09/24/2025
The Menopause Maze: My Seven-Year Journey to Answers
Menopause is a reality every woman will face, yet few of us are prepared for the physical, emotional, and medical challenges that come with it. Despite being a natural stage of life, it remains under-discussed, under-researched, and far too often dismissed by the medical community.
I know this firsthand.
Back in 2019, I noticed changes in my body—most noticeably, an expanding waistline that no diet or exercise could explain. Convinced something was seriously wrong, I went to multiple doctors, endured countless tests, and even underwent two surgeries. Each time, I hoped for answers. Each time, I was left with nothing.
Two rounds of anesthesia, thousands of dollars in medical bills, and an immeasurable amount of stress later, I still didn’t have a diagnosis. What’s more, none of the physicians—including the surgeon—followed up after my procedures.
Eventually, I realized I had to do what so many women are forced to do: diagnose and advocate for myself. Looking back over seven years, I can see how trial, error, and persistence led me to solutions that actually worked.
Why Doctors Weren’t Enough
Like many women, I turned to my doctors for guidance. Unfortunately, I found little support. Conversations about menopause were often rushed or dismissed. When I mentioned that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was helping me, my providers discounted it. There was no education, no resources, and no empathy.
Meanwhile, wellness influencers on social media shouted the same refrain: eat better and exercise more. But when you’re already doing that and still not seeing results, the advice feels dismissive at best—and harmful at worst.
What Finally Worked for Me
While everyone’s experience with menopause is unique, here are the steps that made the difference for me:
1. Find the right doctor.
If I could do it over again, I would have continued searching until I found a physician—preferably a woman—who specialized in menopause and truly listened. The right support is essential.
2. Explore HRT.
Initially, I was hesitant about hormone replacement therapy after hearing conflicting stories. But when I saw friends glowing with renewed energy and vitality, I reconsidered. For me, HRT made a significant difference in how I felt day-to-day.
3. Address physical changes holistically.
While not a solution for everyone, a tummy tuck helped me in surprising ways—not only with my waistline but with digestion. It improved my comfort and gave me back a sense of control over my body.
4. Discover peptides.
Even with other changes, stubborn areas around my midsection and thighs persisted. Starting peptides transformed how my body looked and felt within weeks. The result wasn’t just physical—it was emotional. I regained confidence, freedom, and peace of mind.
The Bigger Lesson
Menopause is real. Pre, peri, and post—it impacts every woman differently, but it deserves acknowledgment, research, and compassionate care. Women should not be left to navigate this journey alone or be told that it’s “all in their heads.”
There is hope, there are solutions, and there are professionals—like Christine, whose knowledge and expertise guided me—that can make an extraordinary difference.
For me, it took seven years to find the answers. My goal now is to ensure other women don’t have to wait that long.
📌 Stay tuned for our upcoming podcast episode, where we’ll continue this important conversation.
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