Issue #44: roller coasters.
the erratic ride of perimenopause, motherhood + our nervous system, conversations about periods + divorce, and how reconnecting to our body can stabilize the ride.
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“FSH is still normal. Doesn't mean that you are not in perimenopause- just that you are not going to be 'done' anytime soon with periods. ;-)”
~ recent note from my (Rebecca’s) doctor
I read this sentence and wasn’t sure how I felt. Having been told over 10 years ago that I had diminished ovarian reserve when we were trying to start a family, I think maybe there was a seed there that menopause would happen earlier (the average age in America is 52). BUT, this is not necessarily the case—check out this article for more on fertility, diminished ovarian reserve, and menopause. My mom had a hysterectomy in her mid-forties, so I don’t have that reference point for comparison, and the length of perimenopause can vary so widely. So at almost 48, I feel conflicted. There is a grieving process that comes with the idea of no longer menstruating, of saying goodbye to a phase of life so intimately tied to identity, creativity, and possibility. But my doctor’s message was a reminder that I am likely on the rollercoaster of perimenopause for years yet—a transition rather than an ending.
The unpredictability of extended transitions—whether perimenopause, motherhood, divorce, health issues, aging parents—can be unsettling. They don’t come with a clear map, and the twists and drops can feel disorienting. Some days, I brace myself, unsure of what’s coming next, caught between grieving what’s passing and anticipating what’s ahead. But the uncertainty itself holds a kind of invitation—a chance to step through the discomfort and into something new.
And that’s what I want to lean into: this is not a closing door but an opening one. In many traditions, menopause is called the Second Spring—a time of renewal, wisdom, and deep embodiment. After years of living so much in my mind, I feel a pull to reconnect with my body in a new way—to listen to what it needs and honor its shifts rather than resist them. This is an opportunity to redefine who I want to be in this next chapter, not just in response to what is changing, but in full embrace of the growth, freedom, and self-knowing that comes with it. Riding this rollercoaster may be unpredictable (and irritating at times), but it also holds the potential for joy and exhilaration. This is not just an ending—it is an invitation.
MENOPAUSE MAP- where am I?
One Women Health- menopause in pictures.
so now WHAT? here is what I am focusing on.
Tracking My Cycle & Symptoms – Hormones fluctuate unpredictably, often leading to irregular cycles, mood swings, and physical changes. Keeping a journal or using a cycle-tracking app can help you identify patterns, anticipate symptoms, and make informed decisions about how to support your body in each phase of the cycle.
Prioritizing Restorative Sleep – Many experience sleep disruptions due to night sweats, anxiety, or hormonal shifts. Establishing a calming nighttime routine, limiting screen exposure before bed, and incorporating magnesium, herbal teas, or mindfulness practices can help improve sleep quality.
Balancing Blood Sugar – Spikes and crashes in blood sugar can worsen fatigue, irritability, and cravings. Eating balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and fiber while reducing processed sugars and refined carbohydrates can help stabilize energy levels and mood.
Supporting My Nervous System – Perimenopause can heighten stress responses, leading to increased anxiety or feelings of overwhelm. Regular practices like acupuncture, breathwork, meditation, or simply spending time in nature can help regulate your nervous system and foster a sense of calm.
Moving with Intention – Exercise isn’t just about staying active—it’s about supporting your body’s changing needs. Strength training helps maintain muscle mass and bone density, yoga can ease joint stiffness and stress, and walking supports cardiovascular health and mental clarity.
Replenishing Nutrients – Certain nutrients, such as magnesium for relaxation, omega-3s for brain and heart health, and B vitamins for energy and mood, become especially important during this transition. Eating a nutrient-dense diet and considering high-quality supplements can help fill in any gaps.
Reducing Alcohol & Caffeine – Both alcohol and caffeine can exacerbate perimenopausal symptoms like hot flashes, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Cutting back—or replacing them with herbal teas, adaptogenic drinks, or alcohol-free alternatives—can help regulate energy, mood, and hormonal balance.
Advocating for My Health – Many providers overlook perimenopause or dismiss symptoms as “just aging.” Finding a practitioner who listens, understands hormonal changes, and is open to exploring solutions like lifestyle changes, hormone therapy, or alternative treatments can make a huge difference.
Creating Space for Pleasure & Joy – Hormonal shifts can sometimes dampen mood, motivation, or libido, making it essential to prioritize what brings you joy. Whether it’s music, art, movement, deep conversations, or sensuality, engaging in pleasurable activities can help counterbalance stress and uncertainty.
Redefining Rest & Recovery – The push to be constantly productive can clash with the deep need for rest during this phase. Instead of feeling guilty for slowing down, honor your body's needs by allowing space for naps, slow mornings, and self-care without judgment.
Building a Support System – Perimenopause can feel isolating, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Connecting with friends, support groups, or online communities where others share similar experiences can offer validation, encouragement, and new coping strategies.
Looking for more? DOWNLOAD our PERI.MENOPAUSE WOVXN wellness guide
To mamas of soon to be or recent menstruators…
Guess who else’s hormone patterns can look like the perimenopause rollercoaster picture above? Yep, it can take a few years for hormones to stabilize and cycles to become regular after getting your first period. Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels can cause mood swings, irregular menstrual cycles, sleep disturbances, changes in skin, weight, and energy levels, identity shifts, and a need for increased self-care and support. Not sure what to expect or what is normal for the first few years of menstruation? Check out this article for some guidelines.
We are GRATEFUL to share support this season with
Are you seeking more meaning and joy in your life, but feel weighed down by anxiety, depression, grief, or unresolved trauma? You do not have to take this journey alone. The skilled, compassionate therapists at CLARA Healing Institute deeply understand the complexities of women’s mental health across the entire lifespan and use a collaborative, multi-faceted, and holistic approach to address mental, physical, and spiritual health.
Brittany Runaas, Psychotherapist and Art Therapist
Brittany has current openings for women who want to heal from trauma, manage life transitions, reconnect with creativity in their lives, and improve their relationship with their bodies.
Kay Bollmus, Psychotherapist
Kay has current openings for women of all ages going through life transitions, including divorce, relationships with adult children, and career and identity pivots.
To learn more and schedule a free consultation, visit www.clarahealinginstitute.com or call 414.573.6891. Mention Interwovxn for 10% discount on your initial assessment session.
TASTE: Spring Peas. We are getting excited for spring recipes and vegetables! Although snow fell this week, peas (and soon to be asparagus) are on our mind and these recipes have been bookmarked! We always love a recipe that says it is weeknight-friendly so this Pasta with Broccolini, Peas, and Pancetta made the list. As did this beautiful Fresh Pea Pesto with Papardelle + Burrata. And we love the orzo salad from Outpost and have been wanting to make a version for home and were excited to find this Feta Orzo Salad with Whole Lemon Vinagrette and Crispy Prosciutto.
SEE: Pinterest Collages. We’re finally checking out Pinterest collages, and we’re excited to start building our own vision boards! Whether it’s dreaming up new directions for our business, redefining our personal style in our late 40s, gathering home decor inspiration, planning future travels, or organizing fun ideas for the kiddo, there’s something so refreshing about curating inspiration with intention. Instead of getting lost in the endless scroll, we love the idea of creating digital spaces that reflect what excites us, grounds us, and sparks new ideas. Time to start pinning!
HEAR: When Your Kids Seem Like a Roller Coaster. This week we have had some big emotions in our house- coming off vacation and then the flu, we are getting back into regularly scheduled programming which isn’t easy. In gathering content on this week’s theme of roller coasters came across this podcast episode and thought I would give it a listen. The main takeaway for me was the importance of the energy we are mirroring back to our kids and how easily OUR nervous system can become disregulated or triggered. AND that by connecting to our body, we give ourselves the ability to calm and regulate ourselves so we can better support our kids in calming and regulating themselves.
SMELL: Reclaim Your Wild Power Over Your Nervous System. Scent has a direct line to the nervous system, making it one of the simplest ways to shift from stress to calm. This week, we’re exploring different essential oil blends to create moments of ease throughout the day. For deep relaxation, try lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood—perfect for unwinding before bed. Need a midday reset? Bergamot, clary sage, and frankincense offer a grounding, uplifting blend. If tension is creeping in, a mix of cedarwood, vetiver, and sweet orange can help melt it away. Whether it’s a few drops in a diffuser, a DIY roller blend, or a warm bath soak, scent is a gentle, powerful tool to soothe the nervous system—one inhale at a time.
TOUCH: EFT Tapping. EFT tapping is a simple yet powerful somatic practice that helps bridge the connection between body and mind, offering a way to calm the nervous system through touch. By gently tapping on specific acupressure points while acknowledging emotions, we send signals to the brain that it’s safe to relax. This rhythmic touch can help release tension, regulate stress responses, and bring a sense of grounding when we’re feeling overwhelmed. Whether used in moments of high anxiety or as a daily practice, tapping is a tangible way to reconnect with ourselves, bringing both physical and emotional relief—one tap at a time.
What is appealing to your senses right now? What are you reading? watching? cooking? wearing? loving? obsessed with? We would love to share some of your picks in future newsletters!
COMING UP this spring on the PODCAST
We are so excited for the conversations we have coming up!
Stay tuned March 19th for our conversation with Angela Mallett of Honeybee Sage Wellness & Apothecary. From the first time we met Angela we knew that we could talk to her for hours and are thrilled to chat with her (hopefully the first of many) about our periods, their power, and how to better communicate our needs to shed the stigma and encourage more intentional relationships.
And in April, we are sharing our discussion with Sue Bruckner of With Intention Coaching. As a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and relationship coach, Sue specializes in supporting women through the complexities of divorce, helping them navigate the emotional, practical, and personal growth aspects of this major life transition. Through her coaching, she offers guidance on reclaiming self-worth, setting healthy boundaries, and rediscovering personal identity beyond marriage. Her offerings include one-on-one coaching, workshops, and group support, providing women with the tools to move forward with confidence, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose.
And we leave you WITH…
TOMORROW is international WOMEN’S day!
We want to take a moment to honor you—the women who lift us up, who listen, support, and stand beside us. You are the heart of INTERWOVXN, and we are so grateful for this growing community of women committed to each other’s well-being. Together, we create spaces where women feel seen, supported, and empowered.
And when we lift each other, we create real change. We invite you to grow this circle—share this with the women in your life, support women-owned businesses, and amplify the voices of women and girls. Looking to get more involved? Stand with the organizations fighting for menstrual equity, like Period.org, Milwaukee Diaper Mission, and Milwaukee Period Parties. Advocate for policies that protect and uplift all women. And most importantly—VOTE. Your voice, your choices, and your support matter.
Together, we are powerful. Thank you for being here. Thank you for being you.
Have a great weekend!
