Menobodies

Maycember in Midlife Perimenopause and Menopause - Being Busy

☕ Welcome Hey there Menobodies! 💛 Grab a coffee and let’s take a breather and chitty chat. I don’t know about you, but the term “Maycember” feels SO fitting for my life right now. 😅 You know… the idea that December is usually one of the busiest times of year here in the US — and somehow May has become just as packed. Put together May + December and we get… Maycember. And honestly? I feel it deeply. Between schedules, responsibilities, sports, school events, work, graduation parties, emails, laundry, meals, and trying to function like a normal human… it can feel like a lot. I find myself stressed because I’m busy… and then stressed because I’m too tired to do the things I feel like I should be doing — like making meals or keeping laundry from piling up. My to-do list grows faster than I can cross things off. 🫠 💭 The Obvious Stressors For me, this season messes with my well-being in some obvious ways: • Coordinating schedules for a 4-person household • Fatigue from constantly going, going, going • Less friend time and catch-up time • Feeling emotionally stretched thin But there are also the less obvious stressors… 🏠 The House Stress Is REAL I’m one of those people who feels calmer when everything is in its place. And during Maycember? That feels impossible. At any given moment there are: • dirty dishes on the counter • random socks on furniture • Amazon boxes at the front door • reminder notes everywhere • and SO. MANY. WATER. BOTTLES. 😭 Can we talk about the emotional damage of abandoned water bottles?! Nothing makes me irrationally irritated faster than seeing a water bottle sitting on the counter full of water that no one is even using anymore. It’s from school three days ago or sports practice last night. 😂 🐶 The Guilt Spiral Then comes the guilt. The guilt that I’m not giving enough time to my people… or my animals. You’ve seen those posts: “Your dog waits all day for you to come home because you are their whole world.” Cue my crying face. 😭 During busy seasons like this, I start feeling guilty that I’m not doing enough for anyone. Not enough quality time. Not enough responses to texts. Not enough follow-up. Not enough cleaning. Not enough cooking. Not enough rest. 📱 The Communication Overwhelm I also try to keep up with texts, emails, and conversations… and sometimes I just can’t. I know people who think it’s bizarre to not respond quickly to messages. But there are honestly days I do not have the mental capacity to open my inbox or text messages and thoughtfully respond to everyone the way I’d want to. And then what happens? More guilt. Sometimes avoidance. Sometimes anxiety. 🌀 The Spiral Gets Loud Maybe you know this spiral too: Too busy to cook → feel unhealthy → stress about workouts → body shame yourself → feel worse emotionally. Or: The house gets messy → suddenly convince yourself you’re one week away from becoming a hoarder. 😅 Our brains can get really loud when we’re overwhelmed. 💛 So What Do We Do About It? If you’re someone who thrives in these seasons and has color-coded calendars and organized systems — honestly, amazing. That is your superpower. Use it well and maybe start a company, friend. 😂 But if you do feel overwhelmed during Maycember, here are a few things I want us to remember: ✨ 1. You Are Not Alone You are human. And I can guarantee you there are so many people feeling overwhelmed right now too. ✨ 2. What Is Right Now Will Not Always Be This season is temporary. Maybe right now scheduling takes priority over housework. That’s okay. That does not mean life will always feel this chaotic. We can remind ourselves of that truth instead of convincing ourselves we’re failing. ✨ 3. Find Joy in the Middle of the Chaos There’s usually a reason we’re allowing this busy season. Maybe: • your kids love their activities • you want to celebrate graduates • you enjoy doing things for teachers • you’re preparing for summer • you’re planning vacations • you’re planting gardens • you’re caring for your family and home There IS meaning inside the busy. Try to focus on the joy that exists underneath the stress. 🌸 That joy will sustain you far longer than frustration over takeout meals or unfolded laundry. ✨ 4. Ask Yourself What Will Sustain You What do you need right now? Maybe it’s: • 30 quiet minutes alone • everyone helping tidy once a week • a temporary meal service • a shorter workout • a 1-mile walk instead of 3 miles One mile is better than none. A somewhat tidy house is better than complete chaos. And as I’ve said in other episodes — enlist help. Family. Friends. Other parents. Asking for help is not weakness. It’s wisdom. 💛 ☕ Before You Go… As you step away from this episode and back into your own version of Maycember… Remember: We are making memories. We are doing our best. And dropping the ball sometimes is part of being human. Be human. And love yourself anyway. 💛 Until next episode, Menobodies — and all who are listening — You are not alone in Maycember… or any month. 📲 Check in anytime: FB + IG 📧 info@bethlohman.com Connect with Beth: 💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com  📱 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/menobodies/] & Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576768550315]: @menobodies 🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home [https://www.menobodies.com/home] 🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter [https://www.menobodies.com/newsletter]

Summer Stress, Gut Healing, and What’s Next for Menobodies

Share Your Ideas for Future Menobodies Podcast Episodes HERE! [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWgq7Ayeu3fASpWOZ0XqltnNxLdwNw5i2a8PJcFVZRAt0uhw/viewform?usp=publish-editor] Hey fabulous Menobody ☕ If you’re new here—welcome! I’m Beth Lohman, a woman walking through perimenopause and sharing my journey, the research, and the real-life messy middle of it all. Today is another Potpourri Episode—which means we’re catching up on all the things: life updates, healing progress, what’s coming next for Menobodies, and some future topics I’m digging into. So grab your coffee and let’s chitty-chat. Big Menobodies Updates 🎉 Guests Are Coming to the Show! This is happening—and I’m so excited. I’ll be bringing guests onto the podcast soon to share their expertise in areas related to perimenopause and menopause. The best part? You’ll get to help guide the conversation. I’ll be sharing question forms before each guest episode so you can submit your questions ahead of time and get real answers from experts. Because this space is for us. Stay tuned. The Menobodies Website is Coming 💻 Something big is in the works… bethlohman.com Soon, you’ll have one place for: * Podcast episodes * Resources and research * Courses * Newsletter access * Menobodies updates It’s all coming together, and I cannot wait to share it with you. Summer Anxiety Is Real ☀️ Summer is coming. And yes… I know that sounds obvious. But summer brings a different kind of pressure. As much as I love hot weather and sunshine, I’m already feeling the weight of what summer means: * Full-time work as a mental health therapist * Being more hands-on with kids being home * Extra driving and scheduling chaos * Keeping Menobodies moving forward And honestly? It’s making me anxious. Perimenopause has changed my energy. It’s changed my capacity. I don’t have the same ability to push through and “do it all” the way I used to. My hope is to continue: ✔ Weekly podcast episodes (every Thursday) ✔ Regular social media updates ✔ Monthly newsletters (last Friday of the month) But I’m giving myself permission to stay flexible. And I hope you’ll do the same. Whatever season you’re in—summer or otherwise—give yourself grace. We know ourselves best. Make your inner voice your hype person. Not your critic. (And yes… wish me luck.) My Healing Journey Update 🌿 Physical Therapy Wins Physical therapy is going so well. Shoutout to Rachel for the high-fives and encouragement. * Recent wins: * Doing my “homework” consistently * Ran 2 miles with no leakage * Regaining strength on my left side And honestly? I didn’t realize how weak that side had become until I started rebuilding it. That awareness alone has been huge. I’ve been on my strict gut-healing plan for almost two months now. This phase has been all about removing the “bad bugs” and supporting healing. * It has meant: * A very limited food list * A lot of supplements (seriously… so many) * Being extremely mindful about what I eat And I’m noticing things. Mainly? My body tells me immediately when something doesn’t sit right. I recently ordered takeout, tried to make smart choices, and something clearly didn’t work. My gut let me know. And yes… that led to constipation. The Constipation Conversation 💩 Can we normalize talking about this? Because wow. I’ve never thought about poop this much in my life. Celebrating when it happens. Worrying when it doesn’t. It’s exhausting. * What’s helping me right now: * Slow Moves herbal tea * Magnesium citrate * Lots of water Important: This is not medical advice—just sharing my personal experience. My hope is that all this healing work leads to lasting change. Things I Miss If I’m honest? * I still miss: * Alcohol sometimes * Pizza with real cheese My hope is that in a couple months I can slowly add some things back in and see what my body tolerates. Healing is a process. Sleep Update 😴 My sleep has been incredible lately. Deep sleep. Restful sleep. The kind of sleep I honestly don’t think I’ve had since before kids. And if you’re in perimenopause, you know how huge that is. The “Die-Off” Phase A few weeks ago, I had a rough stretch. * I felt: * Depressed * Moody * Irritable * Off * Unable to sleep It felt alarming. I talked to Bev, my nutrition therapist, and she explained something called a “die-off” period. When you’re actively killing off harmful bacteria or overgrowth in the gut, the process can create temporary symptoms while your body clears things out. Hearing that was such a relief. Not because it was fun—but because it gave context. It reminded me that sometimes symptoms aren’t random. Sometimes there’s a reason. And understanding that matters. Hair Update ✨ A little healing-ish update: I highlighted my hair to blend my grays. No judgment whatsoever to anyone embracing their grays—I love that for you. I just realized I feel more like myself with them blended. And that matters too. Feeling comfortable in your own skin matters. Future Topics I’m Researching 🔍 There are some topics I’m getting increasingly curious about: GLP-1s in Perimenopause Weight loss shots. Weight loss pills. Metabolic support. What role are GLP-1s playing for women in perimenopause? Peptides I keep seeing this word everywhere. What are peptides? What do they actually do? Are they effective? Are they safe? Eating Disorders & Perimenopause Not ED as in erectile dysfunction. ED as in eating disorders. There’s a significant connection here. Think about it: Many of us spent years learning how to control our bodies—or healing our relationship with food and body image. Then perimenopause changes everything. Our bodies shift. Weight redistributes. Things feel outside our control. That can be a major trigger. I’m researching this deeply and want to bring it to the show. I Want to Hear From You 💌 What topics do you want covered? What questions do you have? What are you curious about? There’s a link [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWgq7Ayeu3fASpWOZ0XqltnNxLdwNw5i2a8PJcFVZRAt0uhw/viewform?usp=publish-editor] at the top of the show notes where you can submit topic ideas and questions for future episodes. I’d love to build future episodes around what you want to know. Because we’re learning this together. And none of us should have to figure it out alone. See you next week, Menobodies 💛 Connect with Beth: 💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com  📱 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/menobodies/] & Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576768550315]: @menobodies 🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home [https://www.menobodies.com/home] 🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter [https://www.menobodies.com/newsletter]

Grieving Ourselves: The Hidden Losses of Perimenopause

Hey girl, hey. ☕ And to my non-female-identifying listeners—hey there. Love you too. Grab your coffee. And maybe some tissues. Because this one might bring some tears. Today we’re having a chitty-chat about something I don’t think gets talked about enough in perimenopause: Grief. But not grief from losing a loved one. Not grief from heartbreak. Grief for ourselves. Yep. The grief of who we used to be. Stay with me. The Grief We Don’t Talk About Perimenopause changes us. And with change often comes loss. Not just “losing our minds” (though honestly, some days it feels like that too). But losing pieces of ourselves we relied on. The ability to think quickly. To remember. To organize. To feel sharp. To feel on top of it all. You know those moments: * Did I turn the stove off? * Did I call my dad yesterday or today? * What was I supposed to do before 5pm? * Why did I walk into this room? Sound familiar? Because same. When Forgetfulness Feels Bigger Than Forgetfulness Recently, I forgot my phone at home.And listen… who does that anymore? I had a PTO meeting that night. I’m someone who knows I forget things, so I set alarms and reminders to support myself. I dropped my daughter at practice, went to a coffee shop to work, and fully planned to rely on my reminder. Except… My phone was sitting in my garage. The reminder went off. At home. Without me. By the time I got back, the meeting was over. And the guilt? The shame? The frustration? So real. Not because I missed one meeting. But because I had to face something harder: I’m not functioning the way I used to. And that requires grief. Grief in the Small Moments I gave myself grace.I owned it. I emailed the team. Offered support. Communicated directly. Because mistakes happen. But I also let myself feel sad. Because sometimes grief shows up in ordinary moments. Not dramatic moments. Ordinary ones. And those count too. Grieving Our Bodies Can we talk about body changes? Because this one is tender. Some people don’t care. Some do. And both are okay. But if you are grieving the body you used to have? That is valid. Missing your old shape. Missing how clothes fit. Missing how you felt in your skin. That does not make you shallow. That makes you human. People love to say:“There are bigger problems in the world.” Yes. And. Your pain still matters. Your experience is still real. Grief is relative. And personal. You’re allowed to feel it. Grieving Physical Ability This episode was sparked by a conversation I heard on the Feisty Media podcast Hit Play Not Pause hosted by Selene Yeager. She interviewed Dimity McDowell about her transition away from competitive running and the grief that came with it. Episode 271 - The Hardest Finish Line: Grieving and Growing Beyond Your Running Years with Dimity McDowell [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hardest-finish-line-grieving-and-growing-beyond/id1533088916?i=1000763020420] And wow. It hit. Because we mourn what we used to be able to do. For me? Running. Long distances. High intensity workouts. Jumping. Pushing. Endurance. Now? Two miles can feel hard. Pain shows up. Recovery takes longer. And that loss feels real. The Everyday Physical Losses What about: * Getting out of bed quickly * Sitting on the floor and getting up easily * Recovering after a late night * Drinking alcohol without paying for it the next day * Eating whatever you want without consequences These changes matter. And they can feel devastating. Energy Loss Is Real Have your energy levels changed? Mine have. A busy weekend used to be normal. No big deal. Recently, after one of the busiest weekends I’ve had in months, I realized halfway through Saturday night: I don’t have the stamina I used to. That realization hit hard. I needed quiet.Darkness. Rest. Immediately. And honestly? I miss the version of me who could keep going. That version felt powerful. And losing that deserves acknowledgment. Permission to Grieve This is the point:You are allowed to grieve. Not forever. Not to stay stuck. But to acknowledge. To feel.To process. To honor what has changed. I think about emotions like clouds. They float in. We notice them. We get curious. What am I feeling? Where is this coming from? What does this loss mean to me? And then…We let it move. We don’t hold it hostage. We don’t become it. We allow it. And release it. Society Tells Women to “Handle It” Be strong. Be grateful. Age gracefully. Don’t be vain. Don’t complain. Don’t be emotional. And honestly? B.S.(If you know the “B.S., Momma” quote from How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, you get me.) We are allowed to: * Fall apart sometimes * Miss our younger selves * Feel angry * Feel sad * Feel scared * Cry over what changed That doesn’t make us weak. It makes us honest. I’m Holding Space for You What are you grieving? Your energy? Your body? Your memory? Your physical abilities? Your confidence? Your sleep?Your old routines? Your sense of control? Whatever it is—I see it. And it matters. If you want to share what you’re grieving, DM me. Find Menobodies on Facebook and Instagram. Or email me:info@bethlohman.com You do not have to carry this alone. Until next time—I see you. I’m holding space for your grief. And your healing. Love you, Menobodies. 💛 Connect with Beth: 💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com  📱 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/menobodies/] & Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576768550315]: @menobodies 🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home [https://www.menobodies.com/home] 🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter [https://www.menobodies.com/newsletter]

Having Patience in the Perimenopause Process - It is not a quick fix

☕ Episode Summary Hey sunshines—grab your coffee and settle in.  Today’s conversation is all about something we know but struggle to live out: patience.In a world built on instant gratification, slowing down can feel almost rebellious. But when it comes to our bodies—especially during perimenopause and menopause—there is no skipping from A to Z. We’re talking about the reality of healing, weight changes, hormones, and self-image… and why the “quick fix” mindset often does more harm than good. This is your reminder: you’re not behind—you’re in process. 💛 In This Episode, We Chat About: 🎶 A throwback with a message * “Have patience, have patience…”—anyone remember Salty the Songbook? * Growing up with messages about slowing down * Navigating how those messages land now, regardless of where you are spiritually ⚡ The Problem with Instant Everything * Grocery delivery in an hour * Endless short-form content * How society conditions us to expect immediate results * Why real change doesn’t work that way 🌱 Things That Simply Take Time * Vegetable gardens * Body healing * Sustainable weight loss * Hormonal balance If we jump from A to Z… something’s off. ⚖️ Let’s Talk Weight Loss & Quick Fixes * Rapid weight loss often comes with trade-offs: * Muscle loss * Hair changes * Potential health concerns * Thoughts on GLP-1 medications: * Can be helpful when used thoughtfully * Slower, supported approaches = safer outcomes * The truth about fad diets: * They work… until they don’t * Sustainability is everything 🔄 Lifestyle Over Short-Term Results * Why sustainable nutrition wins long-term * Building habits you can actually live with * Yes… it takes patience (there’s that word again) 🌸 Perimenopause: The Long Game * Symptoms don’t come with quick answers * What works for one person may not work for another * Real story from the community: * Years of trial and error * Unexpected solutions (like fiber supplements) * The importance of working with providers 💬 My Personal Journey * Ongoing struggles with digestion and constipation * The long road of trying different approaches * Working with a nutrition therapist * Learning (slowly) to: * Not give up * Give myself grace * Reset when needed 🧠 The Real Root of Impatience * Comparison * Social media pressure * Wanting to look a certain way quickly Let’s be honest… we’ve all been there. 💫 Redefining Beauty * External beauty changes—and that’s okay * Internal beauty is constant and powerful * Confidence and self-love radiate across every body type You are beautiful for who you ARE, not what you LOOK like. 🤗 A Gentle PracticeWhen you feel the pull toward a quick fix: * Give yourself a literal or mental hug * Remind yourself: I am enough right now * Then decide what you want—with patience leading the way 🔥 A Little Midlife Rebellion * Rejecting the “fix it fast” culture * Doing things your way * Channeling that bold, unapologetic energy System be damned—we’re doing this differently. 🎵 Songs That Echo the Message If you need a reminder, revisit songs about patience from artists like: * Guns N' Roses * Mumford & Sons * John Mayer * Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Let the lyrics sink in. 🌼 Takeaway As we head into spring and summer—when comparison can feel louder—remember: * There is no fast-forward button * Your body deserves time * Your journey is valid * And you are already worthy Be patient. Stay in the process. Keep fighting. 💌 Closing Note Peace and love, menobodies—and everyone listening. I can’t wait to check in with you again soon 💛 Connect with Beth: 💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com  📱 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/menobodies/] & Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576768550315]: @menobodies 🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home [https://www.menobodies.com/home] 🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter [https://www.menobodies.com/newsletter]

Go Do You: Advocacy, Self-Care & Letting Go of the Shame in Midlife and Perimenopause

☕ Welcome Hey good looking! I’m so glad you’re here. Grab your coffee (hot? iced? split shot?) and let’s settle in for a little chitty-chat. Lately, I’ve been reflecting on what our Menobodies community has been sharing—and wow, the themes are loud and clear. What we’re experiencing in peri/menopause isn’t all that different from what we see in women’s sports and aging in general: * Not being taken seriously * Being told “this is just part of life” * Feeling like we’re somehow “past our prime” And honestly? We’re not here for that. 🩺 When You Know Your Body Better Than Anyone Else Let me tell you about a fellow Menobody…For two years, she told her doctor: “Something is off. Something is different. I think this might be peri/menopause.” And for two years? Dismissed.Then at her third annual visit, the doctor suddenly says: “Well, research and best practices are changing…” 😑 Here’s the truth: She knew TWO years before the doctor caught up.The good news? She’s now connected with: * A dietitian * A clinic specializing in peri/menopause care Finally. Hallelujah. 👉 If you’re in this space—questioning yourself because a provider is dismissing you—please hear this: You are not wrong. You are not imagining things. Find someone who is educated in menopause care. * Check out menopause.org * If you’re local to Indianapolis, explore: https://www.ecommunity.com/services/womens-care/midlife-health/menopause-wellness [https://www.ecommunity.com/services/womens-care/midlife-health/menopause-wellness] You deserve care that listens. 💆‍♀️ The “Whisper” Around Self-Care Another conversation I had recently? Facials. Yep. Facials. And you know what we realized? We were almost… whispering about it. WHY?! Somewhere along the way, self-care got labeled as: * Selfish * Extra * Too much And the list of “judge-able” things is long: * Facials * Waxing * Botox * Nails * Hair coloring * Teeth whitening But here’s the kicker…👉 There’s ALSO judgment if you go fully natural. * “She’s let herself go” We literally cannot win. ⚖️ The Internal Tug-of-War If you’re like me, you might feel both sides:On one side: * You enjoy these services * You’ve worked hard for them * You appreciate how they make you feel * You recognize the deeper benefits (hello massage, stress relief, skin health, etc.) On the other: * The stigma creeps in * The guilt shows up * The “should I really be spending money on this?” thoughts pop up And that tension? It’s real. 🌱 Reframing Self-Care Let’s think about this differently: We don’t whisper about: * Going to the doctor * Eating healthy * Brushing our teeth So why are we whispering about other ways we take care of our bodies? Thriving looks different for everyone. * Love your treatments? → Get it, y’all. * Prefer a natural path? → Get it, y’all. 👉 The goal is not approval. 👉 The goal is alignment with what makes YOU feel your best. 🧠 Check the Judgment (Even Our Own) Quick real talk moment…I started watching a reality show (keeping it light these days), and I caught myself judging the women on it: * “Why would they spend that much money?” * “This isn’t realistic…” Then I paused.Was I jealous? Not really. Was I judging? Yep.So I checked myself. I realized: * I can respect their choices without choosing them for myself * What actually bothered me wasn’t their appearance—it was their behavior toward each other That was the real issue. 👉 Sometimes we disguise discomfort with behavior as judgment about appearance. 🤝 Respect Goes Both Ways No matter where you land: * If you love self-care services → Own it. Be proud. * If you don’t → Own that too. Be proud. But here’s the deal: We all deserve respect—even when we don’t agree. And if someone in your life: * Constantly judges you * Doesn’t respect your choices It’s okay to take a step back and ask: Are these my people?You deserve a safe, supportive village. 🔥 Final Thoughts This one fires me up. Because at the end of the day: * Your body is yours * Your choices are yours * Your version of thriving is yours So let go of the guilt. Let go of the shame. Let go of the whisper. 💛 Until Next Time I’m here to support YOU, Menobodies— All versions of you. Even when we don’t agree, we lead with respect. Now go… DO YOU. Connect with Beth: 💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com  📱 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/menobodies/] & Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576768550315]: @menobodies 🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home [https://www.menobodies.com/home] 🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter [https://www.menobodies.com/newsletter]