Junk Thoughts

First, acknowledge this: the transformation is challenging. It's a lot.

Perimenopause can last a decade. The hormonal fluctuations feel like an emotional concussion. You can't think clearly. You forget more. Your stress tolerance plummets. We stress about stress. Things hurt. You drop balls.

And here's what also happens:

No more blood loss means normal iron levels for the first time in 40 years.

No more menstrual pain. Energy returns.

It takes a lot of energy to have a monthly period, and when we go through menopause we get some of that energy back.

Mood stabilizes. Less estrogen means it's harder to multitask, but you get better at uni-tasking. Uni-tasking deepens wisdom and helps you get important things done.

You get an opportunity to audit your thoughts.

Start by reducing your consumption of junk thoughts: the ones that tell you you suck, then make you feel yucky when you overindulge. Just like junk food.

Here's the truth: No hormone, medication, or supplement can change how you talk to yourself. That's a decision.

Self-esteem, self-worth, and self-compassion aren't something you have. They're something you practice.