Menobodies

What's really happening during perimenopause? In this potpourri episode, I'm sharing personal health updates, discussing common perimenopause symptoms, exploring conversations around hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and GLP-1 medications, and giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what's coming next for Menobodies.

If you've been struggling with brain fog, constipation, pelvic floor issues, stress, or wondering if your hormones are changing, this episode is for you. 💜


✨ In This Episode

💪 My Perimenopause Health Journey

• 🎉 Graduating from pelvic floor physical therapy
• 🏃‍♀️ Why constipation and pelvic floor dysfunction may have contributed to bladder leakage during a recent run
• 🩸 Navigating discouraging bloodwork and why finding answers during perimenopause isn't always straightforward
• 🥗 Reflecting on supplements, healthier eating habits, and learning what works for my body
• 🩺 Preparing for an upcoming colonoscopy and the importance of preventive health screenings

🧠 Common Perimenopause Symptoms We're All Talking AboutI'm hearing the same experiences from so many women:

• 🤔 Brain fog and forgetting words
• 💬 Losing your train of thought mid-conversation
• 🙈 Feeling like you need to apologize for memory lapses
• 😮‍💨 Increased stress and feeling overwhelmed by everyday life

If this sounds familiar, you're definitely not alone.


🌸 Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Estrogen, Progesterone & TestosteroneWe're discussing:

• 💗 The roles of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone
• 🩺 Why many women with a uterus are prescribed progesterone alongside estrogen
• 💪 Potential benefits and considerations of testosterone therapy
• 📚 Why hormone therapy should always be personalized with your healthcare provider

💉 GLP-1 Medications: More Than Weight Loss?

GLP-1 medications are becoming one of the biggest conversations in women's health.

We'll talk about emerging research on:

• ❤️ Heart health
• 🩺 Cholesterol and blood pressure
• 🧠 Brain health and cognitive function
• 😊 Mood and inflammation
• 🍽️ Their original role in treating diabetes

I'm continuing to research this topic and look forward to sharing more in future episodes.


💧 Coming Soon on Menobodies

I'm currently researching:

• Electrolytes
• Magnesium, sodium, and potassium balance
• Choosing quality electrolyte supplements
• My personal supplement recommendations and experiences

🎤 Plus, my interview with a pelvic floor physical therapist is coming later this month—you won't want to miss it!


🌟 Menobodies Updates

Behind the scenes, exciting things are happening!

📸 A new brand photo shoot is complete.
💻 The Menobodies website is getting closer to launch.
📚 I'm creating educational resources for women navigating perimenopause and for therapists who want to better support their clients during this stage of life.

Thank you for your patience—it's all coming together!


😂 Life Happens...

Just days after recording an episode about mental load and how women often carry the invisible work of managing home and family, I managed to injure my finger with an electric hedge trimmer. 😬

✂️Nine stitches later, I'm doing just fine—but it reminded me that life keeps throwing unexpected challenges our way.

Whether it's a sick child, a pet emergency, car trouble, an injury, or simply one more thing on your never-ending to-do list, it's okay to feel both grateful and overwhelmed.

💜 You're not failing. You're navigating real life.


🔑 Keywords

Perimenopause • Menopause • Women's Health • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) • Estrogen • Progesterone • Testosterone • Brain Fog • Pelvic Floor Therapy • Urinary Leakage • Constipation • GLP-1 Medications • Hormone Health • Mental Load • Midlife Women's Health • Wellness • Menobodies Podcast



Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: [email protected] 
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Tools and Resources: https://www.bethlohman.com/
🗞️Newsletter:subscribe here
🌸 Menobodies: menobodies.com

Welcome back to the Mothership! ☕🚀 Grab your favorite beverage, get comfortable, and let's talk about something that so many women are carrying every single day: the mental load.

Whether you have kids, pets, aging parents, a partner, or simply a busy life, chances are you've experienced the invisible work of managing schedules, remembering appointments, coordinating activities, planning meals, and keeping track of all the little details that make a household run. 🗓️🛒🐶

In this episode, we're diving into the historical and societal patterns that have contributed to women carrying the majority of household management responsibilities—even as more women entered the workforce. While progress is being made (shout out to younger generations who are challenging outdated norms! 🙌), many of us in midlife are trying to shift relationship patterns that have been in place for years.

We explore how traditional expectations can quietly influence who does what in a household and why women often receive little recognition for the countless tasks they manage behind the scenes. From remembering registration deadlines to coordinating rides, planning meals, scheduling vet appointments, and keeping everyone on track, the mental load is real. 💭⚡

I also share some personal reflections from my own marriage, including how my husband and I continue working toward a more balanced division of responsibilities. Spoiler alert: we're not perfect, but we're learning. 💜

And because this is a menopause podcast, we talk about what happens when the weight of the mental load collides with perimenopause. When sleep is disrupted, hormones are fluctuating, energy is lower, and life responsibilities are increasing, it can feel impossible to keep all the plates spinning. 😩🎢

If you've been feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, irritable, or like you're failing at managing everything, please hear this: you're not imagining it, and you're not alone. This isn't a personal failure or a lack of willpower. It's a combination of real-life demands and a season of life that requires more support than most of us have been taught to ask for.

✨ In This Episode:
• What the "mental load" really means
• How traditional gender roles shaped household responsibilities
• Why women often carry invisible planning and coordination work
• The impact of mental load during perimenopause and menopause
• Practical ways to share responsibilities more evenly
• Why communication—not resentment—is key to change
• Simple strategies to reduce overwhelm and ask for support

💡 Key Reminder:

You don't have to do it all. Being capable doesn't mean you should carry every responsibility yourself. Support is not a luxury—it's a necessity. ❤️

If this episode resonates with you, start the conversation. Talk with your partner, family, or support system about ways to redistribute responsibilities and create a more sustainable balance.

📲 DM me @menobodies on Instagram or Facebook
📧 Email: [email protected]

Until next time, remember: you may be carrying a lot, but you were never meant to carry it all alone. 💜✨

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: [email protected] 
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Tools and Resources: https://www.bethlohman.com/
🗞️Newsletter:subscribe here
🌸 Menobodies: menobodies.com

Have you ever found yourself irritated by everything? The way someone greeted you, a sideways glance, the sound of someone chewing, or even the wind blowing too hard? 😅 If so, you're definitely not alone.

In this episode, we're diving into one of the most common—and often misunderstood—parts of perimenopause: the emotional roller coaster. 🎢 From irritability and mood swings to anxiety, sadness, and even depression, these experiences are incredibly common as our hormones begin to fluctuate and decline.

The truth is, this isn't about lacking willpower or "being too emotional." Estrogen plays a major role in how our brains regulate mood, and when those hormone levels start changing, our emotional regulation can take a hit. 💜 Understanding what's happening inside our bodies can help us approach ourselves with more compassion instead of criticism.

We also talk about the difference between an explanation and an excuse. Perimenopause may explain why emotions feel bigger or harder to manage, but we still have a responsibility to care for ourselves, use healthy coping tools, communicate effectively, and repair when needed. 🌱
As a mental health therapist, I share both professional insight and personal experience with the increased anxiety and mood changes that can show up during this phase of life. From feeling frozen by anxiety to struggling with low moods, you're not imagining it—and you're certainly not alone. 🤗

Of course, we sprinkle in a few real-life parenting stories because sometimes it's hard to know whether it's the hormones or the kids leaving half-finished tasks all over the house! 😂
If you've noticed increased irritability, anxiety, sadness, or depression, please know there is help available. Talk with your healthcare provider, reach out to a therapist, and don't be afraid to lean on trusted friends and support systems. 💕 We were never meant to navigate this alone.

✨ In This Episode:
• Why perimenopause can make you feel more irritable and emotional
• How estrogen impacts mood regulation
• The connection between perimenopause, anxiety, and depression
• Coping tools for managing difficult emotions
• Why self-compassion matters during this transition
• The importance of seeking support and treatment when needed

💌 I'd love to hear from you! Have you noticed changes in your mood, anxiety, or emotional responses during perimenopause?

📲 DM me @menobodies on Instagram or Facebook
📧 Email: [email protected]

Remember, Menobody gets through this alone. We're in this together. 💜

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: [email protected] 
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Tools and Resources: https://www.bethlohman.com/
🗞️Newsletter:subscribe here
🌸 Menobodies: menobodies.com

Hey there, Menobody! ☕✨

How are you today?

What feels in your control right now? And what feels completely chaotic?

If I'm being honest, perimenopause has me feeling like a lot is out of my control these days.
Symptoms seem to change from week to week, finding solutions takes time, and life keeps life-ing. 😅

So before we dive in, let's raise our coffee mugs together.

☕ Cheers to continuing to show up for ourselves.

💪 Cheers to navigating perimenopause—even though we didn't choose it.

🎧 Cheers to learning, growing, and supporting one another through this journey.


When Working Harder Doesn't Work

Have you ever noticed changes in your body and immediately doubled down on everything that used to work?

I recently talked with another Menobody about unexpected weight gain and rising cholesterol. Neither of us had changed our nutrition or exercise habits. In fact, we were doing all the "right" things.

So we worked harder.

🏃 More exercise.

🥗 More focus on nutrition.

📊 More tracking.

And guess what?

Nothing changed.
Cue frustration.

Cue confusion.

Cue shame.


The Problem with Shame

Many of us feel shame when our bodies change, when we're more tired than usual, more irritable, more emotional, or when we don't feel like ourselves.

But here's what I want you to hear:

Perimenopause is not a personal failure. 💜

Women's bodies have been surrounded by silence, stigma, and misunderstanding for generations. That's one reason I started Menobodies—to help change that conversation and remind women they are not alone.


Shame vs. Guilt

One lesson I share often is this:

Shame says: "Something is wrong with me."


Guilt says: "I did something wrong, but I'm still a good person."

That's a powerful difference.

Guilt helps us learn and grow.

Shame makes us believe we are the problem.

And Menobody, you are not the problem. ❤️


A Quick Reminder

The next time you feel frustrated by a symptom, body change, or challenge, try telling yourself:

✨ This is happening, and I can handle it.

✨ I am allowed to ask for support.

✨ My body changing does not make me less worthy.

✨ I am good, even on hard days.

As Emma Warwick-McElhinney writes in P!ss Off Perimenopause:

"You're adapting. And that takes support, not shame."

Amen to that. 🙌


Let's Keep the Conversation Going

Have you struggled with shame, body changes, or self-doubt during perimenopause?

📱 DM Menobodies on Facebook or Instagram

📧 Email: [email protected]

Until next time, Menobody...

💜 You are good.

💜 You are worthy.

💜 And shame has no place here.


Referenced in Episode

📖P!ss Off Perimenopause by Emma Warwick McElhinney


Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: [email protected] 
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Tools and Resources: https://www.bethlohman.com/
🗞️Newsletter:subscribe here
🌸 Menobodies: menobodies.com

Hey there, Menobody ☕

Recently, a friend told me she's just "raw doggin'" perimenopause because that's what her mom did. My immediate response? "Dang girl!"

Honestly, I admire that confidence. And it got me thinking about how differently we all navigate this stage of life.

Some of us are rolling with the symptoms as they come. Others are researching, trying supplements, exploring hormone therapy, and looking for solutions to every symptom. Most of us probably fall somewhere in between.


Perimenopause Looks Different for Everyone

Whether you're dealing with weight gain, fatigue, brain fog, digestive changes, hot flashes, mood swings, skin changes, or something else entirely, none of us chose these symptoms.

We don't choose when they show up, either.

That's why I think acceptance and symptom management can go hand in hand. We can acknowledge what's happening, give ourselves compassion, and still look for ways to feel better.


Don't Give Up on Finding Answers

I recently spoke with a Menobody who spent years trying to understand sudden weight changes despite healthy habits. It's a story many of us can relate to.

If symptoms seem to come out of nowhere, hormones may be worth exploring as part of the conversation with your healthcare provider.

I'm still working through some of my own symptoms, including fatigue, constipation, and mood changes. Some days are frustrating, but I'm continuing to ask questions, learn, and advocate for myself.


You Are Your Best Advocate

One thing I've learned is that healthcare providers are experts in medicine, but you're the expert on your body.

Ask questions.

Bring information.

Seek second opinions if needed.

Keep pursuing answers if something doesn't feel right.

Whether it's cholesterol changes, hair loss, brain fog, or another symptom, you deserve to feel heard and supported.


Let's Keep the Conversation Going

If you're experiencing symptoms and wondering if they're related to perimenopause, send me a message. I may even feature your question in a future episode (anonymously, of course!).

📩 Email: [email protected]

📱 DM Menobodies on Facebook or Instagram

To my raw doggin' Menobodies, my symptom-solving Menobodies, and everyone in between—I love ya. 💜

Talk to you next episode.


References:

📖 The New Perimenopause by Mary Claire Haver

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: [email protected] 
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Tools and Resources: https://www.bethlohman.com/
🗞️Newsletter:subscribe here
🌸 Menobodies: menobodies.com

Hey Menobodies 💕

Today’s episode is extra special because I’m joined by my longtime friend and fellow therapist, Danielle Schneider-Moran — my very first official podcast guest! 🎉

Danielle and I met in grad school years ago while navigating life, work, and becoming therapists together. Since then, she’s been one of those incredible friends who shows up with wisdom, encouragement, honesty… and occasionally collagen samples and homemade meals. 😂☕💛

In this conversation, we talk about:

• navigating perimenopause without a handbook 📖
• the overwhelming flood of menopause information online 🌪️
• how mental and physical health are deeply connected 🧠💪
• body changes, brain fog, sleep struggles, and anxiety 😵‍💫
• why there is no “one-size-fits-all” menopause solution
• the pressure women feel around aging and appearance
• and the importance of community and support 🤝✨

Danielle also shares her journey from restaurant management to becoming a therapist, fitness instructor, and founder of Boulder Life Solutions, where she combines therapy, movement, breathwork, EMDR, and holistic wellness approaches. 🌿

One of my favorite moments from this episode was when we talked about “borrowing strength” from the people around us — borrowing someone’s confidence, calm, courage, or advocacy when we need extra support ourselves. 💛

Because honestly? Perimenopause can feel confusing and isolating. But we are not meant to do this alone. ☕✨


Favorite Quotes 💬

☕ “Perimenopause feels like navigating life without a handbook.”

☕ “You have to find your own cocktail of what works for your body.”

☕ “Can I borrow your strength?”

☕ “We are still amazing. We still have so much to share.”


Coming Soon 👀

I’ll also be having a pelvic floor physical therapist on the podcast soon, so start thinking about your questions! 🩺✨ and add them to our list through this form Questions for a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist

Thanks for joining our coffee chat, Menobodies. We’re figuring this out together. 💕


Links from Today’s Episode

• Questions for a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist
• Drawingndancing - Danielle’s IG creative account 
• Bolder Life Solutions Instagram - Danielle’s IG Therapist Account
• Bolder Life Solutions Website - Danielle’s business website
• Bolder Life Solutions TikTok - her TikTok
• Hit Play Not Pause Podcast, Episode with Dr. Heather Hirsch

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: [email protected] 
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Tools and Resources: https://www.bethlohman.com/
🗞️Newsletter:subscribe here
🌸 Menobodies: menobodies.com

Remember the Commeerical Break in the Episode Today? Well here is the link to eneter all your questions for our Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist guest coming up.

Questions for Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist

Welcome! Hey there! Are you grabbing breakfast with your coffee for our chitty chat today? ☕🍳
Do you even eat breakfast? Or are you grabbing a bar, sandwich, or smoothie while running errands or heading to work?
Through my work in wellness, my deep dive into perimenopause and menopause nutrition, and conversations with my nutrition therapist, Bev, I’ve learned how important it is to try to eat something before noon. In midlife, our insulin resistance can change with hormone loss, and many of us end up having energy crashes throughout the day because we simply are not fueled well enough.
And honestly? This is not easy for me.
A lot of mornings I’m not hungry early. Sometimes I’m running behind because I waited until the last possible second to get out of bed, and eating becomes the last thing on my mind. Other times nothing sounds good or there isn’t anything quick and ready to grab.
So if this sounds familiar, I hear you.
Some ideas I’ve learned from my own journey and from friends include eating at least a banana, spreading a couple protein bars throughout the morning, pre-making smoothie ingredients in freezer baggies to dump into a blender cup, or even grabbing oatmeal, fruit, or egg bites from a fast food place once in a while.
I’m also wondering if you resonate with the bigger struggle around meals in general. Trying to make meals everyone likes, keeping up with breakfast foods, lunch foods, snacks, and dinners, and then staring into the fridge with complete analysis paralysis trying to decide what to make.
Some of you listening absolutely do not struggle with this and honestly, you are amazing. Please harness those superpowers and share them with the rest of us. Heck, maybe we need to get you on the podcast. 😂
But if you do struggle, I wanted to share my very basic, very realistic meal survival system from the perspective of someone who is not naturally organized or excited about meal prep.
Let me start by saying: I am not a super cook. I can cook and follow recipes, but I do not dream about spending an hour every evening preparing dinner. If I could financially and physically get away with ordering takeout every night, I probably would. But I know that would not support my long-term health or budget.
So if you’re picking up what I’m putting down, welcome to the Beth Lohman Meal Survival Plan.

The Grocery System
First, I keep two magnetic notepads on the refrigerator:
• one for Costco
• one for our regular grocery store, which is usually Kroger delivery
Side note: every July Kroger offers the Boost membership at 50% off, and it allows unlimited grocery delivery with no delivery fee. I think I pay around $35 a year, and groceries just appear on my doorstep. Truly one of my favorite things.
I ask everyone in the house to add things to the list as soon as they notice they’re low or gone. I’ve decided I am no longer responsible for mentally tracking every snack, granola bar, or breakfast item for the entire household. I don’t eat all the food, so I cannot magically know we’re out of your favorite snack. 😂
And honestly, we’re trying to move away from the idea that one person — usually mom — has to carry the entire mental load.

My Flexible Meal Planning Method
Usually on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, I prep. And by prep, I mostly mean planning.
I fit this in whenever I can find 15–30 minutes:
• riding as a passenger to a kid’s event
• during a quiet morning coffee
• while dinner is cooking
• during a TV show
I don’t have a perfectly scheduled planning time every week because honestly, that creates more pressure for me.
I use:
• sticky notes
• a Google Sheet
• my two refrigerator grocery lists
In my Google Sheet, I keep a running list of meal ideas. One column is “mains” with things like grilled chicken, taco meat, spaghetti, chili, shrimp, etc. Then I have side dish columns with options like broccoli, salad, fruit, fries, or Brussels sprouts.
Each week I mix and match meals and write about five meal ideas on a sticky note. I don’t assign meals to specific days because I need flexibility based on energy levels, schedules, and time available each evening.
Sometimes the list literally says:
• chili
• grilled chicken with broccoli and strawberries
• tacos
• order out 😂
I also try to include at least one pantry meal using items we almost always have at home.
Then I usually jot down lunch ideas for myself too, like chicken vegetable soup or avocado chicken salad, so I’m thinking ahead without overcomplicating things.
Recently I’ve even added snack ideas because my food restrictions have made decision fatigue even worse. Sometimes I just need a visual reminder that I can grab hard-boiled eggs or peppers with hummus without thinking too hard.

How I Build the Grocery Lists
Once the meals are planned, I add ingredients to either the Costco or Kroger list based on what we need.
The lists include:
• meal ingredients
• breakfast and lunch foods
• snacks
• family requests
• random extras like team snacks or school donations
Then I place the Kroger order on my phone or computer and schedule delivery for a convenient time. And because perimenopause brain fog is real, I immediately put the delivery time into my calendar. 😂
Then either my partner or I head to Costco.
And let me tell you a deep truth about Beth Lohman…
I do not enjoy bulk stores. At all.
I hate loading the cart, unloading the cart, loading the car, unloading the car, and putting everything away. It is my nemesis.
Thankfully, I’m married to someone who LOVES Costco. So if you have a Costco-loving partner or family member, send them with the list while you rest or tackle something else.
And if you don’t love bulk stores? Honestly, skip it. One grocery order is perfectly okay too.

Final Thoughts
Some people say they prefer picking out their own produce, and honestly, I’ve rarely had issues with grocery delivery produce quality.
Others say this system sounds like just as much work. But for me, it saves an enormous amount of time and mental energy.
If I can build my meal list while waiting at soccer practice or riding in the car, that still takes less time than driving to the grocery store, shopping, checking out, loading groceries, unloading groceries, and putting everything away.
And if I’m hosting something special like a 4th of July cookout, I create a separate grocery list and separate order closer to the event. It helps me stay organized and reduces stress.
I haven’t personally tried meal kit programs like Hello Fresh, though I think they probably work really well for some people. For my family, portions tend to be too small, plus I have a picky eater and my own dietary needs right now, so customizing meals works better for us.
I would truly LOVE your questions, ideas, and meal-planning strategies. If you have systems that help you survive the mental load of feeding yourself or your family, send them my way.
Email: [email protected]
Message me on Facebook or Instagram at Menobodies 💛
And Menobodies — however you choose meals each day, please remember this:
Your meal planning is not a reflection of your worth or character. You are good because of who you are, not because of how organized your meals are.
Muah! See you soon. 💋

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: [email protected] 
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Tools and Resources: https://www.bethlohman.com/
🗞️Newsletter:subscribe here
🌸 Menobodies: menobodies.com

☕ 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
📧 [email protected]

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: [email protected] 
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Tools and Resources: https://www.bethlohman.com/
🗞️Newsletter:subscribe here
🌸 Menobodies: menobodies.com

Share Your Ideas for Future Menobodies Podcast Episodes HERE!

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 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: [email protected] 
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Tools and Resources: https://www.bethlohman.com/
🗞️Newsletter:subscribe here
🌸 Menobodies: menobodies.com

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
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:[email protected]
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: [email protected] 
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Tools and Resources: https://www.bethlohman.com/
🗞️Newsletter:subscribe here
🌸 Menobodies: menobodies.com