Let's talk about perimenopause

It's having its moment and I'm ALL for it!

I turn 44 this year, which happens to be my favourite number! (It was the number on the back of my high school boyfriend’s soccer jersey and has been my favourite ever since! Hehe.) I was feeling quite good at the start of the year after a summer holiday of surfing and sunshine and long walks and sneaky naps. But then I got hit by the flu (a summer flu, who knew?), and I’ve spent the last few weeks feeling like an old lady with joint pain and a nagging cough. And then, earlier this week I saw this post on the National Geographic Instagram feed that said: Your body ages in two ‘bursts’ at 44 and 60. Ugh. 🙃

There’s no denying it: we’re aging. And from the mid forties, it seems we really start to be reminded of it. And of course, perimenopause can start around this time too (if not before). I don’t have any major symptoms yet and my periods are still really regular, but I can feel tiny shifts in my body and more intense moods (irritability) at certain times in my cycle. So I’m probably at the very beginning of the perimenopause journey. So it’s as good of a time as ever to learn all that I need to know. And wherever you are in your journey, you should learn it too! Isn’t it wonderful that so many people are talking and sharing about this now?

A few months ago I asked readers to share their favourite resources on perimenopause and I received dozens and dozens of recommendations for people to follow on Instagram, podcasts to listen to and books to read. There really is a wealth of information out there. (I’ve provided a link at the bottom of this email to download a PDF with all the resources.)

I recently picked up Naomi Watts’ brand new book, Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I’d Known About Menopause, and so far I’m really loving it — she shares so honestly and openly about her body, symptoms, struggles, sex, etc. It feels like reading a note from your best friend.

During the last live meetup for members, Anna recommended listening to A Wild Chat on Menopause — the interview of Dr. Louise Newson on the Wild with Sarah Wilson podcast. I’m halfway through listening to this and finding it really informative on HRT.

And of course I’ve also interviewed naturopathic doctor Jenna Rayachoti who answers my initial questions about perimenopause and menopause. (You can find this helpful interview here.)

Anyway, perimenopause is the topic of our next live meetup on Zoom. Paying subscribers can join me there a week from today on Friday, March 7th at 9am AEDT (link below). We will be sharing our experiences, offering resources, asking questions and sharing what we know. I can’t wait to chat with you all and look forward to connecting then!