be insensitive to overdo it – but I do think about that game quite a bit. Because why is Siming Chen, currently the best female pool player in the world, only ranked…

1 GUT FEELING Research suggests that hormonal changes alter our gut microbes, which has a profound effect on our overall wellbeing. Lower levels of oestrogen and progesterone seem to cause a decline in beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and an increase in pro-inflammatory microbes, which, in turn, could cause weight gain, bloating, mood swings and leaky gut. More than that, if the gut microbes that metabolise and recycle oestrogens are disrupted (which menopause often does), the efficacy of HRT can be reduced. Eating more fibre can help – and Cool Stool can help with that. It’s a 100% plant-based, highfibre super-seed combination of some of the most powerful prebiotic ingredients, including chia seeds, linseed, buckwheat, bran and psyllium husk. It’s good for bloating, bowel regularity and overall digestive comfort.…

EATING & DRINKING 1 ANYONE FOR TEA? The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel & Spa in Constantia is a balm for the soul – especially if you’re in need of a calming cup of tea. And frankly, who isn’t? Their magnificent four-course High Tea is served in the Greenhouse, set in the gorgeous garden, with natural light pouring in. There’s something so restorative about sipping tea surrounded by lush greenery, particularly when it’s combined with their famous scones, complete with strawberry jam and, of course, Chantilly cream. The High Tea also includes a savoury course, and dainty and delicious tea sandwiches, followed by a choice of light, beautifully made confectionary. You can choose from 11 loose-leaf teas curated by master tea blender Mingwei Tsai, and the Nigiro tea or Lavazza coffee are bottomless.…

CARMEN HICKMAN Model, actress, creative spirit, matriarch of House of Hickman ‘My style blends old and new, masculine and soft, inherited and instinctive. It allows me to move the way I want to move – freely, deliberately and with intention. If pressed, I’d call my style elevated bohemian chic, but I don’t like labels.’ JANINE BINNEMAN Jewellery designer ‘My style is bold, unapologetic and ADHD – just like me. I have three constants: colour, colour and then some more colour! I’m currently obsessed with natural fibres, especially linen. And I always think it’s best to leave a little space for sparkle and bling, whether it’s a bold piece of jewellery or a spot of sequins.’ CERI BERRY Owner of Saint VII and Saint d’Ici natural perfumery ‘I am drawn to…

1 WHERE ARE YOU AT, PERI, PRESENT OR POST? Menopause isn’t a single event, and it doesn’t happen overnight. It unfolds in three distinct phases. Perimenopause is the transition phase, typically starting in your 40s and lasting anything from three to seven years. This is when your hormone levels start to fluctuate wildly, causing irregular periods, hot flushes, sleep problems, anxiety and the infamous ‘brain fog’. In fact, it can feel a lot like skidding in a vehicle you can’t control any more. It can be easier to bear if you know that it’s a stage and it will pass – and you can take solace in the fact that you’re not the only one who’s terrified and anxious. Those feelings can be characteristic of this stage. In late perimenopause,…

1 MARIANNE THAMM (64) Earthling, mom, journalist, author, dog lover, pessimistic optimist Q Do you feel more or less yourself now than you did at 20? A I feel rather a different self – not more, not less, but a more complete self. Not yet completed, mind you. Unless I get bitten by a venomous spider between now and the publication of this magazine. Then it would be completed. If we are lucky enough to live beyond 60, then the journey is one inwards, and can be as surprising and as pleasant as a quick trip to Ponta Malongane, or as awful as the London Underground in a heatwave. This is all metaphorically speaking. My essential self is still here; I know her well; we talk often. Q Has the…