Menopause Isn’t a Curse - It’s a Sacred Transition

Understanding the Three Phases of Your Midlife Evolution.

Let’s get something straight: You are not crazy, broken, or alone.

If you're standing in front of the fridge wondering why you walked into the kitchen—or you’ve cried over a toothpaste commercial—welcome. You're likely on a powerful, transformative path through one of the three stages of menopause.

And yes, every woman who lives long enough will go through them. It's not weird, shameful, or rare. It’s actually a rite of passage. One we should be celebrating, not whispering about.

Let’s break it down into the three main phases, in plain, compassionate language.

Perimenopause – The Pre-Party (even if it doesn’t feel like one)

Perimenopause is the transitional time before menopause. It can start as early as your late 30s or early 40s and last anywhere from a few years to over a decade (North American Menopause Society, 2024).

During this time, your ovaries begin to slow down hormone production—especially estrogen and progesterone. Think of it as your body's way of winding down the reproductive years.

How does that feel? Well, it might feel like you're on a hormonal rollercoaster. You could have irregular periods, mood swings, brain fog, hot flashes, insomnia, or just feel like something's off.

It's common to feel emotionally raw or more reactive. And that's not a flaw—it's your biology doing its job.

This is your body's invitation to start paying attention to yourself in a new way. To honor rest, to explore what brings you joy, and to start rewriting what it means to be a woman in this new season.

Menopause – The Turning Point

Technically, menopause is one moment in time: it’s the 12-month anniversary of your last period. That’s right—just one day marks the official transition. After that, you're in postmenopause.

But the year leading up to that moment can feel big. You might experience intensified symptoms—night sweats, vaginal dryness, changes in libido, joint pain, or anxiety. It’s easy to wonder, “Am I losing it?” The answer is: absolutely not.

You are evolving.

This is a biological transformation that every woman will experience. Just like puberty, it comes with change, challenge, and often a redefinition of self. It’s not a disease to treat—it’s a season to honor.

Postmenopause – The Afterglow (Yes, Really)

Once you're past the 12-month no-period milestone, you're in postmenopause. Some symptoms may ease, while others (like vaginal dryness or bone density changes) may stick around.

But this stage often brings clarity. Your hormones have stabilized, your body is no longer cycling, and for many women, there's a newfound sense of freedom.

You may feel like you're getting to know yourself all over again—but this time, with fewer outside expectations. You get to choose how you want to live this next chapter.

More women than ever are starting businesses, taking up strength training, going back to school, and reawakening their sensuality in postmenopause. The narrative is shifting—and you’re part of that revolution.

You’re Not Broken. You’re Becoming.

Menopause has long been treated like a taboo or a problem to fix. But in truth, it’s a sacred transition. A gateway into a powerful, wise, and vibrant stage of life. And yet, too many women feel isolated or confused. Why? Because we don’t talk about it enough.

Let me say this clearly: you are not alone.

You are not weak. You are not strange. You are part of a global sisterhood of women experiencing the beauty (and sometimes chaos) of change.

This transition isn’t the end of something—it’s the beginning of you in your fullest form.

Let’s normalize this conversation.

Let’s lift the veil of secrecy. Let’s honor our bodies with knowledge, compassion, and community.

You deserve to understand what’s happening and feel empowered every step of the way.

And remember: this isn’t just a phaseit’s a transformation.

If you’d like to connect with other women who are evolving through this magnificent time, then join us for an event, class or workshop, join the Menopause Movement Mission, or our monthly Women’s Circle.

References:

  • North American Menopause Society. (2024). Menopause 101: A primer for healthcare providers and patients.

  • Harvard Health Publishing. (2023). Menopause and your health.

  • Office on Women’s Health (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). (2022). Menopause and perimenopause.


About the Author…

Nicole Vienneau MSN, RN, NC-BC is a former ICU nurse turned holistic wellbeing advocate, with 25+ years in nursing and 30 years in fitness and health coaching.

A retired Reebok-sponsored athlete and national presenter, Nicole is the founder of Tucson’s Restoration Room, where she empowers mid-life women to reclaim their joy, confidence, and ease through holistic menopause and lifestyle strategies.

Her personal journey from burnout to peace fuels her integrative approach, blending integrative health coaching, fitness, Reiki, and sound healing. Nicole is also an author, speaker, and host of the Integrative Nurse Coaches in ACTION! podcast.

NICOLE A. VIENNEAU MSN, RN, NC-BC

NICOLE VIENNEAU, MSN, RN, NC-BC

~Brain Protection Expert & ‘Head’ Motivator!

Nicole understands the science of health habits and behaviors that ward off dementia and knows how to inspire and support you to activate dementia prevention skills in your unique life!

Nicole’s Memere (grandma in French) lived with dementia after 13 strokes slowly stole her fire and wit. Through Memere, Nicole learned the gift of humor, while hearing unsaid words and messages that are difficult to express. Nicole uses these skills to create purpose, vitality and health through the Build Your Brain Health System at Blue Monarch Health, PLLC.

Nicole achieved a Master’s in Nursing Science from the University of Arizona, and a board certification in Integrative Nurse Coaching from the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation. She is a personal trainer, yoga teacher and group fitness instructor and enjoys healing in nature while hiking the Pacific Northwest trails with her husband or lounging in the sun with her cat babies. Email Nicole

http://www.bluemonarchhealth.com
Previous
Previous

In loving memory... Gale Odion

Next
Next

Awaken Your Inner Light Guided Meditation