The Late Late Aesthetics Show, hosted by Vanessa Lana Brown (owner of VL Aesthetics in Carlisle), delivers expert insights and engaging discussions on all things skincare, aesthetics, and wellbeing.
Video Summary
In recent years, conversations surrounding women’s health have started to shed their long-held stigma. One of the most significant developments in this space has been the emergence of informed, open dialogue about menopause—a transition that affects every woman, yet has historically been misunderstood, downplayed, or completely ignored. On the Late Late Aesthetics Show, host Vanessa Brown welcomes consultant gynecologist and menopause specialist Miss Smita Sinha, founder of Serenity Women’s Clinic, to discuss menopause, intimate wellness, and the holistic approach women deserve.
Understanding the Foundation: Menopause Is Not Just About Age
Miss Smita’s insights challenge the outdated assumption that menopause only begins in the early 50s. While the UK average onset is around age 51, many women begin experiencing symptoms of perimenopause—fluctuations and imbalances in hormones—years earlier. In fact, 1 in 100 women may experience premature ovarian insufficiency before age 40.
She urges women to understand the signs early. These may include sleep disturbances, low energy, brain fog, irritability, and even systemic dryness (from skin and hair to eyes and intimate areas). Recognizing these early symptoms is the first step toward getting support and reclaiming control.
The Importance of a 360-Degree, Evidence-Based Approach
One of the cornerstones of Miss Smita’s practice is her 360° model of care. She describes this as more than just looking at bloodwork or prescribing HRT—it’s about treating the whole woman in the context of her lifestyle. Whether a woman is a mother juggling young children, a high-powered executive, or navigating retirement, her treatment plan must reflect her unique circumstances and challenges.
That includes addressing sleep quality, stress levels, nutrition, metabolic changes, and of course, hormonal fluctuations. By combining medical knowledge with compassionate listening, Miss Smita helps her patients connect the dots between subtle changes and major health transitions.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Fact Over Fear
Despite its proven efficacy, HRT still carries outdated stigma. Miss Smita works to demystify this treatment, emphasizing that it’s not one-size-fits-all. Instead, she uses tailored assessments to evaluate the balance of estrogen, progesterone, and sometimes testosterone, replacing what the body needs while minimizing risk.
She only prescribes body-identical hormones (also known as bio-identical) with robust safety data behind them. And crucially, informed consent is at the core of her practice—patients understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives before moving forward.
Beyond Hormones: Innovative Intimate Wellness Treatments
Miss Smita is also leading the way in integrating non-hormonal, non-surgical options into menopause care—treatments that are transforming women’s quality of life. These include:
- Regenerative injectables like polynucleotides
- Energy-based devices
- The Emsella Chair for urinary incontinence
These interventions offer relief for women who’ve previously been told to simply “live with it.” In many cases, they are life-changing. One powerful story involved a woman regaining the ability to go for a walk without planning toilet stops—an act of freedom most take for granted.
These treatments also benefit breast cancer survivors and women who cannot—or choose not to—use hormonal therapies. The key takeaway? There are options, and suffering in silence is not the only path forward.
Education Starts Early—Or Should
An important topic raised during the interview is the lack of education about menopause in schools. While sexual health and contraception are taught, menopause is often left out of the conversation entirely. This oversight leaves many women blindsided by symptoms they weren’t expecting—and unsure where to turn for help.
Miss Smita advocates for teaching both girls and boys about the full spectrum of women’s health. From schools to workplaces, building awareness and empathy is critical—not just for women going through menopause, but for their families, colleagues, and communities.
Vulval Health: Dismantling Taboo, One Word at a Time
Too many women remain uncomfortable even saying the word vulva. Miss Smita is on a mission to normalize correct terminology, empowering women to understand their anatomy and recognize when something doesn’t feel right. Healthcare providers must also step up—abandoning euphemisms like “down there” in favor of clear, respectful language.
Being familiar with your own body—knowing what’s normal and what’s not—is key. That includes performing self-examinations and being informed about safe hygiene practices (hint: avoid fragranced products and harsh cleansers in intimate areas).
Partnering for Progress: A New Clinic Collaboration
As part of her commitment to accessible, expert-led women’s care, Miss Smita is expanding her services by joining forces with Lisa Franklin’s clinic in South Kensington, London. The clinic now offers a truly holistic wellness ecosystem, with specialists in dry eye, skin health, and regenerative aesthetics working together to provide seamless support to women at every stage of life.
This collaboration reflects a broader shift: aesthetics and gynecology are finally meeting in the middle. It’s no longer just about looking good—it’s about feeling good, inside and out.
Final Advice: Listen to Yourself
For any woman unsure where to turn or struggling to make sense of her symptoms, Miss Smita has one clear message: listen to your intuition. If something feels “off,” trust that instinct and seek support. Menopause symptom checkers (available online or through clinics like hers) can be a great starting point—especially when time with a GP is limited.
Proactive Wellness in Your 30s and Beyond
Even before perimenopause hits, women in their 30s can lay the foundation for lasting intimate health. Miss Smita recommends:
- Knowing your normal: Get familiar with your anatomy
- Avoiding harsh products: Let the vagina do its natural job of cleaning itself
- Seeking evidence-based information: Follow credible professionals on social media
- Staying open to change: What works for one stage of life may not work for another
Closing Words: This Is Just the Beginning
Perhaps the most powerful insight from this conversation comes at the very end: Menopause isn’t the end. It’s the beginning.
With modern medicine, innovative treatments, and a more open cultural dialogue, women today are living up to a third of their lives post-menopause. And those years can be filled with vibrancy, achievement, and self-assured confidence—when women are given the tools and support they need.
To learn more about Miss Smita and her services, follow her on Instagram (@miss_smitasinha), visit Serenity Women’s Clinic, or connect with her at Lisa Franklin’s clinic in London.
