I was 42 years old when I missed a period and thought I was pregnant.
The bloodwork told a much different story. My FSH (follicle stimulating hormones) were at menopausal levels.
I was in total shock. I sat in my car gripping the steering wheel, sobbing. I felt a wave of loss and grief — the loss of youth, of purpose, of health. It was overwhelming.
This was 9 years ago, and at the time, nobody was really talking about it.
Nobody handed me a roadmap.
When I described symptoms to doctors, I was told everything from “You’re fine. You’re in normal range,” to “This is just a normal part of aging” to everyone’s favorite — “it’s just calories in, and calories out.”
There are over 35 symptoms of menopause, and most of us are navigating them completely alone, quietly wondering if we’re the only ones feeling this way.
We’re not. You’re not.
I’ve spent years advocating for myself to figure out what actually helps. In this post, I want to share some of those resources with you.
Be sure to check out more of our menopause posts here.
Note: I started taking Nutrafol in September 2025
My Hair Started Shedding
When I saw the picture above on the left, I gasped.
I have always loved my thick, blonde hair. And I could see clearly in this photo that I was thinning.
When estrogen and progesterone drop, hormonal shifts can lead to increased hair shedding. And sometimes hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, isn’t enough. It wasn’t for me. Hair thinning and shedding have multiple root causes beyond just hormones: stress, nutrient deficiencies, lifestyle, metabolism, and aging.
I took that “before” photo (above left) in June 2025 and started Nutrafol Women’s Balance in September 2025. I think the after picture speaks for itself — increased thickness, less shedding, and improved hair growth at the hairline.
Tap or click the button below for more info and get $50 off 3 months or $106 off 6 months with my link!
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The 3am Wake-Ups Where I Was Convinced I Was Dying
I can’t tell you how many nights I’ve woken up drenched in sweat, feeling like I needed to change my pajamas. Or jolted awake at 3 or 4am, heart racing, in a full-scale panic — genuinely convinced I was having a heart attack.
Here’s the thing nobody tells you — this is textbook menopause. Night sweats, heart palpitations, middle-of-the-night anxiety spirals. It’s not in your head. It’s your hormones.
Here’s what finally helped me sleep through the night again:
Progesterone — the progesterone in my daily hormone troche made a significant difference. If you’re not on HRT yet, this is worth a conversation with your doctor. (Almost always prescribed in tandem with estrogen).
Magnesium gummies — I take two at night. Mine also contain L-theanine and melatonin. Game changer.
I also use several “tools” to ensure a great night’s sleep including the padded side-sleeper eye mask (pictured above).
I listen to downloaded rain sounds from YouTube via SleepPhones. The extra sound drowns out any other distracting noises. They are soft and comfortable.
And, a cold, dark room is essential.
Small things. But together? They gave me my sleep back.
Gain Access to My Complete FREE Guide to Menopause Here.
A Few More Things I Resisted (And Shouldn’t Have)
Protein-packed lunches and dinners — Oh boy. When someone tells me I need 8,000 grams of protein, it really pisses me off. But the thing is, protein keeps you fuller longer. And I genuinely feel better — more energy, less crash. So begrudgingly, I’m adding cottage cheese to my lunch, eggs when I can, and making sure dinner has a real protein anchor.
Fiber — Don’t get me started on why I objected so heavily to yet another supplement. But once I finally gave in, I noticed better regularity, less bloating, and I even ditched my pre/probiotic entirely. I like SunFiber — it mixes with water, no flavor, no weird texture.
Exercise — Let’s call a spade a spade. Likely the most difficult piece of the puzzle. Am I doing the “right” things? No. I’m not deadlifting a thousand pounds or tracking my VO2 max. But here’s what I know for sure — the exercise that works best is the one you will actually do. For me that’s walking with a weighted vest a couple times a week and 30 minutes of Tracy Anderson’s old school Metamorphosis program online. Heavier weights are likely in my future. I’m still resisting. Mainly because I’m so annoyed with everyone telling me I have to lift heavy. Anyone else or just me??
BTW – Here are the 10 essentials I use every day as a 51-year-old menopausal mom.
I finally caved and started taking this fiber supplement and it was so worth it!
the bottom line
You do not need to white knuckle menopause. I see you. I am here for you. You are not alone.
Want to shop all my menopause essentials in one place? My Amazon storefront has everything you need right here.
