Perimenopause is often framed as a decline, a loss, or “the beginning of the end.” Today, we flip that script. Perimenopause is not a decline—it’s a shift, an invitation to pause. This transition offers a chance to slow down, to listen inward, and to honor the wisdom of your body. The ‘pause is not a loss of power, but a shifting of it—a time to redefine, reclaim, and realign with what matters most.
This is your moment to choose to rise, to claim space, and to stand in your strength. The ‘pause isn’t passive; it’s powerful. It’s where wisdom is embraced, resilience is sharpened, and a new kind of energy emerges. Sometimes that energy manifests as rage, but let’s be real, that’s still energy! Let’s stop treating perimenopause as something to endure—and start recognizing it as the fire that fuels your next chapter.
Ok, I know, that next chapter can bring sleepless nights, exhaustion (from aforementioned sleepless nights, as well as simultaneously caring for angsty teens and aging parents), an indwelling pilot light that has become more of an indwelling bonfire, loss of access to words such as “hi” and “the,” loss of the hair on your head that seems to be falling off but sticking to your face on its descent. And speaking of things dropping, can we talk about breasts please? Oi! Yes, shifting can take on many meanings. But we can shape this narrative. Women are resilient, you have repeatedly shown proof of adaptability and strength. The ‘pause is a time to celebrate your body’s wisdom and to listen to what it’s telling you.
And now we have research (and social media) for people to spread the real data. Yes, it’s often behind paywalls. No, it’s not taught in medical/PA/NP schools. Yes, it’s good data. No, it wasn’t accurately interpreted by the media. Yes, it’s now erroneously in the ethos that hormones are “dangerous” or “not natural.” Yes, we can change this!
Here are my tips for today:
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Educate: Find evidence-based resources (ex: websites such as menopause.org and books such as “Estrogen Matters” by Avrum Bluming).
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Connect: With community, with medical providers, with those who are using megaphones to talk openly about perimenopause and menopause, not just without shame, but withpride!
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Nourish your body: It needs—scratch that—deserves food, movement, and rest that energizes.
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Advocate: For yourself in your healthcare spaces. YOU are the people driving us to do better. YOU are the ones who are pushing your practitioners to attend menopause conferences, find the real data, review it for themselves, and make better informed decisions with you. Thank YOU!
When women honor their ‘pause, they shift the conversation for everyone. When you reclaim your ‘pause, you give others permission to do the same.
Perimenopause isn’t a breakdown. It’s a breakthrough. Step into the ‘pause, and step into your power.
You are not broken. You are evolving.
Nisha McKenzie is a PA, CEO and Founder of Women's+ Health Collective. She is a Certified Menopause Practitioner as well as a Certified Sex Counselor and Sex Educator.
Courtesy of Women’s+ Health Collective.
Photos courtesy of Women's+ Health Collective and Elise Kutt with Mod Bettie.
