Menobodies

☕ Episode Summary

Hey sunshines—grab your coffee and settle in. 

Today’s conversation is all about something we know but struggle to live out: patience.In a world built on instant gratification, slowing down can feel almost rebellious. But when it comes to our bodies—especially during perimenopause and menopause—there is no skipping from A to Z.

We’re talking about the reality of healing, weight changes, hormones, and self-image… and why the “quick fix” mindset often does more harm than good.

This is your reminder: you’re not behind—you’re in process.


💛 In This Episode, We Chat About:

🎶 A throwback with a message

• “Have patience, have patience…”—anyone remember Salty the Songbook?
• Growing up with messages about slowing down
• Navigating how those messages land now, regardless of where you are spiritually

⚡ The Problem with Instant Everything

• Grocery delivery in an hour
• Endless short-form content
• How society conditions us to expect immediate results
• Why real change doesn’t work that way

🌱 Things That Simply Take Time

• Vegetable gardens
• Body healing
• Sustainable weight loss
• Hormonal balance

If we jump from A to Z… something’s off.


⚖️ Let’s Talk Weight Loss & Quick Fixes

• Rapid weight loss often comes with trade-offs:
  • Muscle loss
  • Hair changes
  • Potential health concerns
• Thoughts on GLP-1 medications:
  • Can be helpful when used thoughtfully
  • Slower, supported approaches = safer outcomes
• The truth about fad diets:
  • They work… until they don’t
  • Sustainability is everything

🔄 Lifestyle Over Short-Term Results

• Why sustainable nutrition wins long-term
• Building habits you can actually live with
• Yes… it takes patience (there’s that word again)

🌸 Perimenopause: The Long Game

• Symptoms don’t come with quick answers
• What works for one person may not work for another
• Real story from the community:
  • Years of trial and error
  • Unexpected solutions (like fiber supplements)
  • The importance of working with providers

💬 My Personal Journey

• Ongoing struggles with digestion and constipation
• The long road of trying different approaches
• Working with a nutrition therapist
• Learning (slowly) to:
  • Not give up
  • Give myself grace
  • Reset when needed

🧠 The Real Root of Impatience

• Comparison
• Social media pressure
• Wanting to look a certain way quickly

Let’s be honest… we’ve all been there.


💫 Redefining Beauty

• External beauty changes—and that’s okay
• Internal beauty is constant and powerful
• Confidence and self-love radiate across every body type

You are beautiful for who you ARE, not what you LOOK like.


🤗 A Gentle PracticeWhen you feel the pull toward a quick fix:

• Give yourself a literal or mental hug
• Remind yourself: I am enough right now
• Then decide what you want—with patience leading the way

🔥 A Little Midlife Rebellion

• Rejecting the “fix it fast” culture
• Doing things your way
• Channeling that bold, unapologetic energy

System be damned—we’re doing this differently.



🎵 Songs That Echo the Message

If you need a reminder, revisit songs about patience from artists like:

• Guns N' Roses
• Mumford & Sons
• John Mayer
• Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Let the lyrics sink in.


🌼 Takeaway

As we head into spring and summer—when comparison can feel louder—remember:

• There is no fast-forward button
• Your body deserves time
• Your journey is valid
• And you are already worthy

Be patient. Stay in the process. Keep fighting.


💌 Closing Note

Peace and love, menobodies—and everyone listening.
I can’t wait to check in with you again 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 good looking!

I’m so glad you’re here.

Grab your coffee (hot? iced? split shot?) and let’s settle in for a little chitty-chat.

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on what our Menobodies community has been sharing—and wow, the themes are loud and clear. What we’re experiencing in peri/menopause isn’t all that different from what we see in women’s sports and aging in general:

• Not being taken seriously
• Being told “this is just part of life”
• Feeling like we’re somehow “past our prime”

And honestly? We’re not here for that.


🩺 When You Know Your Body Better Than Anyone Else

Let me tell you about a fellow Menobody…For two years, she told her doctor:

“Something is off. Something is different. I think this might be peri/menopause.”

And for two years?

Dismissed.Then at her third annual visit, the doctor suddenly says:

“Well, research and best practices are changing…”

😑

Here’s the truth:
She knew TWO years before the doctor caught up.The good news? She’s now connected with:

• A dietitian
• A clinic specializing in peri/menopause care

Finally. Hallelujah.

👉 If you’re in this space—questioning yourself because a provider is dismissing you—please hear this:
You are not wrong. You are not imagining things.

Find someone who is educated in menopause care.

• Check out menopause.org
• If you’re local to Indianapolis, explore:
  https://www.ecommunity.com/services/womens-care/midlife-health/menopause-wellness

You deserve care that listens.


💆‍♀️ The “Whisper” Around Self-Care

Another conversation I had recently?

Facials.

Yep. Facials.

And you know what we realized?

We were almost… whispering about it.

WHY?!

Somewhere along the way, self-care got labeled as:

• Selfish
• Extra
• Too much

And the list of “judge-able” things is long:

• Facials
• Waxing
• Botox
• Nails
• Hair coloring
• Teeth whitening

But here’s the kicker…👉 There’s ALSO judgment if you go fully natural.

• “She’s let herself go”

We literally cannot win.


⚖️ The Internal Tug-of-War

If you’re like me, you might feel both sides:On one side:

• You enjoy these services
• You’ve worked hard for them
• You appreciate how they make you feel
• You recognize the deeper benefits (hello massage, stress relief, skin health, etc.)

On the other:

• The stigma creeps in
• The guilt shows up
• The “should I really be spending money on this?” thoughts pop up

And that tension? It’s real.


🌱 Reframing Self-Care

Let’s think about this differently:

We don’t whisper about:

• Going to the doctor
• Eating healthy
• Brushing our teeth

So why are we whispering about other ways we take care of our bodies?

Thriving looks different for everyone.

• Love your treatments? → Get it, y’all.
• Prefer a natural path? → Get it, y’all.

👉 The goal is not approval.

👉 The goal is alignment with what makes YOU feel your best.


🧠 Check the Judgment (Even Our Own)

Quick real talk moment…I started watching a reality show (keeping it light these days), and I caught myself judging the women on it:

• “Why would they spend that much money?”
• “This isn’t realistic…”

Then I paused.Was I jealous? Not really.

Was I judging? Yep.So I checked myself.

I realized:

• I can respect their choices without choosing them for myself
• What actually bothered me wasn’t their appearance—it was their behavior toward each other

That was the real issue.

👉 Sometimes we disguise discomfort with behavior as judgment about appearance.


🤝 Respect Goes Both Ways

No matter where you land:

• If you love self-care services → Own it. Be proud.
• If you don’t → Own that too. Be proud.

But here’s the deal:

We all deserve respect—even when we don’t agree.

And if someone in your life:

• Constantly judges you
• Doesn’t respect your choices

It’s okay to take a step back and ask:

Are these my people?You deserve a safe, supportive village.


🔥 Final Thoughts

This one fires me up.

Because at the end of the day:

• Your body is yours
• Your choices are yours
• Your version of thriving is yours

So let go of the guilt.

Let go of the shame.

Let go of the whisper.


💛 Until Next Time

I’m here to support YOU, Menobodies—

All versions of you.

Even when we don’t agree, we lead with respect.

Now go…
DO YOU.

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

Hey there girl, gal, ya’ll, you!

Grab your favorite coffee (split shot, anyone? 😉) and settle in for a cozy chat.

This episode starts with a heartfelt (and slightly tragic) coffee story featuring a spill, a comeback visit, and a reminder that genuine human kindness still exists. Huge love to a local Indy gem, Lulu’s Coffee and Bake House, for restoring faith in good old-fashioned customer service. 💛

But today’s episode isn’t really about coffee…It’s about something even more personal:

👉 Customized movement in perimenopause and menopause

🧠 Let’s Set the Stage

Before we dive in, a few important notes:

• I use the word movement instead of “exercise”
  → Because we’re healing from the “no pain, no gain” era
• I’ve got the background to support this convo
  → Master’s in kinesiology
  → Certified personal trainer & group fitness instructor
  → Yoga for menopause certified
• And always:
  ⚠️ This is not medical advice—check with your provider before making changes

🍽️ Think “Movement Buffet”

This episode is all about giving you options—a smorgasbord (buffet!) of movement choices you can mix and match based on what YOUR body needs.

Because what worked in your 20s?
Yeah… that might not work anymore. 😬


🚨 The Big Mindset Shift

One of the hardest (and most eye-opening) changes:

👉 Intense workouts are not always your friend anymore

Why?

• Increased joint stress
• Higher inflammation
• Cortisol builds up and doesn’t clear as easily
• Hormonal shifts change how your body responds to stress

And yes… this can impact weight, energy, and recovery.


⚖️ It’s Not Just Calories Anymore

Midlife bodies shift the rules:

• Less about calories in vs. calories out
• More about:
  • Protein
  • Fiber
  • Hormonal support

If you’ve been doing the same things but your body is changing…
You are NOT imagining it.


🚶‍♀️ Let’s Talk Cardio (Reimagined)Instead of:

• Running → try walking or walk/jog combos
• Sprint intervals → try steady, lower-intensity movement

If you still LOVE your workouts and feel good → keep going!
But if symptoms are creeping in (fatigue, joint pain, weight changes)… it may be time to adjust.


💪 Strength Training = Non-Negotiable

This is the big one.

Because with declining estrogen, we lose:

• Muscle mass
• Bone density

👉 Strength training helps slow or counteract that loss

This can look like:

• Lifting weights (even 15 minutes a few times a week!)
• Yoga or Pilates
• Bodyweight exercises at home

💡 Easy Ways to Start

• 10 squats at the counter
• Wall push-ups before bed
• Light dumbbells while watching TV
• Beginner classes or YouTube workouts

A great resource to explore: Fitness with PJ (menopause-focused workouts!)


🧘‍♀️ Don’t Skip Stretching

Remember when we could skip stretching and be fine?

Yeah… not anymore. 😅

Now it’s essential for:

• Injury prevention
• Mobility
• Feeling human when you get out of bed

Try:

• Post-workout stretching
• Yoga classes
• Dedicated stretch routines

❤️ The Bottom Line

Your movement in midlife should be:

✔ Supportive
✔ Sustainable
✔ Customized
✔ Kind to your body

Not punishing. Not exhausting. Not based on outdated rules.


💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

What are YOU experiencing?

• Loving the shift to gentler movement?
• Missing your intense workouts?
• Just getting started?

I’d love to hear from you:
🌐 menobodies.com
📱 @menobodies on Facebook & Instagram
📧 [email protected]

(Yes… new email, exciting things coming 👀)

Ciao for now, Menobodies and all who are listening 💛

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

🏀 Welcome In

Hey hey, Menobodies!

Today’s episode is all about menopause and the WNBA—and yes, this one is a little personal.

Because… I live in Indianapolis, and we’ve got the incredible Indiana Fever right here.

So naturally, my curiosity kicked in hard:

👉 What is happening in women’s professional basketball when it comes to menopause?

Let’s dig in.


🔍 What Came Up First (And Why It Matters)

The first thing that popped up in my search?

A partnership between the Minnesota Lynx and LOLA—providing:

• Free feminine care products
• Community education on menstrual cycles

👏 YES to this initiative.

Seriously—applause all around.

But also… let’s talk about it.

🤨 Why Is This Still “New”?

Not directed at the Lynx—but at society as a whole:

• Why is this not standard everywhere yet?
• Why are we just now seeing these basics being addressed?
• And can we please upgrade the bathroom supplies while we’re at it?!

Because let’s be real:

👉 Comfort matters.
👉 Dignity matters.
👉 Women deserve better—everywhere.


🔥 The Bigger Question

If we can provide:

• Menstrual products
• Education around cycles

Then WHY aren’t we also providing:

👉 Education and support for perimenopause and menopause?

Imagine:

• Arena campaigns
• Team-based education
• Resources for fans and athletes alike

That’s a captured, powerful audience ready to be supported.

🧠 What the Research Says

Another thing that surfaced?

Research confirming that even elite endurance athletes experience menopause symptoms like:

• Sleep disruption
• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Joint pain

And part of me thought:

👉 Did we really need research to prove this?

But now we know—it’s undeniable:

High-level fitness does NOT cancel out menopause.


🏃‍♀️ The “Generic Advice” Problem

Most of what’s out there for menopause + athletics says:

• Lower intensity cardio
• Increase strength training
• Eat more protein and fiber

And yes—this is helpful. But here’s the issue:

👉 This advice is built for the average woman—not elite or high-performance athletes.


⚠️ What About Professional Athletes?

WNBA players and other elite athletes:

• Can’t always “slow down”
• Can’t just reduce intensity
• Are expected to perform at peak levels

So what happens?

• They push through
• Risk injury
• Or can’t keep up and get labeled as:
  • “Declining”
  • “Washed up”
  • “Past their prime”

🚩 Without context.
🚩 Without understanding hormones.
🚩 Without proper support.


📊 A Glimpse of Progress

One standout perspective came from Erica Suter Mulholland, a strength coach and lifelong soccer player.

She highlights:

• Female athletes have hormonal cycles that impact performance
• Training schedules should reflect:
  • Fatigue levels
  • Recovery needs
  • Hormonal shifts

👉 The big question she raises:

Should women’s training schedules be designed differently than men’s?

Beth’s take?
👉 Probably yes.
👉 But we’re not there yet.


🧩 What’s Missing

After digging through articles and research, here’s the honest truth:

👉 There is very little guidance specifically for:

• Professional athletes
• High-performance women
• Women navigating perimenopause while competing

Most resources stop at general wellness.

But that’s not enough.


💡 Looking Ahead

I truly believe:

👉 In the next 10 years, we’re going to see major growth in this space.

Because the need is there. And we cannot forget:

These athletes—

• Are human
• Are feeling the same symptoms many of us are
• Are under even more pressure to appear “fine”

🤝 Your Challenge

This Week I want you to:

• Talk to an athlete in your life
  (recreational OR professional)
• Ask how they’re doing
• Open the door to this conversation

Because awareness starts small—and spreads fast.


💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Got resources? Thoughts? Experiences?

Send them my way:

📱 DM: Menobodies (Facebook & Instagram)
📧 Email: [email protected]

I’ll keep sharing what I find—and together, we’ll build this knowledge base.


🌟 Big Dream Energy

My dream?

To work with organizations like the WNBA to:

• Integrate menopause education into athlete care
• Support players holistically
• Create campaigns that reach fans everywhere

Because this isn’t just about athletes.

👉 It’s about ALL of us.


🎯 Final Thought

We are not going down without a fight.

Not in sports.
Not in our bodies.
Not in this stage of life. 


💋 Until Next Time…

Menobodies of all activity levels—

Keep asking questions.
Keep pushing for better
Keep showing up.

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 to the Game

Let’s gooooo!!
(Yes, that full-on sports announcer energy 🎤)

 Welcome back, Menobodies! This week, we’re grabbing our coffee to-go and heading out together—imagine we’re driving to a women’s college basketball tournament during March Madness. 🚗☕

🏀 As we cruise, we’re having one of those real, winding, bestie-style conversations—this time about women’s sports and perimenopause… and how these two worlds absolutely collide.


💪 Women in Sports = Women in Perimenopause

Let’s broaden the definition of “athlete” for a second:

• Professional athletes
• Recreational athletes (soccer leagues, rugby, runners, CrossFit, powerlifting)
• Women who consistently train—cardio, strength, goals, discipline

👉 If you’re moving your body with intention—you’re in this conversation.

And here’s the truth:
Many of these women are in their mid-30s and beyond, meaning they are either entering or deep in perimenopause and menopause.


⚠️ The Gap No One Is Talking About

There’s a major disconnect happening:

• OB/GYNs often receive minimal menopause education
• Sports medicine doctors may lack hormonal health knowledge
• Very few providers understand the overlap of athletic performance + menopause

So what happens? Women are left trying to:

• Stay lean
• Build strength
• Recover properly
• Sleep well

…while their hormones are shifting dramatically.


😩 When Your Body Stops “Responding”

You didn’t change your habits—but suddenly:

• Sleep is off
• Weight is increasing
• Recovery is slower
• Injuries pop up out of nowhere

And here’s the key message:
👉 It’s not you. It’s your hormones.

Now layer in an injury? That’s a whole different level of challenge. 


⚖️ The Double Standard in Athletic Care

Male athletes:

• Face aging, metabolism shifts, inflammation
• Are supported with nutrition, recovery, training protocols

Female athletes:

• Experience all of the above plus hormone disruption
• Receive the same treatment approaches… which often don’t work

And the result?
👉 Women feel dismissed, confused, and unsupported.


📣 Beth’s Soapbox Moment (Because It Matters)

Women are not being educated about what happens in their bodies. Beth shares:

• Conversations with younger women already lacking hormone knowledge
• The normalization of “just get through it” messaging
• The urgency of real education, real care, and real advocacy

Because this isn’t just about comfort—this is about:

• Long-term health
• Heart health
• Longevity
• Quality of life

🗣️ Advocacy Is Non-Negotiable

If you are told:

• “Just tough it out”
• “It’s normal, you’ll be fine”
• “It’s just aging”

🚩 That’s your sign to find a new provider. You deserve:

• Answers
• Support
• Treatment that considers your full body

🏃‍♀️ For the Athletes Listening…

Whether you’re competitive or recreational: Know this:

• Your body is changing—and that’s valid
• Symptoms are real—not a personal failure
• You need to learn your body in this phase

Start asking:

• Could this be perimenopause?
• What support do I actually need?
• Who understands both hormones and performance?

Because right now?
👉 No one is connecting the dots for us—we have to do it.
And we will. Because we always do. 💥


💬 Let’s Build This Together

Beth is actively digging into:

Sports + menopause resources, research, and real-life strategies

Have something to share?

• Articles
• Podcasts
• Tips or tools

Send them in!

📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 DM: Menobodies on Facebook & Instagram


🤝 Work With Beth

If you’re an active woman or athlete navigating perimenopause and want support:

• Understanding your symptoms
• Improving performance
• Feeling like yourself again

Reach out to set up a session 💜


🎯 Takeaway

You are not “losing your edge.”

You are navigating a powerful transition—with the wrong support system.

Let’s change that.


👟 Until Next Time…

Keep sporting, Menobodies.

Keep fighting for what you love.

And remember—we’re right here behind you, advocating for you every step of the way. See you next episode 🎧








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

Welcome ☕

Hello, Menobodies!

Do you have your favorite coffee or beverage ready?

Today’s episode is a classic coffee chitty chat — the kind where best friends sit down together and bounce from topic to topic. You know the kind: we follow each other easily, but someone listening from the next table might be completely lost.

That’s the vibe today.

We’re talking about health updates, hormones, physical therapy, nutrition therapy, and some stories I’ve heard recently from other women navigating perimenopause and menopause.

So grab your drink and let’s chat.


Hormone Update

One quick health update I wanted to share…I’ve been having bleeding twice a month, which definitely raised some questions for me. It’s on my list to discuss with my provider because, as many of us know, hormones during perimenopause can do some wild things.

Stay tuned — I’ll share what I learn.


Physical Therapy Wins

I also want to give a huge shoutout to Rachel, my physical therapist.

She explained something interesting about pelvic floor therapy — that there is external work and internal work involved.

Each session honestly feels like a workout.

One thing we discovered is that I have extreme weakness on my left side, from my hip and glute all the way down to my ankle.

Doing the exercises at home consistently can be tough (life is busy!), but the therapy is helping.

Some wins so far:

• Less leaking when I sneeze
• Better control when holding it
• Improvement while running
• And one big victory…

I was late at work, rushing to the bathroom, and I actually held it without leaking!

Small wins are big wins.

I still have several sessions left, and I’m excited to see how much stronger things can get.

A Quick Side Tangent: Physical Therapy People Watching

Let me tell you about this therapy facility for a second.It is amazing for people watching.

The place is busy — usually about 15 therapists working at once, and they often see two clients at a time.

I tend to go during hours when many geriatric clients are there, and honestly it’s a great reminder of why we should keep moving our bodies and taking care of ourselves now.

Some of my favorite moments:

• Watching translators help patients through screen translation and sign language
• A woman who plays Jesus music loudly from her phone so we can all hear it over the overhead music
• Another woman who walks laps and gives compliments to everyone she passes

Truly a delightful slice of humanity.

Okay… back on topic.


Nutrition Therapy Journey

I recently started nutrition therapy, and wow…It has been eye-opening and HARD.

First came the testing.

I had to go to two different labs and get four vials of blood drawn twice.

Then came the GI test.If you know… you know.

And if you don’t — let’s just say you collect a stool specimen and send it to a lab.

Not glamorous, but totally worth it.


The Reset Diet

My practitioner started me on a reset diet, similar to an elimination diet.

At first it included removing:

• Dairy
• Grains
• Sugar
• Alcohol
• And what felt like a thousand other foods

I won’t go deep into this here because it deserves its own full episode.

After more test results came in, we adjusted things again.Right now my diet is mostly protein and vegetables.

Not forever — just temporarily while we work on decreasing what my practitioner calls the “bad bugs.”

Basically my bad gut bacteria have overrun the good bacteria, so we’re using food (and soon supplements) to rebalance things.

And let me tell you…I’m learning why this imbalance is so common during menopause, and I cannot wait to share that information with you.

But not today — this is our topic potpourri episode.


Speaking of Potpourri…

Do you love the word potpourri?

Do you even know what potpourri is?

If not… go Google it.

Total 1980s household staple.


One Early Nutrition Win

Even though I haven’t started the supplements yet, I’ve already noticed something surprising:

• More energy
• Less fatigue

Whoa.

Nutrition really does impact how we feel.



Things Women Have Been Sharing With Me

Lately I’ve been hearing so many stories from women about perimenopause and menopause.

Their experiences have made me feel incredibly validated — and I want to pass some of that validation on to you.

Here are a few things that came up recently.


The “What’s That Word?” Moment

Several women told me they are forgetting common words.

The other day I couldn’t think of the phrase laundry detergent, so I called it:

“the liquid that washes our clothes.”

If this happens to you, you’re not alone.

Hormone shifts during perimenopause can absolutely affect memory and word recall, and the good news is that it can improve with treatment and support.


“Women in the Pause”

Last week I attended a really cool presentation called Women in the Pause — which is also the name of the organization.

The founders are local, and the event featured healthcare professionals speaking about menopause.

I felt so validated hearing what they shared, especially knowing that I’ve been heading in the right direction with some of my own health decisions.

But one thing that really stood out to me was how many women in the room had no idea what was happening to their bodies.

They didn’t know:

• what symptoms meant
• what support existed
• how to advocate for themselves medically

It was eye-opening.

We also talked about a growing movement toward integrated women’s health care, where providers bring together:

• hormones
• medical care
• nutrition
• lifestyle support

Because all of these systems are connected.


The “You’ll Figure It Out” Problem

Just yesterday a client told me something that honestly made me cringe.

Their doctor said:“Oh, that’s just what happens. You’ll figure it out.”

Thankfully, that person is now working with a functional medicine doctor as well.

But this kind of dismissal is still far too common.


Night Sweats Are Real

Another woman recently confirmed something I’ve heard many times before.

She woke up during a night sweat so intense that she had to:

• wring out her shirt
• and take a shower in the middle of the night

Yes, menopause symptoms can be that dramatic.


Late Diagnoses

One more story really stuck with me.

A woman in her 50s was just diagnosed with celiac disease.

So many of us brush past symptoms for years — or they get dismissed — and then perimenopause makes everything worse, finally pushing us toward answers.

We’re also seeing this pattern with:

• autoimmune conditions
• ADHD
• gastrointestinal disorders

This phase of life can reveal things that were under the surface for years.


Gut Microbiome + Hormones

The last thing I want to share today is something I’m just beginning to explore.

I’m learning about the connection between:

• gut microbiomes (the bacteria in our gut)
• and hormones

The relationship between these two systems is fascinating.

I’m going to keep researching and will share what I learn through:

• this podcast
• the Menobodies newsletter
• social media

Stay Connected

If you want to keep up with these conversations, make sure you’re:

• Subscribed to the podcast
• Following Menobodies on Facebook and Instagram
• Signed up for the newsletter

You can join the newsletter here:
www.menobodies.com/newsletter

Until Next Time

Well… my coffee cup is empty.

And that means our chitty chat is over for today.

Thanks for sitting with me.

See you in the next episode.

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

Welcome ☕

Hello, Menobodies!

Welcome to another cozy coffee chat. Imagine we’re sitting together catching up for a bit.

Today I’m sipping an iced split-shot oat milk latte with stevia. And yes… I felt very cool the first time I learned to order a “split shot.”

My coffee order has actually changed a lot since starting nutrition therapy, and I’ll share more about that journey in a future episode.

So grab your favorite drink and let’s chitty chat.


Today’s Topic: Parenting Our Parents

Lately I’ve noticed that so many friends are entering a similar phase of life — parenting our parents.

Are you in this phase too?

Or maybe you’re wondering:

• Am I in this phase yet?
• Should I be stepping in more?
• Is this normal?

Let’s talk about what this can look like.


The Lighter Side

Sometimes parenting our parents looks like gently correcting them or guiding them through everyday things.

For example:

• Telling them not to order products from random Facebook ads
• Explaining that an email threatening to shut off their Wi-Fi unless they send their bank information… is a scam

(Yes, we’ve had a few of those conversations with my dad.)

Or maybe you’re questioning some of their choices:

• Like my friend recently asking her parents why two people need six giant jars of mayonnaise in the pantry.

The Harder Side

Then there are the more serious moments.

Parenting our parents can also look like:

• Learning about Medicare
• Helping them find 24-hour care or assisted living
• Managing health decisions
• Getting constant calls or texts and thinking, “What happened now?”

Maybe someone fell down the stairs.
Maybe they hit their head.

Sometimes it involves difficult conversations like:

• Stopping driving
• Leaving their home
• Moving somewhere safer

And for some of you, this journey has included walking alongside a parent through illness and eventually death.

That comes with grief and often very complicated emotions.

All of the Feelings Are Allowed

No matter your story:

• Someone who had a beautiful childhood
• Someone whose childhood was complicated
• Someone who loves their parents deeply
• Someone still working through pain

Every emotion is valid

If you’re helping guide your parents, protecting them, or stepping in to manage their wellbeing in ways they once did for you…You are likely parenting your parents.

Let’s pause together and take a slow, deep breath.


When Our Minds Go to “The Last Time”

Sometimes my mind goes to thoughts like:

“Was that the last time my dad will drive to visit me?”

And eventually maybe I’ll be the one always going to see him.

Anyone else go there?

Or is it just me?

You might be thinking:
“Beth… maybe run that one by your therapist.”

And yes — therapists have therapists.

I like to call them grand-therapists.



Letting Thoughts Float By

When those thoughts show up, I try not to spiral too far into them.

Instead I try to:

1. Notice the thought
2. Allow the feeling
3. Let it pass

Fighting or suppressing thoughts often makes them stronger.

Acknowledging them — letting them exist — can help them move past us.

Like a cloud floating across the sky.

The Bottom Line

This phase of life is hard.

It’s hard whether:

• You’re still jogging alongside your parent in everyday life, or
• You’re visiting your mother in a nursing home.

Let’s not dismiss the emotions that come with these transitions.

Sometimes I catch myself thinking:
“I shouldn’t feel this sad.”
“I shouldn’t be this emotional about my dad.”

But the truth is…

You are allowed.


You Are Not Alone

Others are having these same thoughts.

Others are feeling these same emotions.

If you’re struggling, consider checking in with someone:

• A friend
• A spiritual leader
• A therapist
  (Yes… I will always recommend therapists!)

Also check in with yourself.

Give yourself permission to:

• Cry
• Feel sad
• Get angry
• Fall apart a little

A Simple Emotional Release Tip

One strategy I often suggest to clients:

Open your Notes app on your phone and tap the voice recording icon.

Then just talk.

Pretend you’re telling a trusted friend everything that’s going on.

You don’t have to listen to it again.
You don’t have to keep it.

Just let it out.



A Reminder for Our Menobodies Community

Menobodies — and everyone listening — you are not alone.If you’re feeling alone, please reach out:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Email

Connection matters


A Small Favor

If this show helps you feel a little less alone,

I’d love your help growing the community.

Here are two quick ways you can support the show:

⭐ Leave a review
Scroll down on the podcast page and leave a star rating.
(I’d give it five stars, but I may be slightly biased.)

📩 Share the show
Copy the episode link and text it to a few friends.

Let’s make sure more people know they’re not alone either.


Until Our Next Coffee Chat

Keep living authentically — with all your emotions and thoughts.

Every single one of them is allowed.

Talk soon,
Beth ☕

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

☕ Welcome
Imagine we’re sitting around the kitchen table. Maybe there’s a snack half-eaten, someone interrupting us, a little chaos in the background — and today, two very special guests joining the conversation.This episode is different. It’s personal. It’s honest. And it involves the people who live closest to my perimenopause journey… my girls.

👋 Intro Me
I’m your host, mom in perimenopause, learning in real time how to navigate hormones, emotions, hot flashes, and everything in between — while raising daughters who are watching it all unfold.Today felt like the perfect time to open the conversation with them.

📜 Ground Rules
Before we started, we set some simple rules:

• No question is weird or off limits.
  
  
• We can laugh.
  
  
• We can say “I don’t know.”
  
  
• We can be honest.
  
  
• We respect each other.
  
  

And most importantly — we stay kind.

🌸 Questions

• How does menopause start? What ages does it usually happen?
  
  
• How fast do hormones change?
• What’s “the patch”?
  
  
• Is perimenopause the same thing as menopause?
  
  
• What’s it actually like living with a mom in perimenopause?

💛 Topics We Covered

• The hormone patch (how it works and why some women use it).
  
  
• The difference between perimenopause (the transition years) and menopause (the point after 12 months without a period).

• The hormone patch (how it works and why some women use it).
  
  
• The difference between perimenopause (the transition years) and menopause (the point after 12 months without a period).
  
  

💬 From the Girls: What It’s Like

What’s it like since Mom entered perimenopause?

Hard times:

• Mood swings.
  
  
• Moments when I’m more sensitive.
  
  
• Times when I need quiet or space.
  
  

Funny times:

• Mom laughs so hard now

How does Dad feel?

•  We talked about how partners adjust too. Sometimes confused. Sometimes supportive. Sometimes both.

What’s hard?

• The unpredictability.

What’s a benefit?

• Getting more things from mom
  
  
• Instagram famous

🌿 Why This Episode Matters

This wasn’t just cute content.

It was modeling:

• That bodies change.
  
  
• That women’s health isn’t shameful.
  
  
• That questions are welcome.
  
  
• That daughters deserve to understand what’s ahead.
  
  

And maybe most importantly — that menopause isn’t something we whisper about in the hallway.

✨ Anything Else?

The girls reminded me that:

• Kids notice more than we think.
  
  
• Humor helps.
  
  
• Honesty builds trust.
  
  

And sometimes the best education happens at the kitchen table.

💛 Exit
Thank you for joining this very special conversation.If you’re a mom in perimenopause, you are not alone.
If you’re raising daughters, your openness is shaping their future.
If you’re somewhere in between — welcome.

See you next time, Menobodies.

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

Welcome, Menobody.
I’m so glad you’re here.

Let’s imagine this episode the way it actually feels: you and me, sitting down with our favorite cup of coffee for a little chat. We’re cozy… but also getting up mid-sentence to use the bathroom, grab a napkin, or pick something up off the floor that we dropped five minutes ago. If you’re picturing that too—you’re doing it right.💛 

This Month on Menobodies: Caretaking in Peri/Menopause
This month’s episodes are all about caretaking during perimenopause and menopause.I originally thought about focusing just on parenting—but then I realized not all Menobodies have kids, have little kids, or have kids at home anymore. And I want this month to feel relevant to all of you.So we’re talking caretaking:

• Parenting our kids
  
  
• Parenting our parents or elders
  
  
• And maybe—just for toots and giggles—an episode with my daughters
  
  

If you’re not a parent, you’re still very welcome here. There’s so much in this conversation that applies to communication, boundaries, and navigating busy, full lives.

👩‍👧‍👧 About My Daughters
Many of you have heard me mention my daughters before. I have two—almost 9 and 11 here in the year 2026—and they are very much part of my perimenopause story.

🔄 Parenting Not Like Our Parents
I sit with people.
I talk with friends.
I read.

And what I keep noticing is that each generation seems to want to do something different from the one before it. That’s how we end up with different parenting styles—and all the nicknames that come with them.

When I worked in the Office of Admission at a university, we talked a lot about helicopter parents—hovering close, deeply involved, sometimes so much that kids didn’t have the chance to learn certain skills on their own.

Now we hear about gentle parenting, with lots of focus on feelings and soft language.
Or lawnmower parents, clearing every obstacle before their child even sees it.

I could scroll funny memes about this for hours—but let’s stay focused on our coffee chat. (You can scroll later and DM me your favorites.)

🚫 No Parenting Tips Here
I’m not here to give parenting advice or tell you the “right” way to parent.This space is about feeling welcomed and seen during our peri/menopause years.So instead, let’s talk about what’s hard.

😴 Parenting While Exhausted
We are tired.
More tired than we used to be.

Parenting while tired can get messy—and sometimes ugly.I

’ve said things like:

• “Eat whatever you want tonight. I don’t care. I’m sitting on this couch.”
  
  
• “Sure, you can have an hour on your tablet at 3 a.m. so I can go back to sleep.”
  
  

There are a thousand more examples. If you’re nodding along—you’re not alone.

🎭 Mood Swings & Mixed Messages
Do you ever say one thing one day and the complete opposite the next?
One day it’s:

“Eat whatever you want.”

The very next day it’s:

“We’re all going pro today—one produce and one protein at every meal!”

Lucky you if that’s your norm. I struggle to do that for myself, let alone for two kids with wildly different palates. But depending on where I am on the rollercoaster that day… that’s what comes out.

😬 The Sass, the Talk-Back, the Attitude
Some parents don’t allow any sass at all—kudos to you.In our house, we try:

• “Use kind words, please.”
  
  
• “Do you want to try that again?”
  
  

Sometimes my partner jumps right in with them and suddenly it’s very loud. And yes—I have absolutely rolled my eyes while telling them not to roll theirs.

Whatever your style—strict, flexible, or somewhere in between—we’re all in it together.

📱 Screens, Screens, and More Screens
The constant asking for screen time, apps, phones, and social media… good lawd.

If I had a nickel for every time it came up…

Some parents allow none.
Some allow unlimited.
Most of us live somewhere in the messy middle.

I’ve admitted it—I give in sometimes so I can get things done. Other times I’m stricter. Like everything else, it fluctuates.

What we’re teaching—through our humanness, imperfections, and peri/menopause—is awareness:

• How much screen time we’re getting
  
  
• What we’re consuming
  
  
• And how it affects us
  
  

Honestly? Adults need that reminder too.

🌱 What’s Actually Going Well
Here’s the good news.

We’re trying.

We’re showing up as parents while also managing partners, extended family, jobs, volunteering, self-care—and perimenopause.

Sometimes we nail it.
Sometimes we offer a hug and say, “I’m exhausted—eat whatever you want.”

But we keep showing up.

Even after a crummy week—or a crummy month—we come back.

We’re modeling:

• Humanness
  
  
• Commitment
  
  
• Repair
  
  
• Apologies
  
  
• Do-overs
  
  

🔮 Looking Ahead
There is a future.

Our relationships with our kids will change.
We’ll laugh about perimenopause moments someday.
They might go to therapy to unpack some of the hard stuff—even though we tried our best.

(And yes, I’m very pro-therapy. I think therapists should be like doctors—regular check-ins and extra visits when needed.)

Our goal isn’t perfect parenting.

It’s equipping our kids to face life:

• To stumble
  
  
• To reset
  
  
• To ask for help
  
  
• To get back up again
  
  

🎢 The Big Picture
As we ride the rollercoaster of perimenopause right now, we’re teaching our children—by example—how to ride the rollercoaster of life wherever it goes.

Hands up.
Deep breath.
We’ve got this.

💬 Final Words
Menobodies—parenting is hard.

Keep doing your best. Remember that even our mistakes, apologies, and do-overs matter.

You’re not alone.
Menobodies is here for you.

Share your stories on Facebook or Instagram and tag Menobodies.

Until next time—hands up for the coaster, and cheers to another great coffee chat. ☕💛

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

Hey there, Menobodies—and all who are listening.
(said with a little ho-hum… a little sadness)

Today’s episode comes from a tender place. I’m feeling a bit down, and I wanted to show up anyway—because if you’ve had low moments during perimenopause or menopause, I want you to know you are not alone.

Setting the Stage
Just a couple episodes back, I talked about having a “down day” and how I handled it.
Well… this time it wasn’t a day.

Coming out of the holidays—end of year, beginning of the next—I struggled big time for almost four weeks. And honestly? It caught me completely off guard.

I love the holidays. I was prepared. I had family, friends, rest, and moments of joy. And yet…

How It Felt

 I felt:

• Sad
• Lonely
• Discouraged
• At times, even hopeless
• Super discouraged

And the hardest part was asking myself:
Why is this happening?

 I’ve been working so hard on managing my perimenopause symptoms—physical, nutritional, and mental health. And yet, there I was… exhausted, taking naps by 10am, leaving events early, and worrying about how it all looked to other people.

There was also the people-pleaser in me.
The mom in me—trying to shield my girls from how low I felt.
The part of me trying to “perform” and keep up with all our usual holiday routines.

Behind the scenes?
There were moments of desperation.
Crying.
Frustration.
Endless processing to figure out what was wrong and how to fix it.

At times, I truly felt like I was hanging on by a string.

The Hard Truth About Peri/Menopause
Truth be told, I can’t tell you exactly what shifted or how I got semi out of it—and I say semi because some of it still lingers.

This is the doo-doo part of perimenopause and menopause.
It can come out of nowhere.
We don’t have control.

All we can do is cope as best we can and hope we don’t burn down relationships or ourselves in the process.

Mental Health: Back to Basics
I’ve done a lot of research and work around:

• Movement, lifting weights, inflammation, dry skin and hair
• Nutrition—protein, fiber, limiting alcohol
  (Side note: the holidays and feeling like poo made that harder… nothing extreme, just more than usual for me)

But the mental health part?
I thought I had that covered.

 I mean… I’m a therapist. 😅

Turns out, I had to go back to basics:

• Compassionate self-talk
• Truth-telling instead of shame
• Rest
• Distraction when needed
• Meditation

A 2am Story (Because of Course)
One night around 2am, I was awake, alone, and sad—so I did what many of us do… I grabbed my phone.

I ended up on the Calm app and found binaural beats—sounds that alternate between the left and right ear, similar in theory to EMDR or tapping, helping both hemispheres of the brain communicate and calm.

I bought the “miracle” track.
Did it knock me out? Nope.

But it did open my mind.
I had clarity.
Ideas for work projects.
Thoughts about supporting my family.

And while this isn’t a paid ad, I genuinely love Calm. It’s incredibly robust—movement, kids content, sleep stories, stress support, famous voices. Fun fact: in a past role as a wellness coordinator, Calm came out on top after a lot of research.

I eventually fell back asleep around 5am… and then had to keep trucking through life while still feeling very much not myself.

And honestly?
It sucked.

What I Can Offer You
I don’t have a magic pill or perfect meditation—but I do have this:

First: You are not alone.

Second: This is normal. Symptoms vary wildly between women—and even week to week within the same body. That unpredictability is the normal.

Third: Here are some things that helped a little:

• Basic hygiene – Just being clean helped me feel cared for
• A clean outfit (a “set”) – Matching pants and top = small win
• Comfort foods & drinks – Coffee in the morning, cheese-based joy
• Resting without guilt – Shows, movies, quiet time without interruption
• Naps (when possible) – Even resting counts
• Honesty with my partner – Even when they don’t fully understand
• Verbal processing – Walking while dictating thoughts into my Notes app
• Tylenol & massage tools – Sometimes the basics matter

Fourth: Something I wish I’d done sooner…
Asked for more help.

This is hard for me—not because of pride, but anxiety. Worrying I’m too much, that people will feel obligated, or say no.

But help could have looked like:

• Meals
• Help with exhausting tasks (like walking the dog)
• Even just asking friends to send good vibes

Letting people know you’re not okay can be helpful—even if they don’t do anything.

A Note on Support & Loss
If you have a bestie, sibling, or daily talk-it-out person—amazing. Keep that up. I’m cheering for you.

If you don’t… that’s okay too. It’s more common than we think.

And if you’ve lost that person—like losing a mom who was your go-to—I see you. That grief shows up again and again.

If it feels right, you might consider:

• A spiritual guide or pastor
• A therapist (we literally get paid to hold your thoughts 💛)

You’re Not Alone Here
Did you struggle at the end of 2025 or the start of 2026?
Are you in it right now?

Reach out. This community exists for peri/menopause humans navigating the doo-doo together.

Yes, we also experience highs—and there will be more of those on the podcast.
Both can exist at the same time.

Share your hard moment with me—via Facebook, Instagram, email, or a podcast note.

Until next time…
Keep truckin’. Just trying is enough. 💛

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