Welcome to my TED Talk

I have always admired those people who could stand up in front of a HUGE audience and share their stories. I love watching TED talks of everyday "ordinary"people sharing their amazing life stories. So although I am not standing in front of an audience (yet) I wanted to share MY TED talk with you all. So HERE goes!

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining me today. I stand before you not just as a healthcare professional with over two decades of experience, but as a woman on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Today, I want to share with you my personal adventure through the onset of perimenopause, revealing the profound impact it had on my life and why I've made it my mission to raise awareness and educate about OUR CYCLES.

So, there I was, believing I had it all figured out. Engaged in my health and fitness routine, diligently working out four times a week, maintaining a balanced diet, and seemingly conquering life's challenges. Little did I know, the storm of perimenopause, stress, and anxiety was silently brewing beneath the surface.

Then in September as we are returning to routines a 30-day workout challenge enters my life, seemingly aligned with my already existing habits, just with that extra sprinkle of group accountability. My husband and I enthusiastically signed up, eager to elevate our health even more. The workouts were a mix of lifting, cardio, and stretching, providing structure and accountability I needed. As well as taking over the workout programing, because I can program like a mad women for others,,,, but lack when it comes to myself. Initially, it felt AMAZING, and I really stepped into the consistency. But as the months unfolded, I found myself heavier, exhausted, and in worse shape than before. 40 pounds heavier in just four months – a disheartening twist in my pursuit of optimal health to say the least.

Frustrated with myself, I intensified efforts – tighter meal plans, harder workouts – only to be met with extreme fatigue, migraines, body aches, and inflammation. March brought an excruciating period, reminding me of before i healed my PCOS and Endo. Desperate for answers, I dug into researching perimenopause, unraveling a deeper understanding of the four phases of our cycles, seed cycling and hormone imbalances.

What I discovered was a paradigm shift – perimenopause, the hidden culprit, disrupting the delicate balance of my hormones. My relentless stress had led to adrenal fatigue, shutting down detoxification channels, and wreaking havoc on my body. The intense workouts, strict diets, and excessive water intake were futile attempts to combat a system that had given in to the prolonged stress.

Now, faced with the harsh reality, I embarked on a journey of research, unearthing information that had eluded me for years. Seed cycling, workout cycling, and nourishing menstrual cycles became pivotal in my transformation. Slowly, I saw changes – less painful periods, regulated digestion, and reduced fatigue. I realized the importance of working with, not against, my body.

As I worked on these systems, the profound impact extended beyond physical changes. The weight didn't magically disappear, but the focus shifted from weight loss to nourishing my body in all aspects. I began sharing my experiences with friends, only to be met with puzzled expressions. It dawned on me – it's not just periods we avoid discussing; it's the entirety of our cycles, from aging into perimenopause to navigating menopause.

Driven by a desire to bring awareness to our natural cycles, I compiled my findings into a comprehensive guide. I wanted to simplify the complexities, create connections among women, and provide a source of support. This journey birthed a book, a course, and now, this TED talk.

I share with you today a testament to the power of understanding and embracing our cycles. I share my vulnerabilities not as a sign of weakness but as a call to solidarity among women. Having a period, moving into Perimenopause is a journey we can navigate together. Let's discard the silence, embrace each phase with ease and grace, and leave stress and overwhelm behind.

Thank you for allowing me to share my story. Together, let's empower ourselves and each other on this transformative journey.

Listen to the FULL podcast Episode HERE