Is Something Wrong with Me?

As a coach and therapist, I've had the privilege of working with countless women facing life's various challenges. Yet, there's one phase of life that often gets overlooked, leaving many women feeling like something is wrong with them when, in fact, they're on an entirely natural journey. I'm talking about perimenopause and menopause. I want to shed light on this transformative experience and why it's so crucial for our society to understand it better.

The Turning Point

My journey into coaching women through perimenopause and menopause started with a recurring theme in my therapy sessions. My clients, women from diverse backgrounds and walks of life, often uttered phrases like:

- "I don't know what's wrong with me."

- "I think I'm just failing somehow."

- "I'm really not myself lately."

I hear these statements over and over. These women were grappling with profound changes in their lives, bodies, and emotions, yet they didn't connect the dots to perimenopause. It was clear that something was amiss, and that "something" was perimenopause—a phase that's remarkably common but seldom talked about.

The Perimenopause Puzzle

Perimenopause, often referred to as the "menopause transition," typically begins in a woman's late 30s or early 40s. It's marked by hormonal fluctuations as the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen. These hormonal shifts can result in a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms, from hot flashes and irregular periods to mood swings and sleep disturbances.

What's critical to understand is that perimenopause is not a sign of failure or a malfunction of your body. It's a natural phase of life, a transition that signifies the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Yet, our society often treats it as a hushed topic, causing women to suffer in silence, questioning their sanity, competence, and worth.

The Need for Understanding

So, why is it vital for our society to understand perimenopause and menopause better? Because every woman deserves to navigate this transformative phase with knowledge, support, and grace.

1. Empowerment: When women recognize the symptoms and understand the biology behind them, they gain a sense of empowerment. They realize that they are not alone in their experiences and that what they're going through is entirely normal.

2. Reduced Stigma: Greater awareness reduces the stigma associated with perimenopause and menopause. Women should not feel ashamed or isolated because of changes in their bodies and minds.

3. Supportive Communities: Building communities where women can share their experiences and support one another is crucial. Knowing that others are on the same journey can provide immense comfort and reassurance.

4. Access to Resources: With knowledge comes the ability to access resources and support. Whether it's coaching, therapy, or educational materials, women should have easy access to the help they need.

Embracing the Journey

As a coach and therapist specializing in perimenopause and menopause, my mission is clear: to provide women with the guidance, support, and knowledge they need to embrace this phase of life with confidence. It's time for our society to shift its perspective, to acknowledge and celebrate the strength, resilience, and wisdom that come with the menopausal journey.

So, if you've ever found yourself wondering, "Is something wrong with me?" know that you're not alone, and nothing is wrong with you. You're embarking on a remarkable transformation, and I'm here to help you navigate it mindfully, with understanding, and with the knowledge that you are stronger and more extraordinary than you may ever have imagined.