In this episode of Our Uncommon Life, Vena shares a personal update on stepping into menopause and how the journey hasn’t unfolded the way she expected.

Unlike the gradual lead-up many women describe, there weren’t years of obvious perimenopause red flags. Instead, the shift felt sudden ; with intense hot flashes and unmistakable physical signals that something had changed. What started as the assumption of “probably peri” quickly became the realization that her body was already operating in full menopause mode ... even if the calendar and conventional timelines hadn’t quite caught up.

We talk openly about:

• The surprise of rapid symptom onset

• Navigating hot flashes and body changes in real time

• Reconciling expectations vs. reality

• Making proactive decisions around starting HRT

• The role of partnership and how Zac has shown up as a teammate through the unknowns, the conversations, and the adjustments

• Listening to your body instead of waiting for textbook confirmation

This conversation isn’t about medical advice, it’s about ownership, awareness, and trusting yourself through transitions that don’t always follow predictable paths. It’s also a reminder that navigating life changes isn’t a solo effort, and that support, communication, and humor matter when you’re figuring things out together.

As always, Our Uncommon Life is about sharing the real chapters : building businesses, investing in marriage, and evolving through every season life brings.