The holiday season is almost here and while it’s often a time of celebration and giving, for women in perimenopause and menopause, it can also be a time of hormonal fluctuations, mood swings, and physical discomfort. This year, give yourself and your loved ones the gift of wellness. Here are some ideas that will stretch your pocketbook.

I’m baffled by the number of women who still count calories. We know the dinosaur thinking of “calories in, calories out” is a farce, a myth, and incredibly shortsighted. The fitness industry wants you to believe it so they can sell you something like an app to track your calories. The nutrition industry wants you to continue to search for THE perfect combo of calories and foods so miraculously you’ll have that body of the woman on their IG post. But I want you to know the truth. 

Trigger warning: this article contains personal details of pregnancy loss.

The first time, they called it a “chemical.” A chemical? I had a positive pregnancy test, which for me was so much more than just that — I had calculated the expected due date, wondered the baby’s gender, even added a few more names to the ever-growing list on my phone’s notepad. It was hard moving forward, but we did. We always did. 

While I may not be the biggest fan of pumpkin-flavored lattes, I absolutely embrace real pumpkin this season for its incredible bone-building properties. Let’s be honest: Who doesn’t want strong bones? And pumpkin is here to help! This incredible gourd is packed with minerals and has amazing alkalizing properties, which are crucial for maintaining bone health.

So… you are noticing a few things…You’re losing sleep. You are a little more irritable or reactive over the “little things.” You seem to have increased pants sizes overnight. Your allergies came out of left field.  Soon you discover – from a knowledgeable source and NOT from Insta – you are in perimenopause.

I recently sat down with Emily Coccia, Owner and CEO of Ms. Moxie's Moon Shop, a menstrual health boutique for every phase and everyone, to talk about life, how to serve women best, and our upcoming program: Why Fitness at 40 Feels Elusive: Strategies to Feel Your Best at Any Age.

We begin to lose muscle mass at age 30. It’s crucial to keep it!  We have been sold a line that if we sweat, we will lose weight. To many, sweat is the indicator of a “good workout” and you think strength training won’t make you sweat. But that’s simply not true. 

For many women, this sense of mental overstimulation is particularly pronounced, affecting their daily lives, mental health, and overall well-being. It’s like trying to juggle flaming torches while walking on a tightrope—except the torches are actually emails, chores, and endless “what’s for dinner?” queries.

I understand that gym memberships and pre-dawn workouts no longer fit your reality. I’ve been there. But fear not, there are smarter ways to incorporate exercise into your busy schedule. Here are three strategies to stay focused on your wellness during the crazy days of September:

Everyone is an athlete. Whether you're preparing for a global tour like Taylor Swift or simply aiming to stay active, dedication to physical fitness is paramount. Taylor is 34 going on 35, and as she navigates her career, she’s also setting an excellent example for those approaching perimenopause.

Summer vacation is here for many, and the excitement of traveling is undeniable. It’s also crucial to keep our spines happy and healthy while on-the-go. Here are some tips to help you avoid travel-related issues like back pain and neck stiffness.

I get asked a lot about intermittent fasting – which is not a diet and is better described as an approach to meal timing. While I understand there are benefits for some, I do have concerns about this strategy for women in perimenopause and menopause.

Don't let hot flashes steal your sunshine! By packing some smart essentials in your beach bag, you can transform a potentially uncomfortable outing into a day of pure relaxation.

This summer, I’m recommending you embrace both relaxation and mind-stimulation. A captivating story or inspiring tale can give you just the break you need, whether poolside or tucked into bed. 

With the Tony Awards this month, I’m looking forward to the fashion and the drama. But do you know what's another red carpet topic? Menopause. Yes, I said it. It's not some dirty word we should avoid; it's something we should celebrate.

With the rising popularity of weight loss drugs and an endless stream of new diets, the false images, unrealistic expectations, and empty promises they sell us are impossible to ignore.

Midlife is a time of incredible transformation. We gain wisdom, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for who we are.

Beyond the baby showers and Instagram-worthy moments lies a complex reality—a reality where many mothers struggle with feelings of anxiety, depression, inadequacy and overwhelm.

There were days during my perimenopause journey when I would arrive at work sluggish and wishing I could have had an extra hour of sleep.

As someone who has navigated years of infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss, and as a therapist helping others through similar struggles, I understand the overwhelming impact it can have on your life.