Estel Jennings, a mother of two from Walsall, has shared her journey of self-advocacy and entrepreneurship after experiencing perimenopause symptoms from the age of 35. Despite noticing alarming signs such as hair thinning and frequent episodes of brain fog, Estel says she was dismissed by medical professionals who told her she was too young to be undergoing perimenopause-the natural transitional phase before menopause during which oestrogen levels decline.
“I was 35 when I started having what I didn’t realise were perimenopause symptoms,” Estel explained. “It began with dry mouth, altered taste buds and brain fog. I would forget what I was talking about, and words wouldn’t come to me. Then I noticed my hair became very dry, brittle, and unhealthy-looking.”
Attempting to address her hair loss, Estel began using hair oil to promote growth and mask her receding hairline. However, the high cost of commercial products proved unsustainable, with some oils costing around £50 per month. This inspired her to explore natural ingredients herself, leveraging her background in science and manufacturing to formulate her own hair care solution at home.
READ MORE: Driving Instructor’s Livelihood Threatened by Prolonged Nissan Repair Delay
“Every time I brushed my hair or showered, it was falling out,” she said. “I scrutinised the ingredients in my shampoo and conditioner, aiming for natural alternatives. Styling my hair to hide the loss and wearing hats became the norm, as I felt self-conscious about my receding hairline.”
Throughout her ordeal, Estel sought medical advice. She recalled, “I felt something really was wrong but was told my body was just ‘slowing down’. I suffered constant headaches and even asked for an MRI. There were moments I feared the worst-thinking I might be dying. That fear motivated me to start my own business because life is too short.”
In summer 2024, Estel launched Idyllic Hair and Skin via TikTok shop, later expanding to a dedicated website with support from a close friend. She continuously refined her formula to ensure it penetrated the scalp effectively, rather than just sitting on the surface.
“So many oils just sit on the skin and hair but we wanted something that really worked and penetrated into the scalp,” Estel said. “We only launched after becoming vegan-approved.”
The business gained swift success after selling out at the Newcastle Exhibition Centre’s Christmas fair. Idyllic Hair and Skin attracted media attention, including coverage in Vanity Fair magazine, and Estel is preparing to leave her full-time role as a special educational needs teacher to focus entirely on her growing enterprise.
After a private diagnosis confirmed her perimenopause and she was prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT), Estel has been motivated to support others undergoing similar challenges. “A woman in her 50s told me my symptoms could be menopause. My GP initially dismissed me, but a private clinic confirmed perimenopause and recommended HRT,” she said.
Helping others dealing with hair loss during perimenopause has become a vital part of her work. “When people ask how I manage to work full-time as a teacher and run this business, I tell them it’s because of the difference it’s making to many people,” Estel added.
Estel is now balancing her roles as mother to Paige, 21, and Finley, 11, while developing her brand dedicated to natural, effective hair and skin care solutions for those affected by perimenopause.