I know many of you reading this newsletter are in the stage of MIDLIFE, as am I, at age 46. But no matter your age or where your hormones are, this conversation needs to be more commonplace, less taboo, and absolutely more accessible to every single woman….even if you don’t want to talk about it, don’t know the symptoms, don’t want to admit you may be feeling the symptoms, or are just simply in complete denial and believe there is no way this will ever happen to you.
As I dive deep into this topic, I would like to leave space for you to ask your questions here. This will give me a better understanding of where we are at in this conversation and how I can best serve you through this massive topic.
DROP YOUR QUESTIONS ON MIDLIFE, HORMONES, PERI-MENOPAUSE, AND BEYOND below in this thread.
Mia, I’m new to this community and so grateful for this conversation (I’m turning 43 this year and want to be preparing myself as much as possible). I also have to recommend a book I recently read - it’s fiction and not all all medical advice or anything, but I think it might resonate with this group. Looking forward to learning more alongside all of you! https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-change-kirsten-miller
Just turned 50, stopped bleeding at 46 (my mother died, I bled twice the next month and then that was it--armchair psychoanalyze that all you like) so officially in menopause at 47, though I feel like the symptoms are getting worse this past year. Freaked out about cardoivascular disease potential, and curious about the interplay of autoimmunity in all this. Diagnosed with IBD at 36, on a biologic since 39, and am wondering now how that medication interplays with my new hormonal environment...the biologic has worked well but am feeling like it might be time for a reset--I'm definitely ready for my midlife tune up/reset.....!
I believe it is all connected. Hormones are mingled in absolutely everything. As a nurse, I also believe gut health is everything and as a woman learning how to best nourish her body in this stage, getting the proper education and knowing what our bodies need and what makes us feel good (as opposed to diet culture and latest trends) is (for me anyway) what I would call getting to baseline.
Our stories don't sound that much different, so I hope what I share you will find some value in.
Hi, I'm 46. Since my 2 miscariagges at 42 I started to invent myself for the first time. I developed health anxiety on all levels after that. Since my gut problems, then thyroid problems and now endometriosis, I started to learn about perimenopause and what to do with hormones. Taking replacements or not, what will hapened to my body if not... Will I get sick, will I get some kind of cancer... My anxiety is kicking hard.
On the other hand, I said to myself this is my time, it's time for my growth and since I can't have children, my body is my child and so I'm aiming for healthy life and longevity. I started running again and doing challeging yoga poses.
I'm happy to follow, I'm happy to discuss taboo topics and happy to share my experiences. My first mission this year is to measure hormone levels. Judita
Hi Judita! I am sorry for your struggle, I hear you. At the worst of all this is the infertility when we may have not been ready for it. Whether we want children or not. Having the choice taking away is really hard.
I love your change in mindset and focusing on taking care of your body. I feel this too.
I will always welcome your input on your experiences. I hope anyone who wants to share, will feel welcomed too.
Turning 40 next month and currently 6 months AF. (Which is how I found you on Instagram first.) I subscribed to your free Substack but upgraded to paid when I read your Midlife Part 1 email just now. These are exactly the things I need to know about at this point in my life and I didn’t even know where to start. I feel like I’m already having peri-menopause symptoms. I’ve actually felt that way for years but I was a pretty heavy drinker so clearing that out of my system has certainly helped. That being said, my goal is to soak up everything I can on peri-menopause and hormones. Also I’m potentially suffering from a new auto-immune issue and I’m intrigued by the fact that this could all be related. Thank you for having this conversation.
Thank you for THESE QUESTIONS & COMMENTS, the are so thoughtful!!!
Later today I will be sending out part 1 on this topic. Again, this is massive and by no means will everything be answered here. But my hope is to give any woman who wants it, the information and resources in order to find their own specific answers. As well as make sure every woman knows that she is not alone in this and she has done nothing wrong. We are all doing the best we can with the information that we have. The more we talk about it, the more we can normalize all the abnormal things we are going through.
I’m looking forward to learning more from you about this topic, Mia! Will be 42 this summer so not journeying through the process yet but am curious about it. However, one (of many) of my big motivators of practicing an AF lifestyle is to support my body as it moves toward it. I’d like to hear tips and tricks to care for ourselves well during this season please. Thank you, lady!!
Thank you! AF living has saved me through this process. I can not imagine dumping alcohol into a body that is already in flux. Although, I completely understand why people need/want to. This time can be very stressful.
I'd love to have a conversation one day (maybe after we cover the biology & symptoms) about the emotional changes of menopause. For instance maybe the grief we might feel around losing our fertility, moving from the identity of maiden to that of crone, how do we honor ourselves in this new identity? Etc. I'll be 49 in March and so far for me, the biggest changes I'm feeling are really emotional and contemplative. Big feelings I've ignored are now no longer willing to be ignored.
Thank you Kim! I think it's all in one. Physical/Mental/Emotional. We experience it in all ways. I want to talk about this more because I don't want women to feel what I felt - shame, humiliation, guilt.
At 40 presumably pre menopause, I am interested in know the basics of what to expect, what is in the realm of Normal and when to see extra help and what I can do to support myself going in
So so excited we are openly talking about this!!! I just turned 52 and through menopause too at 48. I felt so betrayed by my body and really angry that that I knew absolutely nothing about what was going on short of what I googled and read and that no one really shared how bad night sweats, hot flashes, mood swings, sleeplessness really was. On the flip side, the further along I get in the journey, the more confident of this body and appreciative I am of it. I’d love to talk about hormone replacement, the pros and cons, bio identical or prescriptive, how long one should be on it and what naturally can be done to assist the transition and beyond. Thanks for getting the conversation going.
All great questions. I know that feeling of being let down by my body, of not knowing how to control things and so angry that no one was talking about it! I hope that we can have some good convos and that you can find some much needed information here. Thank you!
53 and through menopause (I was done by age 42). I am trying to figure out the best way to workout for health without boosting cortisol. Also, my skin is crepey. It STINKS. I feel so old these days. Would love conversation around all or any of this.
Hi Tiffany! Cortisol and working out is something I have been diving into this past year with my movement practice and how I have changed my thinking around what it should look like.
I am about to turn 50 and my hormones took a deep dive off a cliff around 2018. I work with a Naturopathic Doctor on Hormonal Replacement Therapy and it has changed my life. If anyone has questions about it-happy to share my experience. Whether you choose to go that route or not I always suggest that you invest in a hormone panel blood draw just to see where and what your levels are. It's just handy to know and then you can make appropriate decisions. The hormones connect really acutely to your thyroid health and of course this is also the age bracket where autoimmune issues can pop up as well. I check my no less than bi-annually but often quarterly since I am on a replacement therapy. And Accupuncture can help. My acupuncturist has helped me a lot with specific hormonal treatments. Lastly-sleep and yoga are other remedies I'm big fans of for all things peri and menopausal. And there are books and podcasts too. Dr. Huberman just did a great episode with Dr. Gotfried who I think highly of in the area of hormone health.
I am currently in this phase myself, also 46 & experiencing drenching night sweats.
I am of the camp to go as natural as possible until absolutely necessary.
However, I just heard that leaving your body hormonally unbalanced for an extended period & not using hormone replacement therapy can increase your risk of Alzheimer’s.
I will be meeting with the hormone specialist at my ob’s office in march and would like to gain as much knowledge as I can on this subject.
I am happy to hear you are going to meet with a hormone specialist. Very wise! Hopefully I can share information that will help aide in your conversation with this specialist. I suggest making a list of questions and concerns who can take to your appt. As well as have an idea of what you would like.
Also, there are three top "menopause diseases" - osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and dementia.
Hi Mia! I am so glad you are revisiting this topic because I do have a question for you regarding menopause. I just turned 50 and am not sure if I have started to go into menopause or not. I will occasionally get night sweats, but nothing like what my friends have described as waking up drenched in sweat. Other than that, nothing; no symptoms. My period is not a good indicator because I have had an IUD for the last 10 years so I don’t get my period. I am worried that if I remove my IUD all hell will break loose. I feel really good so why rock the boat? It is worth mentioning that I decided to try an IUD because my periods were so heavy. My husband had a vasectomy so birth control is not a concern. My OB said the IUD can help prevent against uterine cancer and is safe to use for as long as I chose. I am interested in your thoughts on this and also IF all hell will actually break loose when I eventually remove it? Thanks so much!
I had an IUD for 10 years as well an decided I didn’t want it in my body anymore. I also never got much of a period with it. So a few years ago at 44 I took it out and now I get erratic periods again, joint pain, bloating, occasional night sweats, anxiety and a myriad of other things. I kind of wish I had not taken it out but part of me was curious. I felt like I had to face peri menopause at some point. I’m slowly working through these issues but have yet to find a doc or professional to help. I pledge to though. Mia has shared her findings and support with me in the past which helped immensely, just to know how prevalent this is and where to find good information and options. It’s going to be a long journey for me which I guess is ok. This probably doesn’t help a whole lot but you aren’t alone!
This actually helps a lot! I could not find any information on this so I really appreciate your willingness to share your experience. I just went for my annual well woman checkup and talked about my options with the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and she did a great job of listening to my concerns and answering my questions. I have 5 more years until my IUD needs to be removed so I am not making any changes for the time being and your story makes me feel even better about that decision. Thank you, Tracy!
I am going to look into your question more, because I am not all that familiar with the IUD. I imagine the progesterone in the IUD is helping with symptoms, ie the hot flashes.
But an IUD can't cover other symptoms.
You also may be one the women who silently goes through peri-menopause without that much difficulty. I am not sure, but great question!
I am in that stage at the age of 51. However, I have a Mirena IUD so I think it’s helping with some of the “symptoms “. I haven’t had any of the “normal” things happening such as hot flashes, etc. I’m not crazy about putting hormones in my body though. I’m curious to know if others are in the same boat.
Hi Mia, Hollie had a similar question above. I am not all that familiar with the IUD, but it's something I am now going to look into as well. Thank you for your comment!
Mia, I’m new to this community and so grateful for this conversation (I’m turning 43 this year and want to be preparing myself as much as possible). I also have to recommend a book I recently read - it’s fiction and not all all medical advice or anything, but I think it might resonate with this group. Looking forward to learning more alongside all of you! https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-change-kirsten-miller
Thank you for being here Lindsay! and thank you for the book recommendation. xx Mia
Just turned 50, stopped bleeding at 46 (my mother died, I bled twice the next month and then that was it--armchair psychoanalyze that all you like) so officially in menopause at 47, though I feel like the symptoms are getting worse this past year. Freaked out about cardoivascular disease potential, and curious about the interplay of autoimmunity in all this. Diagnosed with IBD at 36, on a biologic since 39, and am wondering now how that medication interplays with my new hormonal environment...the biologic has worked well but am feeling like it might be time for a reset--I'm definitely ready for my midlife tune up/reset.....!
I believe it is all connected. Hormones are mingled in absolutely everything. As a nurse, I also believe gut health is everything and as a woman learning how to best nourish her body in this stage, getting the proper education and knowing what our bodies need and what makes us feel good (as opposed to diet culture and latest trends) is (for me anyway) what I would call getting to baseline.
Our stories don't sound that much different, so I hope what I share you will find some value in.
xx M
Hi, I'm 46. Since my 2 miscariagges at 42 I started to invent myself for the first time. I developed health anxiety on all levels after that. Since my gut problems, then thyroid problems and now endometriosis, I started to learn about perimenopause and what to do with hormones. Taking replacements or not, what will hapened to my body if not... Will I get sick, will I get some kind of cancer... My anxiety is kicking hard.
On the other hand, I said to myself this is my time, it's time for my growth and since I can't have children, my body is my child and so I'm aiming for healthy life and longevity. I started running again and doing challeging yoga poses.
I'm happy to follow, I'm happy to discuss taboo topics and happy to share my experiences. My first mission this year is to measure hormone levels. Judita
Hi Judita! I am sorry for your struggle, I hear you. At the worst of all this is the infertility when we may have not been ready for it. Whether we want children or not. Having the choice taking away is really hard.
I love your change in mindset and focusing on taking care of your body. I feel this too.
I will always welcome your input on your experiences. I hope anyone who wants to share, will feel welcomed too.
Thank you for being here Judita! xx Mia
Turning 40 next month and currently 6 months AF. (Which is how I found you on Instagram first.) I subscribed to your free Substack but upgraded to paid when I read your Midlife Part 1 email just now. These are exactly the things I need to know about at this point in my life and I didn’t even know where to start. I feel like I’m already having peri-menopause symptoms. I’ve actually felt that way for years but I was a pretty heavy drinker so clearing that out of my system has certainly helped. That being said, my goal is to soak up everything I can on peri-menopause and hormones. Also I’m potentially suffering from a new auto-immune issue and I’m intrigued by the fact that this could all be related. Thank you for having this conversation.
Brandi I love this comment. I just sent you a private email regarding it. XX mia
Thank you for THESE QUESTIONS & COMMENTS, the are so thoughtful!!!
Later today I will be sending out part 1 on this topic. Again, this is massive and by no means will everything be answered here. But my hope is to give any woman who wants it, the information and resources in order to find their own specific answers. As well as make sure every woman knows that she is not alone in this and she has done nothing wrong. We are all doing the best we can with the information that we have. The more we talk about it, the more we can normalize all the abnormal things we are going through.
xx Mia
I’m looking forward to learning more from you about this topic, Mia! Will be 42 this summer so not journeying through the process yet but am curious about it. However, one (of many) of my big motivators of practicing an AF lifestyle is to support my body as it moves toward it. I’d like to hear tips and tricks to care for ourselves well during this season please. Thank you, lady!!
Thank you! AF living has saved me through this process. I can not imagine dumping alcohol into a body that is already in flux. Although, I completely understand why people need/want to. This time can be very stressful.
I'd love to have a conversation one day (maybe after we cover the biology & symptoms) about the emotional changes of menopause. For instance maybe the grief we might feel around losing our fertility, moving from the identity of maiden to that of crone, how do we honor ourselves in this new identity? Etc. I'll be 49 in March and so far for me, the biggest changes I'm feeling are really emotional and contemplative. Big feelings I've ignored are now no longer willing to be ignored.
Thank you Kim! I think it's all in one. Physical/Mental/Emotional. We experience it in all ways. I want to talk about this more because I don't want women to feel what I felt - shame, humiliation, guilt.
At 40 presumably pre menopause, I am interested in know the basics of what to expect, what is in the realm of Normal and when to see extra help and what I can do to support myself going in
I've got you Zoe! I will lay out all the basics plus more and with tons of resources for you to find more information. We should all be well-equipped.
So so excited we are openly talking about this!!! I just turned 52 and through menopause too at 48. I felt so betrayed by my body and really angry that that I knew absolutely nothing about what was going on short of what I googled and read and that no one really shared how bad night sweats, hot flashes, mood swings, sleeplessness really was. On the flip side, the further along I get in the journey, the more confident of this body and appreciative I am of it. I’d love to talk about hormone replacement, the pros and cons, bio identical or prescriptive, how long one should be on it and what naturally can be done to assist the transition and beyond. Thanks for getting the conversation going.
All great questions. I know that feeling of being let down by my body, of not knowing how to control things and so angry that no one was talking about it! I hope that we can have some good convos and that you can find some much needed information here. Thank you!
53 and through menopause (I was done by age 42). I am trying to figure out the best way to workout for health without boosting cortisol. Also, my skin is crepey. It STINKS. I feel so old these days. Would love conversation around all or any of this.
Thanks Mia!
Hi Tiffany! Cortisol and working out is something I have been diving into this past year with my movement practice and how I have changed my thinking around what it should look like.
And the crepey skin, yep, I know it too.
You are not alone!!
I am about to turn 50 and my hormones took a deep dive off a cliff around 2018. I work with a Naturopathic Doctor on Hormonal Replacement Therapy and it has changed my life. If anyone has questions about it-happy to share my experience. Whether you choose to go that route or not I always suggest that you invest in a hormone panel blood draw just to see where and what your levels are. It's just handy to know and then you can make appropriate decisions. The hormones connect really acutely to your thyroid health and of course this is also the age bracket where autoimmune issues can pop up as well. I check my no less than bi-annually but often quarterly since I am on a replacement therapy. And Accupuncture can help. My acupuncturist has helped me a lot with specific hormonal treatments. Lastly-sleep and yoga are other remedies I'm big fans of for all things peri and menopausal. And there are books and podcasts too. Dr. Huberman just did a great episode with Dr. Gotfried who I think highly of in the area of hormone health.
YES YES YES to all of this!!!
40yr old here. Anything you are learning that will help us be as healthy as we can entering in the next phase of our life. ❤️❤️
My plan is to share everything I have learned and experienced over the last few years. Plus give loads of resources for you to explore as well!
I am so happy you will be covering this topic!!!
I am currently in this phase myself, also 46 & experiencing drenching night sweats.
I am of the camp to go as natural as possible until absolutely necessary.
However, I just heard that leaving your body hormonally unbalanced for an extended period & not using hormone replacement therapy can increase your risk of Alzheimer’s.
I will be meeting with the hormone specialist at my ob’s office in march and would like to gain as much knowledge as I can on this subject.
I am happy to hear you are going to meet with a hormone specialist. Very wise! Hopefully I can share information that will help aide in your conversation with this specialist. I suggest making a list of questions and concerns who can take to your appt. As well as have an idea of what you would like.
Also, there are three top "menopause diseases" - osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and dementia.
We will get into all this.
Hi Mia! I am so glad you are revisiting this topic because I do have a question for you regarding menopause. I just turned 50 and am not sure if I have started to go into menopause or not. I will occasionally get night sweats, but nothing like what my friends have described as waking up drenched in sweat. Other than that, nothing; no symptoms. My period is not a good indicator because I have had an IUD for the last 10 years so I don’t get my period. I am worried that if I remove my IUD all hell will break loose. I feel really good so why rock the boat? It is worth mentioning that I decided to try an IUD because my periods were so heavy. My husband had a vasectomy so birth control is not a concern. My OB said the IUD can help prevent against uterine cancer and is safe to use for as long as I chose. I am interested in your thoughts on this and also IF all hell will actually break loose when I eventually remove it? Thanks so much!
I had an IUD for 10 years as well an decided I didn’t want it in my body anymore. I also never got much of a period with it. So a few years ago at 44 I took it out and now I get erratic periods again, joint pain, bloating, occasional night sweats, anxiety and a myriad of other things. I kind of wish I had not taken it out but part of me was curious. I felt like I had to face peri menopause at some point. I’m slowly working through these issues but have yet to find a doc or professional to help. I pledge to though. Mia has shared her findings and support with me in the past which helped immensely, just to know how prevalent this is and where to find good information and options. It’s going to be a long journey for me which I guess is ok. This probably doesn’t help a whole lot but you aren’t alone!
Tracy, thank you so much for your input! It's invaluable. Sending you love, xx M
This actually helps a lot! I could not find any information on this so I really appreciate your willingness to share your experience. I just went for my annual well woman checkup and talked about my options with the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and she did a great job of listening to my concerns and answering my questions. I have 5 more years until my IUD needs to be removed so I am not making any changes for the time being and your story makes me feel even better about that decision. Thank you, Tracy!
Hi Hollie,
I am going to look into your question more, because I am not all that familiar with the IUD. I imagine the progesterone in the IUD is helping with symptoms, ie the hot flashes.
But an IUD can't cover other symptoms.
You also may be one the women who silently goes through peri-menopause without that much difficulty. I am not sure, but great question!
I am in that stage at the age of 51. However, I have a Mirena IUD so I think it’s helping with some of the “symptoms “. I haven’t had any of the “normal” things happening such as hot flashes, etc. I’m not crazy about putting hormones in my body though. I’m curious to know if others are in the same boat.
Hi Mia, Hollie had a similar question above. I am not all that familiar with the IUD, but it's something I am now going to look into as well. Thank you for your comment!
Awesome! Thank you so much!