Menobodies

Menobodieshttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/menobodies--6718002Menobodies Podcast: Empowering Your Midlife Journey
Welcome to the Menobodies Podcast — the space where perimenopause and menopause aren’t whispered about, but spoken of loud and clear. I’m Beth Lohman — a mental-health therapist, personal trainer, and wellness pro with over 19 years of experience — and I’m here to bring you the insights, strategies, and community you deserve as you navigate this stage. In each episode, we’ll dig into the mind-body connection of midlife health, unravel the research (skip the gimmicks!), talk honestly about the changes in your body and mindset, and outline actionable plans you can start today. Whether you’re just stepping into perimenopause, already in full swing, or somewhere in-between — you’ll find a trusted voice, a clear path, and a community in your corner.

What to expect:

Real talk about hormonal shifts, fitness, mental health and how they all intersect
Evidence-based insights and no-fluff guidance from someone who’s been in your shoes
Guest experts, personal stories, and practical take-aways you can actually use
A mission to empower you to know what’s best for your body and design your own menopause roadmap.

Ready for a new chapter that’s informed, intentional, and rooted in what you need?
Subscribe today and join the Menobodies community — because this isn’t about slowing down, it’s about showing up for yourself like never before.]]>enMental HealthCopyright Bethhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/5e675609bf490db1ee69bb67e1b45965.jpgMenobodieshttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/menobodies--6718002Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:32:28 +0000Beth LohmanBeth Lohmanbeth@neonlavendertherapy.comMenobodies Podcast: Empowering Your Midlife Journey Welcome to the Menobodies Podcast — the space where perimenopause and menopause aren’t whispered about, but spoken of loud and clear. I’m Beth Lohman — a mental-health therapist, personal trainer,...Menobodies Podcast: Empowering Your Midlife Journey
Welcome to the Menobodies Podcast — the space where perimenopause and menopause aren’t whispered about, but spoken of loud and clear. I’m Beth Lohman — a mental-health therapist, personal trainer, and wellness pro with over 19 years of experience — and I’m here to bring you the insights, strategies, and community you deserve as you navigate this stage. In each episode, we’ll dig into the mind-body connection of midlife health, unravel the research (skip the gimmicks!), talk honestly about the changes in your body and mindset, and outline actionable plans you can start today. Whether you’re just stepping into perimenopause, already in full swing, or somewhere in-between — you’ll find a trusted voice, a clear path, and a community in your corner.

What to expect:

Real talk about hormonal shifts, fitness, mental health and how they all intersect
Evidence-based insights and no-fluff guidance from someone who’s been in your shoes
Guest experts, personal stories, and practical take-aways you can actually use
A mission to empower you to know what’s best for your body and design your own menopause roadmap.

Ready for a new chapter that’s informed, intentional, and rooted in what you need?
Subscribe today and join the Menobodies community — because this isn’t about slowing down, it’s about showing up for yourself like never before.]]>falseepisodicBreathwork in Perimenopause: The Healing Practice I Didn't Expecthttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/breathwork-in-perimenopause-the-healing-practice-i-didn-t-expect--72953335
Between a dog wearing the cone of shame 🐶, recording this episode while fighting off a surprise summer cold 🤧, staring at a never-ending to-do list (hello school supplies ✏️📚), and my ongoing battle with constipation 💩 (because apparently that's my personality now 🙃), it would have been easy to spend this episode venting about all the ways perimenopause has been showing up lately.

Instead, I want to share something that completely surprised me—and honestly, moved me.

✨ A guided breathwork session.

Not just taking a few deep breaths at therapy.
Not a quick meditation.
A full experience that used intentional breathing as a pathway into emotional healing, nervous system regulation, and reconnecting with myself.

If you're a little skeptical (or think this sounds a bit too "woo"), stay with me. 💛 The science behind breath and the nervous system is real, and this experience gave me a whole new appreciation for what our bodies are capable of.

🎙️ In This Episode

✨ A peek behind the scenes of my chaotic summer life

🤧 Why I showed up to record with a summer cold and an overflowing to-do list

💩 My latest perimenopause update—including the constipation saga that just won't quit

🌬️ What a guided breathwork session actually looks like from beginning to end

😬 Why I was surprisingly nervous before the session

💛 How breath became a doorway into emotional awareness and healing

🧠 The connection between breathing, your nervous system, stress, and emotional regulation

🌸 Why I believe breathwork can be an incredibly supportive practice during perimenopause and midlife

📍How to find a qualified breathwork facilitator in your own community—or virtually

💭 My Biggest Takeaway

Perimenopause isn't just about hormones.

It's about learning new ways to support our bodies, calm our nervous systems, process emotions we've been carrying for years, and create space to heal.

Sometimes healing doesn't come from another supplement, another lab test, or another thing to add to your checklist.

Sometimes it starts with something as simple—and as powerful—as your next breath. 💕

💛 Resources Mentioned - Danielle

🌬️ If you're in the Indianapolis area, I highly recommend connecting with Danielle for breathwork sessions. If you're outside Central Indiana, ask about virtual sessions or search for a certified breathwork facilitator near you.

Bolder Life Solutions Website

IG: bolderlifesolutions

TikTok: bolderlifesolutions

Danielle's art and dancing inspiration IG: drawingndancing

🎧 If This Episode Resonated...

Please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who's navigating perimenopause, menopause, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the mental and emotional load of midlife.

Every share helps more women realize they're not alone. 💛

Connect with Menobodies

📱 Follow along for more honest conversations about perimenopause, menopause, hormones, pelvic health, constipation, mood changes, and thriving in midlife.

Because no one should have to navigate this season alone. ❤️

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72953335Thu, 16 Jul 2026 10:00:02 +0000Beth LohmanSummer has been...well, a lot. 😅 Between a dog wearing the cone of shame 🐶, recording this episode while fighting off a surprise summer cold 🤧, staring at a never-ending to-do list (hello school supplies ✏️📚), and my ongoing battle with constipation...
Between a dog wearing the cone of shame 🐶, recording this episode while fighting off a surprise summer cold 🤧, staring at a never-ending to-do list (hello school supplies ✏️📚), and my ongoing battle with constipation 💩 (because apparently that's my personality now 🙃), it would have been easy to spend this episode venting about all the ways perimenopause has been showing up lately.

Instead, I want to share something that completely surprised me—and honestly, moved me.

✨ A guided breathwork session.

Not just taking a few deep breaths at therapy.
Not a quick meditation.
A full experience that used intentional breathing as a pathway into emotional healing, nervous system regulation, and reconnecting with myself.

If you're a little skeptical (or think this sounds a bit too "woo"), stay with me. 💛 The science behind breath and the nervous system is real, and this experience gave me a whole new appreciation for what our bodies are capable of.

🎙️ In This Episode

✨ A peek behind the scenes of my chaotic summer life

🤧 Why I showed up to record with a summer cold and an overflowing to-do list

💩 My latest perimenopause update—including the constipation saga that just won't quit

🌬️ What a guided breathwork session actually looks like from beginning to end

😬 Why I was surprisingly nervous before the session

💛 How breath became a doorway into emotional awareness and healing

🧠 The connection between breathing, your nervous system, stress, and emotional regulation

🌸 Why I believe breathwork can be an incredibly supportive practice during perimenopause and midlife

📍How to find a qualified breathwork facilitator in your own community—or virtually

💭 My Biggest Takeaway

Perimenopause isn't just about hormones.

It's about learning new ways to support our bodies, calm our nervous systems, process emotions we've been carrying for years, and create space to heal.

Sometimes healing doesn't come from another supplement, another lab test, or another thing to add to your checklist.

Sometimes it starts with something as simple—and as powerful—as your next breath. 💕

💛 Resources Mentioned - Danielle

🌬️ If you're in the Indianapolis area, I highly recommend connecting with Danielle for breathwork sessions. If you're outside Central Indiana, ask about virtual sessions or search for a certified breathwork facilitator near you.

Bolder Life Solutions Website

IG: bolderlifesolutions

TikTok: bolderlifesolutions

Danielle's art and dancing inspiration IG: drawingndancing

🎧 If This Episode Resonated...

Please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who's navigating perimenopause, menopause, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the mental and emotional load of midlife.

Every share helps more women realize they're not alone. 💛

Connect with Menobodies

📱 Follow along for more honest conversations about perimenopause, menopause, hormones, pelvic health, constipation, mood changes, and thriving in midlife.

Because no one should...]]>1105breatwork,constipation,emotionalhealing,hormonehealth,menobodiespodcast,menopause,mentalhealth,midlife,midlifewomen,mindbodyconnection,nervoussystemregulation,perimenopause,stressrelief,wellnesjourney,women'shealthfalse143fullPerimenopause Potpourri 3 - Health Updates: Hormones, Brain Fog, Pelvic Floor Therapy, GLP-1s & Real Lifehttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/perimenopause-potpourri-3-health-updates-hormones-brain-fog-pelvic-floor-therapy-glp-1s-real-life--72861350
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

🎉 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.

🔑 Keywords936constipation,estrogen,glp-1,hormonehealth,hormonereplacementtherapy(hrt),menobodies,menopause,mentalload,midlifewellnes,pelvicfloortherapy,perimenopausefalse142fullThe Mental Load: Why Women Are Tired of Carrying It Allhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-mental-load-why-women-are-tired-of-carrying-it-all--72581244
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: info@bethlohman.com

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

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72581244Thu, 02 Jul 2026 10:00:02 +0000Beth LohmanWelcome 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...
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: info@bethlohman.com

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

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>423menopause,mentalhealth,mentalload,midlifewellness,perimenopause,womansmentalhealth,womenshealth,womensmentalloadfalse141fullMoods, Anxiety & Perimenopause: It's Not Just Youhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/moods-anxiety-perimenopause-it-s-not-just-you--72581193
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: info@bethlohman.com

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

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72581193Thu, 25 Jun 2026 10:00:03 +0000Beth LohmanHave 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...
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: info@bethlohman.com

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

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>405menopause,midlifementalhealth,midlifewellness,moodsandmenopause,perimenopause,perimenopausemoods,womenshealthfalse140fullShame in Perimenopausehttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/shame-in-perimenopause--72319903
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: info@bethlohman.com

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: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72319903Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:00:02 +0000Beth LohmanHey 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...
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: info@bethlohman.com

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: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>419guiltinperimenpause,menopause,midlifewellness,perimenopause,shameinperimenopause,shamevsguilt,womenshealthfalse139fullTo Raw Dogg Perimenopause..or nothttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/to-raw-dogg-perimenopause-or-not--72281671
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: info@bethlohman.com

📱 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: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72281671Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:00:03 +0000Beth LohmanHey 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...
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: info@bethlohman.com

📱 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: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>676menopause,menopausehealth,menopausementalhealth,menopausesupport,menopausesymptoms,midlifewellness,perimenopause,rawdogginperimenopausefalse138fullCoffee, Community & Perimenopause with Danielle Schneider-Moran, LMHChttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/coffee-community-perimenopause-with-danielle-schneider-moran-lmhc--72135873
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: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72135873Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:00:03 +0000Beth LohmanHey 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,...
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 🤝✨

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: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:137fullMenopause Meal Planning - for the busy family and not perfect plannerhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/menopause-meal-planning-for-the-busy-family-and-not-perfect-planner--72056580
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: info@bethlohman.com
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: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72056580Thu, 28 May 2026 10:00:02 +0000Beth LohmanRemember 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...]]>690mealplanning,menopause,menopausehealth,midlifewellness,perimenopausefalse136fullMaycember in Midlife Perimenopause and Menopause - Being Busyhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/maycember-in-midlife-perimenopause-and-menopause-being-busy--72055112Welcome
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
📧 info@bethlohman.com

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72055112Thu, 21 May 2026 10:00:03 +0000Beth Lohman☕ 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...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...]]>369maycember,menopause,midlifebusy,midlifewellness,perimenopause,womenshealthfalse135fullSummer Stress, Gut Healing, and What’s Next for Menobodieshttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/summer-stress-gut-healing-and-what-s-next-for-menobodies--71790254Share 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: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71790254Thu, 14 May 2026 10:00:02 +0000Beth Lohmanhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWgq7Ayeu3fASpWOZ0XqltnNxLdwNw5i2a8PJcFVZRAt0uhw/viewform?usp=publish-editor Hey fabulous Menobody ☕ If you’re new here—welcome! I’m Beth Lohman, a woman walking through perimenopause and sharing my journey,...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

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

Recent wins:
Doing my “homework” consistently
Ran 2 miles with no leakage
Regaining strength on my left side

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...]]>537menobodies,menopause,midlifewellness,perimenopause,perimenopausenutritionfalse134fullGrieving Ourselves: The Hidden Losses of Perimenopausehttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/grieving-ourselves-the-hidden-losses-of-perimenopause--71789817And 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:info@bethlohman.com
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: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71789817Thu, 07 May 2026 10:00:02 +0000Beth LohmanHey 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...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?

Getting out of bed quickly
Sitting on the floor and getting up easily
Recovering...]]>485griefinmenopause,menopause,menopausehealth,menopausementalhealth,midlifewellness,perimenopausefalse
133full
Having Patience in the Perimenopause Process - It is not a quick fixhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/having-patience-in-the-perimenopause-process-it-is-not-a-quick-fix--71371537
☕ 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: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>
https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71371537Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:00:02 +0000
Beth Lohman☕ 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...
☕ 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...]]>446menopause,midlifewellness,patienceinperimenopause,perimenopause,perimenopausementalhealth,perimenopausequickfixfalse132fullGo Do You: Advocacy, Self-Care & Letting Go of the Shame in Midlife and Perimenopausehttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/go-do-you-advocacy-self-care-letting-go-of-the-shame-in-midlife-and-perimenopause--71290469☕ 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: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71290469Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:00:02 +0000Beth Lohman☕ 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...☕ 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...]]>572advocacy,menopause,midlifeselfcare,midlifewellness,nostigma,perimenopause,perimenopauseselfcare,selfcare,womenshealthfalse131fullMovement, Not Mayhem: Rethinking Exercise in Perimenopausehttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/movement-not-mayhem-rethinking-exercise-in-perimenopause--71214184
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
📧 info@bethlohman.com

(Yes… new email, exciting things coming 👀)

Ciao for now, Menobodies and all who are listening 💛

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71214184Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:00:02 +0000Beth LohmanHey 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...
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...]]>1295menopause,menopauseexercise,midlifewellness,perimenopause,perimenopauseexercise,womenshealthfalse130fullFull Court Press: Menopause & the WNBAhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/full-court-press-menopause-the-wnba--70851051 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: beth@neonlavendertherapy.com

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: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70851051Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:00:02 +0000Beth Lohman🏀 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... 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...]]>578menopause,menopausehealth,midlifewellness,perimenopause,sport,wnba,womenssportsfalse129fullGame On: Sports, Strength & Surviving Perimenopause and Menopausehttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/game-on-sports-strength-surviving-perimenopause-and-menopause--70850750Welcome 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: bethlohman@neonlavendertherapy.com
📱 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: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70850750Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:00:02 +0000Beth Lohman🏀 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...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...]]>597menopause,menopausehealth,midlifewellness,perimenopause,sportandmenopausefalse128fullPerimenopause Potpourri: Hormones, Gut Health, and Real Storieshttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/perimenopause-potpourri-hormones-gut-health-and-real-stories--70658942Welcome ☕

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: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70658942Thu, 26 Mar 2026 10:00:03 +0000Beth LohmanWelcome ☕ 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...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.”
810menopause,menopausewellness,midlifehealth,perimenopause,perimenopausehealthfalse127fullParenting Your Parents in Midlife and Perimenopause and Menopausehttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/parenting-your-parents-in-midlife-and-perimenopause-and-menopause--70639743Welcome ☕

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:
Notice the thought
Allow the feeling
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: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70639743Thu, 19 Mar 2026 10:00:02 +0000Beth LohmanWelcome ☕ 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...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:
Notice the thought
Allow the feeling
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...]]>448menopause,menopausesupport,midlifewellness,parentingparents,perimenopausefalse126fullPerimenopause with my daughters as guests - truth, honesty and laughterhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/perimenopause-with-my-daughters-as-guests-truth-honesty-and-laughter--70414575☕ 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: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70414575Thu, 12 Mar 2026 12:00:02 +0000Beth Lohman☕ 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...☕ 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: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home1323meniopauseparenting,menopause,menopausesupport,midlifewellness,perimenopause,perimenopauseparentingfalse125fullParenting in Menopause - It's Hard Ya'llhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/parenting-in-menopause-it-s-hard-ya-ll--70306671I’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: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70306671Thu, 05 Mar 2026 13:00:02 +0000Beth LohmanWelcome, 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...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,...]]>594menopause,menopausesupport,midlifeparenting,midlifewomen,parenting,parentinginmenopause,perimenopausefalse124fullWhen the Down Days Linger: Peri/Menopause, Mental Health, and Just Keepin’ Onhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/when-the-down-days-linger-peri-menopause-mental-health-and-just-keepin-on--69655139(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: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69655139Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:00:07 +0000Beth LohmanHey 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...(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....]]>897harddaysinmenopause,menopause,menopausesupport,menopuasementalhealth,midlifementalhealth,midlifewellness,perimenopause,womenshealthfalse123fullDetails of Peri/Menopause Appointments at 45 - HRT, Mammogram, Colonoscopy, Pelvic Floor Therapy!https://www.spreaker.com/episode/details-of-peri-menopause-appointments-at-45-hrt-mammogram-colonoscopy-pelvic-floor-therapy--69649615Welcome Hey hey, Menobody!
I’m so glad you’re here. Before we dive in, I want to give a gentle heads-up:
Today’s episode includes medical discussions about perimenopause and the female body. I’ll be sharing personal experiences from recent appointments, procedures, and follow-ups. If medical content feels triggering or unsafe for you right now, please know it’s completely okay to skip this episode. Take care of yourself first. 💛

My Gynecology Appointment & Starting HRT
About a month ago, I had my annual gynecology appointment — and I waited to talk about it here because it led to many follow-ups. At that appointment, I asked about HRT because my perimenopause symptoms were stacking up:
Fatigue
Belly weight gain
Low energy
Constipation and bloating
Because I was also experiencing heavy bleeding and cramping, my provider ordered a vaginal ultrasound during my next period (yes… during 😵‍💫). The goal was to rule out anything else going on. Good news: nothing concerning showed up. That cleared me to start HRT:
Progesterone birth control pill (daily)
Estradiol (estrogen) patch, 0.25 mg, changed twice a week
I wear it on my lower belly, off to the side
What I’ve noticed so far:
At first, not much
After a few months:
Much lighter bleeding
Minimal cramping 🙌
Right now, I’m still dealing with:
Spotting
Light, unpredictable periods
Annoying? Yes.
But I’m giving my body more time to adjust before making changes. I’ll keep you posted.

Mammograms, Dense Breasts & Feeling Truly Cared For
Because of my family history — my mom had breast cancer (first diagnosed at 42, with two recurrences) — I’ve been getting mammograms since age 35.
This year, I went to a new facility, located right inside my gynecologist’s office. I changed providers because my perimenopause concerns weren’t being taken seriously before — very “midlife happens, good luck” energy. 🙄
My new NP and the owner of the practice both have menopause certifications, and wow… the difference was real.

The space felt:
Boutique
Calm
Intentionally designed
Even fun (yes, ta-tah shaped coat hooks and cartoons)
My mammogram technician was female — which I personally feel most comfortable with — and she was incredible. She explained everything as she worked and actually educated me.
She told me something no one has ever told me in 10 years of mammograms:
Because I have dense breast tissue, I should also be getting a breast MRI every 6 months. She walked me through:
Insurance considerations
Where to go
Even placed the referral herself
My mammogram came back clear 🎉
The MRI is scheduled for June, and I’ll report back after.

Pelvic Floor Changes & Getting Help
If you’ve listened to previous episodes, you already know I’ve talked about urinary incontinence (yes, peeing my pants).

Lately, I’ve noticed more changes:
Weaker pelvic floor muscles
Difficulty doing Kegels
Trouble resisting the urge to go #2
Difficulty fully emptying when I do go
I’m not ready for adult diapers, friends.

All signs pointed to pelvic floor dysfunction, and I was referred to pelvic floor physical therapy.

Getting it scheduled, though? A mess.
Two referrals didn’t take insurance
The third might, but insurance portals are… unhelpful
Even calling insurance (shout-out to Paul, who tried his best) wasn’t reassuring
I can absolutely see why people give up on getting care.

That said — I did pelvic floor PT after my first daughter and it helped tremendously. I’m hopeful it will again once I finally get started.

Turning 45 & The Colonoscopy Experience
Since I turned 45 last August, it was time for a routine colonoscopy.

Scheduling was easy.
Everyone told me: “The prep is the worst part, but it’s not that bad.”

Y’all… that was not my experience.

Prep symptoms I was not warned about:
Constant nausea
Zero energy
Feeling like I had the flu
Raw, painful wiping (why does no one suggest Vaseline or gentle wipes??)
I thought I had planned well by clearing my schedule the day before. I should have cleared 36 hours.

Instead:
Kids home (last day of winter break)
HVAC repair happening
Dogs losing their minds
Headache from hell
I tried to work (bad idea)
On top of that, I wasn’t prepared for how food restriction would trigger emotions tied to past disordered eating.

Then came the procedure.

As I was waking up from sedation, they told me:
“You weren’t fully emptied. You’ll need to come back in 6 months.”

I wanted to scream.

To ask a 45-year-old perimenopausal woman if she’s “often constipated” after the fact — without asking beforehand about:
Age
Constipation
Eating disorder history
…felt careless at best.

Later, I received a letter saying they removed a precancerous polyp, which means — yes — another colonoscopy in 6 months. Just in case I hadn’t heard.

Recovery was also rough:
“Peeing out my butt” for days
Then no bowel movements or gas for over a week
Multiple laxatives just to get moving again
My digestion felt off for weeks afterward
Why is none of this talked about?!

Looking Deeper: Gut Health & What’s Next
All of this made me wonder if something deeper was going on. I started questioning whether what I blamed on menopause might actually be long-standing GI dysfunction.

Thank goodness I found Bev Rella, a nutritionist who truly gets it.

I’m now beginning testing to understand my gut health and see if we can finally get things working better.

Wish me luck — and I’ll absolutely keep you updated.

Final Thoughts
I share all of this — the poop, the ta-tahs, the awkward, the frustrating — because I know I’m not alone. And neither are you.

If my willingness to talk about this helps even one of you feel seen or better prepared, it’s worth it.

Please feel free to share your experiences. I’m happy to share them anonymously through social media, the newsletter, or even another episode — unless you want your name included.

You are not alone, Menobodies.
And remember: this is not medical advice, just my personal story.

Until next time —
May you have great bowel movements and strong pelvic floors. 💪✨

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69649615Thu, 19 Feb 2026 13:00:02 +0000Beth LohmanWelcome Hey hey, Menobody! I’m so glad you’re here. Before we dive in, I want to give a gentle heads-up: Today’s episode includes medical discussions about perimenopause and the female body. I’ll be sharing personal experiences from recent...Welcome Hey hey, Menobody!
I’m so glad you’re here. Before we dive in, I want to give a gentle heads-up:
Today’s episode includes medical discussions about perimenopause and the female body. I’ll be sharing personal experiences from recent appointments, procedures, and follow-ups. If medical content feels triggering or unsafe for you right now, please know it’s completely okay to skip this episode. Take care of yourself first. 💛

My Gynecology Appointment & Starting HRT
About a month ago, I had my annual gynecology appointment — and I waited to talk about it here because it led to many follow-ups. At that appointment, I asked about HRT because my perimenopause symptoms were stacking up:
Fatigue
Belly weight gain
Low energy
Constipation and bloating
Because I was also experiencing heavy bleeding and cramping, my provider ordered a vaginal ultrasound during my next period (yes… during 😵‍💫). The goal was to rule out anything else going on. Good news: nothing concerning showed up. That cleared me to start HRT:
Progesterone birth control pill (daily)
Estradiol (estrogen) patch, 0.25 mg, changed twice a week
I wear it on my lower belly, off to the side
What I’ve noticed so far:
At first, not much
After a few months:
Much lighter bleeding
Minimal cramping 🙌
Right now, I’m still dealing with:
Spotting
Light, unpredictable periods
Annoying? Yes.
But I’m giving my body more time to adjust before making changes. I’ll keep you posted.

Mammograms, Dense Breasts & Feeling Truly Cared For
Because of my family history — my mom had breast cancer (first diagnosed at 42, with two recurrences) — I’ve been getting mammograms since age 35.
This year, I went to a new facility, located right inside my gynecologist’s office. I changed providers because my perimenopause concerns weren’t being taken seriously before — very “midlife happens, good luck” energy. 🙄
My new NP and the owner of the practice both have menopause certifications, and wow… the difference was real.

The space felt:
Boutique
Calm
Intentionally designed
Even fun (yes, ta-tah shaped coat hooks and cartoons)
My mammogram technician was female — which I personally feel most comfortable with — and she was incredible. She explained everything as she worked and actually educated me.
She told me something no one has ever told me in 10 years of mammograms:
Because I have dense breast tissue, I should also be getting a breast MRI every 6 months. She walked me through:
Insurance considerations
Where to go
Even placed the referral herself
My mammogram came back clear 🎉
The MRI is scheduled for June, and I’ll report back after.

Pelvic Floor Changes & Getting Help
If you’ve listened to previous episodes, you already know I’ve talked about urinary incontinence (yes, peeing my pants).

Lately, I’ve noticed more changes:
Weaker pelvic floor muscles
Difficulty doing Kegels
Trouble resisting the urge to go #2
Difficulty fully emptying when I do go
I’m not ready for adult diapers, friends.

All signs pointed to pelvic floor dysfunction, and I was referred to pelvic floor physical therapy.

Getting it scheduled, though? A mess.
Two referrals didn’t take insurance
The third might, but insurance portals are… unhelpful
Even calling insurance (shout-out to Paul, who tried his best) wasn’t reassuring
I can absolutely see why people give up on getting care.

That said — I did pelvic...]]>968colonoscopy,menopause,menopausesupport,midlifewellness,perimenopause,womenshealthfalse122fullGalentine’s, Community & Building Your Village in Perimenopause and Menopausehttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/galentine-s-community-building-your-village-in-perimenopause-and-menopause--69886071Today’s episode is happy, cheery, and full-on Galentine’s vibes — like you’re about to meet your bestie girlfriends for coffee ☕💖

I want to start by sharing a little behind-the-scenes moment from Menobodies.

This episode was originally supposed to be my very first in-person conversation with someone else on the podcast. I had my heart set on inviting my dear friend Danielle. But as I tried to make it happen, I realized something didn’t feel right. I was rushing it. Life is busy. Danielle is busy. I’m busy. And instead of feeling exciting, it started to feel pressured.

So I did the brave, honest thing. I talked to Danielle and said, “I still really want to do my first in-person episode with you… this just doesn’t feel like the right time.”

And that moment reminded me what an amazing friend she is. She was completely understanding — and honestly, she already sensed it before I even said anything. That’s real friendship.

Danielle is what I call one of my surrogate sister friends. I don’t have siblings — something I always wished for — and because of that, I deeply cherish those rare people in my life who feel like sisters. She’s one of them.

The Coffee Chat That Sparked This Episode
Even though we didn’t record, Danielle and I did grab coffee. And during that coffee date, she gave me a tip that changed everything.

She said, “When we do our episode, imagine we’re just chatting over coffee… and everyone else gets to listen in.”

That idea stuck with me. And it sparked today’s episode.

So instead of recording with Danielle, I imagined you and me sitting across from each other with our mugs, chatting about friendship, community, and how deeply important it is — especially in perimenopause and menopause.

Why Community Matters So Much Right Now
Perimenopause and menopause are a whole new world. If you’re not there yet, you’ll understand when you arrive.

Many of us feel incredibly alone during this season. Our partners — especially male partners — often can’t fully understand what it feels like to live inside a hormonally shifting body. And while family and partners are important, they can’t always be everything for us.

Side note:
If your partner or family is your everything — that’s beautiful. AND I still gently encourage having a slightly bigger village. Different people bring different perspectives, different kinds of support, and it actually keeps our closest relationships healthier. We don’t always have to bring every burden to the same person.

If you already have an amazing support system — you rock. Keep nurturing it. And remember to give back to it.

If you don’t?
Keep listening. This episode is for you.

Learning from Other Cultures & Community
I recently had a conversation with a client about other cultures and how deeply rooted community is for them. They show up for each other. They hang out casually. They pick up each other’s kids. They love extended family as their own.

And I’ll be honest — part of me longs for that.

Another part of me notices something uncomfortable: I’m a doer. I like structure. I like getting things done. Someone stopping by unexpectedly can stress me out because it disrupts my agenda.

That’s probably a sign I need to create more space for the unexpected.
(And honestly… that might be a whole episode on its own.)

Who Is — or Could Be — Your Village?
Take a moment to think about it:
Audra from spin class
Sarah at work
Jane from down the street
If you already have a village, who’s in it?
If you don’t, who could be?

And let me say this clearly: It is not too late to build meaningful friendships in your 40s and 50s.

Why Making Friends Can Feel So Hard
For many of us, putting ourselves out there brings up anxiety and fear.

It can feel like:
Raising your hand in high school
Getting the answer wrong
Everyone laughing
Feeling judged
And if you experienced bullying? That fear runs even deeper. Your nervous system learned that it wasn’t safe to be seen.

Often, it’s not even fear of others judging us — it’s fear of judging ourselves. Fear of being imperfect. Fear of “messing it up.”

That’s your nervous system trying to protect you.

How to Work With the Fear (Not Against It)
One tool I use is learning to soothe the nervous system with supportive self-talk:
Before the event
During the event
And especially after the event
Let’s talk about after for a second.

Have you ever texted someone later and apologized for being “too much,” talking too long, or taking up space?

Instead of spiraling, try offering yourself reassurance. And remember: if something truly felt off, a good friend will gently say something.

Another tool I love is the casual question.
For example:
“How are you feeling about the meetings at work?”

Let the other person lead. You’re not assuming. You’re connecting.

So… How Do We Actually Build Our Village?
We make the first move.

If you’re more direct:
Ask someone from Zumba to grab coffee
Invite a coworker to lunch
Message a mom from PTO
If you’re more of a delegator:
Join a class or group
Say yes when coworkers go to lunch
Show up consistently
Yes, it can feel scary.

Yes, fear of judgment is real.

But here’s the truth:
Most people are thinking more about themselves than about you.
And most people won’t remember awkward moments anyway.

And in the rare case that someone laughs, judges, or brings it up unkindly later?

They are not your village.

Another option:
If you have a friend who already has a village, let them introduce you. If they invite you somewhere — say YES.

You’re Not Alone
Others are feeling just like you, even if they don’t say it out loud.

And remember:
The Menobodies community is a place where you can show up exactly as you are — worries, uncertainty, and all — and know you’re supported.

If you need a reminder before the next episode, I’m here for you.
Reach out on Facebook, Instagram, the newsletter, or by email.

We’re in this together 🤍

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69886071Thu, 12 Feb 2026 13:00:02 +0000Beth LohmanWelcome, welcome! Today’s episode is happy, cheery, and full-on Galentine’s vibes — like you’re about to meet your bestie girlfriends for coffee ☕💖 I want to start by sharing a little behind-the-scenes moment from Menobodies. This episode was...Today’s episode is happy, cheery, and full-on Galentine’s vibes — like you’re about to meet your bestie girlfriends for coffee ☕💖

I want to start by sharing a little behind-the-scenes moment from Menobodies.

This episode was originally supposed to be my very first in-person conversation with someone else on the podcast. I had my heart set on inviting my dear friend Danielle. But as I tried to make it happen, I realized something didn’t feel right. I was rushing it. Life is busy. Danielle is busy. I’m busy. And instead of feeling exciting, it started to feel pressured.

So I did the brave, honest thing. I talked to Danielle and said, “I still really want to do my first in-person episode with you… this just doesn’t feel like the right time.”

And that moment reminded me what an amazing friend she is. She was completely understanding — and honestly, she already sensed it before I even said anything. That’s real friendship.

Danielle is what I call one of my surrogate sister friends. I don’t have siblings — something I always wished for — and because of that, I deeply cherish those rare people in my life who feel like sisters. She’s one of them.

The Coffee Chat That Sparked This Episode
Even though we didn’t record, Danielle and I did grab coffee. And during that coffee date, she gave me a tip that changed everything.

She said, “When we do our episode, imagine we’re just chatting over coffee… and everyone else gets to listen in.”

That idea stuck with me. And it sparked today’s episode.

So instead of recording with Danielle, I imagined you and me sitting across from each other with our mugs, chatting about friendship, community, and how deeply important it is — especially in perimenopause and menopause.

Why Community Matters So Much Right Now
Perimenopause and menopause are a whole new world. If you’re not there yet, you’ll understand when you arrive.

Many of us feel incredibly alone during this season. Our partners — especially male partners — often can’t fully understand what it feels like to live inside a hormonally shifting body. And while family and partners are important, they can’t always be everything for us.

Side note:
If your partner or family is your everything — that’s beautiful. AND I still gently encourage having a slightly bigger village. Different people bring different perspectives, different kinds of support, and it actually keeps our closest relationships healthier. We don’t always have to bring every burden to the same person.

If you already have an amazing support system — you rock. Keep nurturing it. And remember to give back to it.

If you don’t?
Keep listening. This episode is for you.

Learning from Other Cultures & Community
I recently had a conversation with a client about other cultures and how deeply rooted community is for them. They show up for each other. They hang out casually. They pick up each other’s kids. They love extended family as their own.

And I’ll be honest — part of me longs for that.

Another part of me notices something uncomfortable: I’m a doer. I like structure. I like getting things done. Someone stopping by unexpectedly can stress me out because it disrupts my agenda.

That’s probably a sign I need to create more space for the unexpected.
(And honestly… that might be a whole episode on its own.)

Who Is — or Could Be — Your Village?
Take a moment to think about it:
Audra from spin class
Sarah at work
Jane from down the street
If you already have a village, who’s in it?
If you don’t, who could be?

And let me say this clearly: It is not too late to build meaningful friendships in...]]>994makingfriendsinmidlife,menopause,midlifewellness,perimenopause,perimenopausecommunity,womenscommunityfalse121fullDiscouraging Days in Perimenopause and Menopausehttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/discouraging-days-in-perimenopause-and-menopause--68348743This isn’t about quick fixes or hiding from life — it’s about grounding yourself, giving space for your feelings, and finding small, healing actions that help you come back to center. 💡

In This Episode:
The physical and emotional weight of discouragement
Why “quick fixes” don’t actually fix anything
Gentle ways to soothe anxiety and reset your mindset
How thrifting, yoga, and quiet time brought peace and perspective
The truth about body image, worth, and self-love at any size
Remembering: You are not alone in this journey
🧘‍♀️ Beth’s Takeaway

“Health of mind brings confidence — and you can look beautiful at any size.” You’re still the same person your family loves, still doing great things, even on days when you don’t feel your best. Life is short — and giving yourself grace is one of the healthiest choices you can make.

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68348743Sun, 01 Feb 2026 13:00:07 +0000Beth LohmanEver have one of those days? The ones where your body feels heavy, your emotions hit hard, and motivation feels miles away? In this raw and comforting episode, Beth gets real about what happens when discouragement creeps in — physically, emotionally,...This isn’t about quick fixes or hiding from life — it’s about grounding yourself, giving space for your feelings, and finding small, healing actions that help you come back to center. 💡

In This Episode:
The physical and emotional weight of discouragement
Why “quick fixes” don’t actually fix anything
Gentle ways to soothe anxiety and reset your mindset
How thrifting, yoga, and quiet time brought peace and perspective
The truth about body image, worth, and self-love at any size
Remembering: You are not alone in this journey
🧘‍♀️ Beth’s Takeaway

“Health of mind brings confidence — and you can look beautiful at any size.” You’re still the same person your family loves, still doing great things, even on days when you don’t feel your best. Life is short — and giving yourself grace is one of the healthiest choices you can make.

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>641discouragement,menopause,menopausesupport,midlifewellness,perimenopause,womenshealthfalse120fullS.A.D. Season Affective Disorder - what it is, how do we cope, with perimenopause and menopausehttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s-a-d-season-affective-disorder-what-it-is-how-do-we-cope-with-perimenopause-and-menopause--68855263
If my high-energy “HEY THERE, HEY THERE!” irritated you today… no judgment! 😅
This time of year might call for the softer, calming version:
Hello… welcome in.

Because for many of us—especially here in the chilly Midwest—the darker days of winter are rolling in. And research shows this season can hit our mental health hard, contributing to:
Low mood + sadness

Drop in energy + motivation

Social withdrawal

And even diagnosable depression

Yes, truly. 👇
In the DSM (the diagnosing guide for mental health), it’s considered a subtype of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder — or SAD.

If you love to nerd out on the science, here’s a trusted resource from the National Institute of Mental Health ➡️ Seasonal Affective Disorder — NIMH

Today, we’re diving into all of it:
✨ What is SAD?
✨ How does it feel?
✨ Why perimenopause + menopause make it even more challenging
✨ What you can do to support yourself

Because this isn’t a “just push through it” thing. There are real tools that help. 💛

What is SAD?

As sunlight decreases in fall + winter, our brain chemistry shifts:
Serotonin drops → lower motivation, energy, and happiness

Vitamin D levels dip → which impacts serotonin

Melatonin production rises → making us sleepy, sluggish, less ourselves

Our bodies are trying… but it’s rough.

How might SAD show up?

Maybe you notice:
Low motivation + low energy

Sadness

Moodiness or irritation

Over-eating or carb cravings

Excessive sleep or can’t-get-out-of-bed mornings

Lower self-esteem

Social withdrawal

Sound familiar?

You might have chalked it up to “just me” — like many of us do.
I’ve been there too. Feeling discouraged, anxious, wondering, Why am I not normal?

Spoiler alert: This IS normal.
You’re not broken. Your brain and hormones are simply responding to winter.

SAD + Perimenopause / Menopause = A Double Whammy

We’re already navigating:
Hormonal mood swings

Sleep disruptions

Appetite + weight changes

Self-esteem struggles

Then SAD says, “Let me jump in and amplify that!” 🙃

So pause with me and celebrate this truth:
Perimenopausal bodies are carrying A LOT. 💪🏽
We deserve massive compassion. Not criticism.

So what can we do?

How do we meet ourselves with love + care during SAD season?

Start with ACCEPTANCE:

"This is challenging and I don’t feel like myself.”
“It’s okay that I’m struggling — it’s not my fault.”
“I will care for myself during this time.”

That alone reduces anxiety and pressure.

Then support your body:

✔️ Adjust expectations — give yourself rest days
✔️ Choose comfort activities as needed (blanket + show? yes please!)
✔️ Keep some movement in the mix (walks count!)
✔️ Focus on balanced food while allowing comfort food too
✔️ Track symptoms or moods in a journal or notes app
✔️ Talk to your doctor
→ Vitamin D supplementation or short-term medication may help

And please remember:
Our bodies aren’t designed to go full speed 12 months a year.
Think cozy hibernating bear energy. 🐻✨

Winter invites us to slow down.

Your Takeaways

🌟 This is real
🌟 You don’t have to suffer through it
🌟 There is support
🌟 Love + accept yourself through it all
🌟 You are never alone here

Reach out anytime — DMs, email, comments.
We’re walking through this season together. 🤝💛
You. Are. Not. Alone.

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68855263Thu, 29 Jan 2026 13:00:10 +0000Beth LohmanIf my high-energy “HEY THERE, HEY THERE!” irritated you today… no judgment! 😅 This time of year might call for the softer, calming version: Hello… welcome in. Because for many of us—especially here in the chilly Midwest—the darker days of winter are...
If my high-energy “HEY THERE, HEY THERE!” irritated you today… no judgment! 😅
This time of year might call for the softer, calming version:
Hello… welcome in.

Because for many of us—especially here in the chilly Midwest—the darker days of winter are rolling in. And research shows this season can hit our mental health hard, contributing to:
Low mood + sadness

Drop in energy + motivation

Social withdrawal

And even diagnosable depression

Yes, truly. 👇
In the DSM (the diagnosing guide for mental health), it’s considered a subtype of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder — or SAD.

If you love to nerd out on the science, here’s a trusted resource from the National Institute of Mental Health ➡️ Seasonal Affective Disorder — NIMH

Today, we’re diving into all of it:
✨ What is SAD?
✨ How does it feel?
✨ Why perimenopause + menopause make it even more challenging
✨ What you can do to support yourself

Because this isn’t a “just push through it” thing. There are real tools that help. 💛

What is SAD?

As sunlight decreases in fall + winter, our brain chemistry shifts:
Serotonin drops → lower motivation, energy, and happiness

Vitamin D levels dip → which impacts serotonin

Melatonin production rises → making us sleepy, sluggish, less ourselves

Our bodies are trying… but it’s rough.

How might SAD show up?

Maybe you notice:
Low motivation + low energy

Sadness

Moodiness or irritation

Over-eating or carb cravings

Excessive sleep or can’t-get-out-of-bed mornings

Lower self-esteem

Social withdrawal

Sound familiar?

You might have chalked it up to “just me” — like many of us do.
I’ve been there too. Feeling discouraged, anxious, wondering, Why am I not normal?

Spoiler alert: This IS normal.
You’re not broken. Your brain and hormones are simply responding to winter.

SAD + Perimenopause / Menopause = A Double Whammy

We’re already navigating:
Hormonal mood swings

Sleep disruptions

Appetite + weight changes

Self-esteem struggles

Then SAD says, “Let me jump in and amplify that!” 🙃

So pause with me and celebrate this truth:
Perimenopausal bodies are carrying A LOT. 💪🏽
We deserve massive compassion. Not criticism.

So what can we do?

How do we meet ourselves with love + care during SAD season?

Start with ACCEPTANCE:

"This is challenging and I don’t feel like myself.”
“It’s okay that I’m struggling — it’s not my fault.”
“I will care for myself during this time.”

That alone reduces anxiety and pressure.

Then support your body:

✔️ Adjust expectations — give yourself rest days
✔️ Choose comfort activities as needed (blanket + show? yes please!)
✔️ Keep some movement in the mix (walks count!)
✔️ Focus on balanced food while allowing comfort food too
✔️ Track symptoms or moods in a journal or notes app
✔️ Talk to your doctor
→ Vitamin D supplementation or short-term medication may help

And please remember:
Our bodies aren’t designed to go full speed 12 months a year.
Think...]]>418menopause,menopausesupport,midlifewellness,perimenopause,sad,s.a.d.,sadandmenopause,seasonaffectivedisorderfalse119fullJudging others in perimenopause, how to stop judging and how it helps youhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/judging-others-in-perimenopause-how-to-stop-judging-and-how-it-helps-you--68835871Suuuuure… it looks niccceee. (Said with a little too much sarcasm.)

Don’t worry — that’s actually not me.
That’s me giving you a sneak peek into today’s topic:

Judgment 😬 Dun, dun, DUN!

We’re talking about how easily we slip into judging other women — especially when we’re feeling insecure ourselves. And how we can shift from judgment to empathy, support, and solidarity.

In This Episode
✨ What judgment looks like — and how it sneaks into our thoughts
✨ The moment I caught myself being a “judgy mcjudgerson”
✨ How to flip judgment into compassion
✨ The surprising benefits of cheering each other on
✨ Why peri/menopause can make judgment harder
✨ Hope + sisterhood moving forward

My Aha Moment
I found myself judging someone who seemed “perfect”:
Petite

Perky boobs

Toned, zero fat

Perfect hair & makeup

I mentally wrote her off with all the clichés…
“Fake.”
“Social media perfection.”
“Lucky genetics.”

Then later — on a walk — I realized…
I preach being a girl’s girl.
Supporting ALL women.
Not just the ones who look like they need support.

I’ve sat across from women of every appearance in therapy — and every one of them has struggles.

We truly never know what someone is carrying.

How We Shift From Judgment → Empathy
Not a new formula — but powerful:
1️⃣ Catch yourself in the moment (or after the fact)
2️⃣ Interrupt the thought with a new one
3️⃣ Repeat until your brain learns a new track

Try thoughts like:
“How do I know her home life isn’t falling apart?”

“She may be carrying a private battle.”

“Everyone deserves grace.”

“I have faults too.”

“What would help her right now?”

Say it. Write it. Practice it.
Little by little, belief shifts.

How This Changes Us
When we judge less, incredible things happen:
✔ We soften toward ourselves
✔ We feel more grounded & confident
✔ We respond with compassion rather than snark
✔ We stop seeing other women as competition
✔ We create community instead of comparison traps

We offer:
A smile instead of a glare.
Help instead of dismissal.
Kindness instead of a comeback.

Why This Is Extra Hard in Peri/Menopause
Our bodies are changing.
Hormones are fierce.
Self-esteem feels fragile.

We may judge others to soothe discomfort in ourselves:
💬 “Well at least I look better than she does…”
💬 “She must have had work done.”
💬 “She’s handling this way easier than me.”

But here’s the truth:
No one breezes through peri/menopause.
Even the women who look like they have it all together are fighting something too.

There is no right or wrong way to do this:
Hair dyed or gray
GLP-1 or not
Botox or embracing wrinkles
Supplements, meds, exercise — whatever your path
It’s all valid.

Menobodies Takeaway
Let’s loosen judgment.
Let’s increase compassion.
Let’s support every version of womanhood — including our own.

You are safe here.
You are welcome here — however you show up.

Continue the ConversationIf this episode resonated:
💌 DM or email your thoughts — you’re never alone
👯 Share with a friend who might want to become a Menobody too
📱 Invite someone into this supportive space

Until next time…
✨The light in me reaches to the light within you — so we can both shine.✨

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68835871Thu, 22 Jan 2026 13:00:08 +0000Beth LohmanHey there, is that a new haircut? 😏 Suuuuure… it looks niccceee. (Said with a little too much sarcasm.) Don’t worry — that’s actually not me. That’s me giving you a sneak peek into today’s topic: Judgment 😬 Dun, dun, DUN! We’re talking about how...Suuuuure… it looks niccceee. (Said with a little too much sarcasm.)

Don’t worry — that’s actually not me.
That’s me giving you a sneak peek into today’s topic:

Judgment 😬 Dun, dun, DUN!

We’re talking about how easily we slip into judging other women — especially when we’re feeling insecure ourselves. And how we can shift from judgment to empathy, support, and solidarity.

In This Episode
✨ What judgment looks like — and how it sneaks into our thoughts
✨ The moment I caught myself being a “judgy mcjudgerson”
✨ How to flip judgment into compassion
✨ The surprising benefits of cheering each other on
✨ Why peri/menopause can make judgment harder
✨ Hope + sisterhood moving forward

My Aha Moment
I found myself judging someone who seemed “perfect”:
Petite

Perky boobs

Toned, zero fat

Perfect hair & makeup

I mentally wrote her off with all the clichés…
“Fake.”
“Social media perfection.”
“Lucky genetics.”

Then later — on a walk — I realized…
I preach being a girl’s girl.
Supporting ALL women.
Not just the ones who look like they need support.

I’ve sat across from women of every appearance in therapy — and every one of them has struggles.

We truly never know what someone is carrying.

How We Shift From Judgment → Empathy
Not a new formula — but powerful:
1️⃣ Catch yourself in the moment (or after the fact)
2️⃣ Interrupt the thought with a new one
3️⃣ Repeat until your brain learns a new track

Try thoughts like:
“How do I know her home life isn’t falling apart?”

“She may be carrying a private battle.”

“Everyone deserves grace.”

“I have faults too.”

“What would help her right now?”

Say it. Write it. Practice it.
Little by little, belief shifts.

How This Changes Us
When we judge less, incredible things happen:
✔ We soften toward ourselves
✔ We feel more grounded & confident
✔ We respond with compassion rather than snark
✔ We stop seeing other women as competition
✔ We create community instead of comparison traps

We offer:
A smile instead of a glare.
Help instead of dismissal.
Kindness instead of a comeback.

Why This Is Extra Hard in Peri/Menopause
Our bodies are changing.
Hormones are fierce.
Self-esteem feels fragile.

We may judge others to soothe discomfort in ourselves:
💬 “Well at least I look better than she does…”
💬 “She must have had work done.”
💬 “She’s handling this way easier than me.”

But here’s the truth:
No one breezes through peri/menopause.
Even the women who look like they have it all together are fighting something too.

There is no right or wrong way to do this:
Hair dyed or gray
GLP-1 or not
Botox or embracing wrinkles
Supplements, meds, exercise — whatever your path
It’s all valid.

Menobodies Takeaway
Let’s loosen judgment.
Let’s increase compassion.
Let’s support every version of womanhood — including our own.

You are safe here.
You are welcome here — however you show up.

Continue the ConversationIf this episode resonated:
💌 DM or email your thoughts — you’re never alone
👯 Share with a friend who might want to become a Menobody too
📱 Invite someone into this supportive space

Until next time…
✨The light in me reaches to the light within you — so we can both...]]>430changingbeingnjudgemental,judging,judgingothers,menopause,menopausesupport,midlifewellness,perimenopausefalse118fullHow to Set Goals, if goals are right for you, make them SMART goalshttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-to-set-goals-if-goals-are-right-for-you-make-them-smart-goals--68824582Welcome
Hey, hey! Is it a snowy day where you are? At the very least, it’s cold—which feels like the perfect time to cozy up for this conversation about goals, acceptance, and what actually creates long-term well-being.In today’s episode, we’re talking about redefining goals in a way that doesn’t overwhelm us, unhinge us, or set us up for the dreaded F-word (no, not that one—failure). Instead, we’re starting with something deeper and steadier: acceptance.

✨ Why Acceptance Comes First
We often set goals around things that fade—weight loss, the perfect job, flawless makeup, the ideal version of ourselves we think we “should” be. But those kinds of goals won’t give us lasting acceptance, because they’re tied to things that change.As we talked about in the last episode, what happens isn’t failure—it's information. And the lesson here?
Those external “perfect” goals don’t bring forever-good feelings.What can bring them?

Acceptance of who we are, as we are.

It can feel freeing.
Grounding.
Like a deep-rooted tree—unshakeable in wind, change, or chaos.When we accept ourselves, we stop obsessing over our “shortcomings,” and suddenly we have more room for compassion—for ourselves and others. And any goals we choose don’t have the power to break us or make us feel small.Acceptance goes first.
Goals come second.

✨ How Many Goals Is Too Many?
We’ve all heard the sayings:
“My plate is full.”
“I’m juggling so many balls.”

That’s what it feels like when we overload ourselves with 10–15 goals at the surface level—none of them get meaningful attention.

But focusing on one intentional goal at a time?
That allows you to think deeper, choose what actually matters, and create real change.

✨ What Are Goals, Anyway?
Goals can be anything—but they need to be for you, not someone else’s approval.Ask yourself:
Who is this goal for?

Does it genuinely excite me?

Does my energy rise when I picture myself doing it?

Example:
“Read one book a month.”
If you love reading, amazing.
If you don’t… that’s not a goal—it’s a chore.

✨ Using SMART Goals (the realistic version)
SMART goals help turn vague wishes into actual plans.

S – Specific
❌ “Lift weights.”
✅ “Use light weights for all major muscle groups twice per week.”

M – Measurable
❌ Lifting random weights and calling it good.
✅ Lifting weights heavy enough that you need to stop between 8–12 reps.(Insert the classic joke about people lifting their purse and calling it strength training — we’ve all seen it!)

A – Attainable / Achievable
❌ “Become an Olympic weightlifter.”
❌ “Run five marathons this year even though I’ve never run.”
✅ “Train for and run one marathon.”
or
“Learn the basics of an Olympic lift.”

R – Realistic & Relevant
Match the goal to the mission.
If your goal is “Get stronger”:
❌ Stretching-only classes
✅ Strength training, Pilates, barre, or body-weight work

T – Timely
❌ “Lift weights this year.”
✅ “Lift weights 2x/week for 3 months, then assess.”And don’t forget a crucial element…

+ Flexible
Can you adjust if something changes—or if you learn you hate the thing you picked?
Hating weightlifting? Try Pilates, barre, resistance bands, a class, or body-weight work.

Goals evolve as you do.

✨ Final Thoughts
If goals motivate you, go for them.
But don’t wait for a new year, a Monday, or some magical reset moment.
You can choose a new direction anytime.

Just remember:
Start with acceptance.
Set goals for YOU.

I’m here cheering you on and would love to hear what you’re working toward.
DM me, email, comment, or leave a review.

And don’t forget—this topic will also be in the newsletter.
Subscribe at: menobodies.com/newsletter

Until next time, Menobodies:
If you’re going after goals, do it for you, and start with acceptance. 💛

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68824582Thu, 15 Jan 2026 13:00:07 +0000Beth LohmanWelcome Hey, hey! Is it a snowy day where you are? At the very least, it’s cold—which feels like the perfect time to cozy up for this conversation about goals, acceptance, and what actually creates long-term well-being.In today’s episode, we’re...Welcome
Hey, hey! Is it a snowy day where you are? At the very least, it’s cold—which feels like the perfect time to cozy up for this conversation about goals, acceptance, and what actually creates long-term well-being.In today’s episode, we’re talking about redefining goals in a way that doesn’t overwhelm us, unhinge us, or set us up for the dreaded F-word (no, not that one—failure). Instead, we’re starting with something deeper and steadier: acceptance.

✨ Why Acceptance Comes First
We often set goals around things that fade—weight loss, the perfect job, flawless makeup, the ideal version of ourselves we think we “should” be. But those kinds of goals won’t give us lasting acceptance, because they’re tied to things that change.As we talked about in the last episode, what happens isn’t failure—it's information. And the lesson here?
Those external “perfect” goals don’t bring forever-good feelings.What can bring them?

Acceptance of who we are, as we are.

It can feel freeing.
Grounding.
Like a deep-rooted tree—unshakeable in wind, change, or chaos.When we accept ourselves, we stop obsessing over our “shortcomings,” and suddenly we have more room for compassion—for ourselves and others. And any goals we choose don’t have the power to break us or make us feel small.Acceptance goes first.
Goals come second.

✨ How Many Goals Is Too Many?
We’ve all heard the sayings:
“My plate is full.”
“I’m juggling so many balls.”

That’s what it feels like when we overload ourselves with 10–15 goals at the surface level—none of them get meaningful attention.

But focusing on one intentional goal at a time?
That allows you to think deeper, choose what actually matters, and create real change.

✨ What Are Goals, Anyway?
Goals can be anything—but they need to be for you, not someone else’s approval.Ask yourself:
Who is this goal for?

Does it genuinely excite me?

Does my energy rise when I picture myself doing it?

Example:
“Read one book a month.”
If you love reading, amazing.
If you don’t… that’s not a goal—it’s a chore.

✨ Using SMART Goals (the realistic version)
SMART goals help turn vague wishes into actual plans.

S – Specific
❌ “Lift weights.”
✅ “Use light weights for all major muscle groups twice per week.”

M – Measurable
❌ Lifting random weights and calling it good.
✅ Lifting weights heavy enough that you need to stop between 8–12 reps.(Insert the classic joke about people lifting their purse and calling it strength training — we’ve all seen it!)

A – Attainable / Achievable
❌ “Become an Olympic weightlifter.”
❌ “Run five marathons this year even though I’ve never run.”
✅ “Train for and run one marathon.”
or
“Learn the basics of an Olympic lift.”

R – Realistic & Relevant
Match the goal to the mission.
If your goal is “Get stronger”:
❌ Stretching-only classes
✅ Strength training, Pilates, barre, or body-weight work

T – Timely
❌ “Lift weights this year.”
✅ “Lift weights 2x/week for 3 months, then assess.”And don’t forget a crucial element…

+ Flexible
Can you adjust if something changes—or if you learn you hate the thing you picked?
Hating weightlifting? Try Pilates, barre, resistance bands, a class, or body-weight work.

Goals evolve as you do.

✨ Final Thoughts
If goals motivate you, go for them.
But don’t wait for a new year, a Monday, or some magical reset moment.
You can choose a new direction anytime.
5652026goals,menopause,menopausesupport,midlifewellness,perimenopause,settinggoals,smartgoalsfalse117fullGetting rid of the F-word, failure. Learning to work through mistakes.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/getting-rid-of-the-f-word-failure-learning-to-work-through-mistakes--68817973We know the new year can bring excitement and anxiety — the pressure to have a “perfect year” can feel heavy. But this episode is all about rethinking that pressure and shifting our mindset toward empowerment.

Today’s Topic
The F-word: Failure.

(Sure… sometimes the other one too. 😆)We’re diving into why failure feels so big and scary — and how redefining it can set us free.

What We Cover
✨ Why failure feels like a threat
✨ Where those beliefs come from (society, family, childhood experiences)
✨ How “not failing” can become a quest for safety, love, & approval
✨ Shame, guilt, loneliness — the heavy emotional cost
✨ Tools to rewire your mindset
✨ How ditching the word “failure” makes us unstoppable

Why Failure Feels Like a Big Deal
So many of us grew up learning that mistakes meant:
Disappointment

Rejection

Embarrassment

Loss of love or acceptance

No wonder we fear it!
That pressure leaves a mark — a deep-brain groove telling us failure = danger.

Changing the MindsetRewiring the brain takes intention:
🧠 Hear it
👀 See it
💭 Think it
🗣 Say it
✍️ Write it
🔁 Repeat it

Ideas to try:
Add affirmations to daily habits (like brushing teeth)

Journal progress & self-kindness

Sticky notes on your mirror or steering wheel

Buddy up with someone who gets it

Set reminders to speak encouragement aloud

What We Say Instead
🌱 Mistakes help us grow
🌱 It’s how we handle a mistake that defines success
🌱 There’s no such thing as failure — only learning
🌱 I am not a failure.
🌱 I made a mistake and I can make it right.

These new messages become the new groove — the new railroad track for the brain to follow.

What Happens When We Stop Believing in “Failure”?We become:
💪 Kinder to ourselves
💪 More resilient
💪 Less afraid to try
💪 More compassionate with others

When we remove “failure” from our vocabulary, we create kinder communities and healthier minds.

And bonus: we model that same grace for the people in our lives.

Real-Life Menopause ExamplesYou are NOT a failure if:
⬤ You’re not losing weight
→ Get curious, ask questions, seek support
⬤ Mood swings take over your words
→ Apologize, rest, check in with your doctor
⬤ Symptoms feel overwhelming
→ You are allowed help, compassion, and care

This space — this Menobodies community — is a soft place to land. 🫶

Stay Connected
If today’s message encouraged you:
💌 Share the episode with someone who needs this reminder
📩 DM, email, or leave a review to tell us what resonated
📰 Want more? Join the newsletter: menobodies.com/newsletter

Remember:
✨ You are a success — just as you are. ✨

Until next time, keep embracing the journey and letting go of the “F-word.” 😉

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68817973Thu, 08 Jan 2026 13:00:07 +0000Beth LohmanHappy 2026, Menobodies! 🎉 We know the new year can bring excitement and anxiety — the pressure to have a “perfect year” can feel heavy. But this episode is all about rethinking that pressure and shifting our mindset toward empowerment. Today’s Topic...We know the new year can bring excitement and anxiety — the pressure to have a “perfect year” can feel heavy. But this episode is all about rethinking that pressure and shifting our mindset toward empowerment.

Today’s Topic
The F-word: Failure.

(Sure… sometimes the other one too. 😆)We’re diving into why failure feels so big and scary — and how redefining it can set us free.

What We Cover
✨ Why failure feels like a threat
✨ Where those beliefs come from (society, family, childhood experiences)
✨ How “not failing” can become a quest for safety, love, & approval
✨ Shame, guilt, loneliness — the heavy emotional cost
✨ Tools to rewire your mindset
✨ How ditching the word “failure” makes us unstoppable

Why Failure Feels Like a Big Deal
So many of us grew up learning that mistakes meant:
Disappointment

Rejection

Embarrassment

Loss of love or acceptance

No wonder we fear it!
That pressure leaves a mark — a deep-brain groove telling us failure = danger.

Changing the MindsetRewiring the brain takes intention:
🧠 Hear it
👀 See it
💭 Think it
🗣 Say it
✍️ Write it
🔁 Repeat it

Ideas to try:
Add affirmations to daily habits (like brushing teeth)

Journal progress & self-kindness

Sticky notes on your mirror or steering wheel

Buddy up with someone who gets it

Set reminders to speak encouragement aloud

What We Say Instead
🌱 Mistakes help us grow
🌱 It’s how we handle a mistake that defines success
🌱 There’s no such thing as failure — only learning
🌱 I am not a failure.
🌱 I made a mistake and I can make it right.

These new messages become the new groove — the new railroad track for the brain to follow.

What Happens When We Stop Believing in “Failure”?We become:
💪 Kinder to ourselves
💪 More resilient
💪 Less afraid to try
💪 More compassionate with others

When we remove “failure” from our vocabulary, we create kinder communities and healthier minds.

And bonus: we model that same grace for the people in our lives.

Real-Life Menopause ExamplesYou are NOT a failure if:
⬤ You’re not losing weight
→ Get curious, ask questions, seek support
⬤ Mood swings take over your words
→ Apologize, rest, check in with your doctor
⬤ Symptoms feel overwhelming
→ You are allowed help, compassion, and care

This space — this Menobodies community — is a soft place to land. 🫶

Stay Connected
If today’s message encouraged you:
💌 Share the episode with someone who needs this reminder
📩 DM, email, or leave a review to tell us what resonated
📰 Want more? Join the newsletter: menobodies.com/newsletter

Remember:
✨ You are a success — just as you are. ✨

Until next time, keep embracing the journey and letting go of the “F-word.” 😉

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:116fullFreedom from New Year's Resolutionshttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/freedom-from-new-year-s-resolutions--68571961Welcome, welcome!

We’re closing out the year with a slightly controversial topic… 👀

It’s almost December 31st.
Which means January 1st is coming.
And that means… New Year’s Resolutions. 🎇

As someone who has spent many years in gyms and wellness — including working as a fitness director — I’ve seen what January looks like firsthand. Gyms are PACKED from the New Year through mid-February. And then? The slow fade. The “die-off.” The resolutions that don’t survive. Not just in fitness, but in every area of life.

And that is why…I am officially a No Resolutions promoter, believer, and teacher. Wait, what?! 😱
Bah humbug? Anti-goals? Rebel against society?
Not quite. Let me explain…

💬 What We Talk About in This Episode

✦ The pressure + perfectionism behind resolutions
✦ Why the diet industry thrives on our “failure”
✦ How resolutions often disconnect us from our real needs
✦ A more compassionate approach to change
✦ Why incomplete goals are still valuable data
✦ How acceptance may be the healthiest “New Year tradition” of all

🧠 A Personal Story

New Year’s used to send my anxiety through the roof — expectations, perfectionism, doing things to please others. I dreaded this holiday.

Later, through fitness and mental-health work, I realized: • The world profits when we believe we’re broken

• People often set goals that deny who they truly are
• We can feel like failures over things outside our control
• Our bodies are not wrong — societal expectations are

If you want the full story, I’ve written a newsletter on it. Just reach out — I’d love to share it with you. 💌

✨ “New Year’s Acceptance

” What if this year, instead of forcing change… we nurture acceptance? • Speak to yourself with love

• Choose goals when you want them
• Let your growth follow a natural path
• Release the pressure to perform for others

Goals aren’t the enemy! But:

🛑 Goals set because we’re supposed to
🛑 Goals that ignore our body’s truth
🛑 Goals that crush our self-worth

…those deserve to be questioned.

📌 Reframing Goals
✔ Set them any time of year
✔ Flex and adjust as you go
✔ Use outcomes as information — not judgment Even when we don’t “complete” a goal, we’ve learned something:
Maybe skateboarding isn’t our thing.
Maybe knitting hats for cats is… less delightful than imagined.
That’s success — because we gained clarity.

🤗 You Belong Here.

Whether you love resolutions…
Skip them completely…
Or this episode totally changes your mind…

You are accepted exactly as you are in this community.

💌 Join the Conversation

How did this episode land for you?

• DM me
• Email me
• Drop a comment

And if it inspired you — share it with a fellow Menobody! We love welcoming more amazing humans into this space. 💜

Until next time — remember:
You are amazing just as you are. 🌟

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68571961Tue, 30 Dec 2025 13:00:08 +0000Beth LohmanWelcome, welcome! We’re closing out the year with a slightly controversial topic… 👀 It’s almost December 31st. Which means January 1st is coming. And that means… New Year’s Resolutions. 🎇 As someone who has spent many years in gyms and wellness —...Welcome, welcome!

We’re closing out the year with a slightly controversial topic… 👀

It’s almost December 31st.
Which means January 1st is coming.
And that means… New Year’s Resolutions. 🎇

As someone who has spent many years in gyms and wellness — including working as a fitness director — I’ve seen what January looks like firsthand. Gyms are PACKED from the New Year through mid-February. And then? The slow fade. The “die-off.” The resolutions that don’t survive. Not just in fitness, but in every area of life.

And that is why…I am officially a No Resolutions promoter, believer, and teacher. Wait, what?! 😱
Bah humbug? Anti-goals? Rebel against society?
Not quite. Let me explain…

💬 What We Talk About in This Episode

✦ The pressure + perfectionism behind resolutions
✦ Why the diet industry thrives on our “failure”
✦ How resolutions often disconnect us from our real needs
✦ A more compassionate approach to change
✦ Why incomplete goals are still valuable data
✦ How acceptance may be the healthiest “New Year tradition” of all

🧠 A Personal Story

New Year’s used to send my anxiety through the roof — expectations, perfectionism, doing things to please others. I dreaded this holiday.

Later, through fitness and mental-health work, I realized: • The world profits when we believe we’re broken

• People often set goals that deny who they truly are
• We can feel like failures over things outside our control
• Our bodies are not wrong — societal expectations are

If you want the full story, I’ve written a newsletter on it. Just reach out — I’d love to share it with you. 💌

✨ “New Year’s Acceptance

” What if this year, instead of forcing change… we nurture acceptance? • Speak to yourself with love

• Choose goals when you want them
• Let your growth follow a natural path
• Release the pressure to perform for others

Goals aren’t the enemy! But:

🛑 Goals set because we’re supposed to
🛑 Goals that ignore our body’s truth
🛑 Goals that crush our self-worth

…those deserve to be questioned.

📌 Reframing Goals
✔ Set them any time of year
✔ Flex and adjust as you go
✔ Use outcomes as information — not judgment Even when we don’t “complete” a goal, we’ve learned something:
Maybe skateboarding isn’t our thing.
Maybe knitting hats for cats is… less delightful than imagined.
That’s success — because we gained clarity.

🤗 You Belong Here.

Whether you love resolutions…
Skip them completely…
Or this episode totally changes your mind…

You are accepted exactly as you are in this community.

💌 Join the Conversation

How did this episode land for you?

• DM me
• Email me
• Drop a comment

And if it inspired you — share it with a fellow Menobody! We love welcoming more amazing humans into this space. 💜

Until next time — remember:
You are amazing just as you are. 🌟

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>399antiresolutions,menopause,menopausementalhealth,menopausesupport,midlifewellness,newyearsresolutions,perimenopausefalse115fullTaking Breaks - why rest matters more than everhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/taking-breaks-why-rest-matters-more-than-ever--68571760 Taking breaks. 🛑✨

Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, or somewhere in between — your body, brain, and emotions need more care. More rest. More down time. Today, we’re diving into why that matters and how to make it happen.

🎙️ In This Episode

We’re talking about:

✦ The ways many of us were taught (or not taught) to rest
✦ My personal journey with vacation time + burnout
✦ Why taking breaks is critical for our health
✦ Advocating for time off — with your boss, family… and yourself
✦ How to snag tiny breaks when life is bananas
✦ Using the holiday season to actually restore

🕰️ “Back in the Day”… and Why That Still Haunts Us

Growing up, breaks weren’t really a thing.

• Parents working holidays
• Time off in rigid 2-week blocks
• Sick days only when super sick
• Mental health days? Never.
Then, early careers praised the hustle: overtime as a badge of honor, events without compensation, saving every hour possible — because using it seemed weak.

Sound familiar? 👀

🧠 Fast Forward: Why Breaks Matter

Taking one single day now can reset you for weeks.
Pushing through? Usually ends in meltdown mode. 😅

Breaks help…
✔ calm the nervous system
✔ improve focus + decision making
✔ reduce anxiety
✔ support physical health
✔ replenish energy so you show up better
Imagine explaining it that way the next time you ask for a day off.

🗣️ Advocating for Time Off

Whether you’re requesting scheduled PTO or asking for extra flexibility, try:
• Be specific — ½ day? 1 day? 3 days?
• Share what you’re comfortable sharing
• Explain how you’ll return more focused and energized
• If there’s a “no,” ask when would be okay

If you’re the boss — or work for yourself — the hardest person to convince is YOU.
Reminder: You deserve rest.

🚫 “Time off” ≠ Checking emails

Give yourself true unplug time.
If digital withdrawal makes you anxious? Make a plan.
Even ask colleagues to help keep you accountable.

🧩 When Work Has Crunch Seasons

Some jobs have blackout periods (looking at you, admissions teams 👋).

Take smaller bites:
• go in late or leave early
• schedule recovery time after the rush

⚖️ Wellness Is a Year-Long Balance

“Work/life balance” isn’t a perfect daily scale.
But when you zoom out to the year? It should even out.
If not — that’s your cue to adjust.
Reflection is a wellness tool, too.

🎄 Holiday Edition: You Can Rest

If you’re off for the holidays… let some of that time be for YOU.
🛋️ Slow things down
✨ Sprinkle in quiet, solo moments
🚫 Release the pressure to “be productive”

Remember: You never need a break from a break.

💬 Connect with Me

When your break is over, I’d love to hear:

• Did this episode help you rethink time off?
• How did menopause or perimenopause shape your holidays this year?

DM me on Instagram, shoot me an email, or drop a comment — I love hearing from you. 💜

Thanks for being here, Menobodies fam.
May your rest be real, restorative, and guilt-free. 😌🧘‍♀️

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68571760Thu, 25 Dec 2025 13:00:08 +0000Beth LohmanHey, hey there! Thanks for tuning in — especially if you're listening the week we dropped this episode (hello, 12/25!). We’re right between Christmas and New Year’s — a weird and wonderful space where “time off” should actually mean time off. And that... Taking breaks. 🛑✨

Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, menopause, or somewhere in between — your body, brain, and emotions need more care. More rest. More down time. Today, we’re diving into why that matters and how to make it happen.

🎙️ In This Episode

We’re talking about:

✦ The ways many of us were taught (or not taught) to rest
✦ My personal journey with vacation time + burnout
✦ Why taking breaks is critical for our health
✦ Advocating for time off — with your boss, family… and yourself
✦ How to snag tiny breaks when life is bananas
✦ Using the holiday season to actually restore

🕰️ “Back in the Day”… and Why That Still Haunts Us

Growing up, breaks weren’t really a thing.

• Parents working holidays
• Time off in rigid 2-week blocks
• Sick days only when super sick
• Mental health days? Never.
Then, early careers praised the hustle: overtime as a badge of honor, events without compensation, saving every hour possible — because using it seemed weak.

Sound familiar? 👀

🧠 Fast Forward: Why Breaks Matter

Taking one single day now can reset you for weeks.
Pushing through? Usually ends in meltdown mode. 😅

Breaks help…
✔ calm the nervous system
✔ improve focus + decision making
✔ reduce anxiety
✔ support physical health
✔ replenish energy so you show up better
Imagine explaining it that way the next time you ask for a day off.

🗣️ Advocating for Time Off

Whether you’re requesting scheduled PTO or asking for extra flexibility, try:
• Be specific — ½ day? 1 day? 3 days?
• Share what you’re comfortable sharing
• Explain how you’ll return more focused and energized
• If there’s a “no,” ask when would be okay

If you’re the boss — or work for yourself — the hardest person to convince is YOU.
Reminder: You deserve rest.

🚫 “Time off” ≠ Checking emails

Give yourself true unplug time.
If digital withdrawal makes you anxious? Make a plan.
Even ask colleagues to help keep you accountable.

🧩 When Work Has Crunch Seasons

Some jobs have blackout periods (looking at you, admissions teams 👋).

Take smaller bites:
• go in late or leave early
• schedule recovery time after the rush

⚖️ Wellness Is a Year-Long Balance

“Work/life balance” isn’t a perfect daily scale.
But when you zoom out to the year? It should even out.
If not — that’s your cue to adjust.
Reflection is a wellness tool, too.

🎄 Holiday Edition: You Can Rest

If you’re off for the holidays… let some of that time be for YOU.
🛋️ Slow things down
✨ Sprinkle in quiet, solo moments
🚫 Release the pressure to “be productive”

Remember: You never need a break from a break.

💬 Connect with Me

When your break is over, I’d love to hear:

• Did this episode help you rethink time off?
• How did menopause or perimenopause shape your holidays this year?

DM me on Instagram, shoot me an email, or drop a comment — I love hearing from you. 💜

Thanks for being here, Menobodies fam.
May your rest be real, restorative, and guilt-free. 😌🧘‍♀️

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 1047menopause,menopausesupport,midlifewellness,perimenopause,takingbreaksfalse114full7 Ways to take it easy in the busy season and with perimenopausehttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/7-ways-to-take-it-easy-in-the-busy-season-and-with-perimenopause--68552810Because today’s episode is all about taking it easy — slowing down, relaxing, restoring, finding calm and peace, and grounding yourself, especially during the busiest time of the year.

It’s deep in the holiday season as I record this, and that’s exactly why this topic matters. You need rest and restoration the most when life feels the most chaotic. Thirty minutes of true rest will give you more than pushing through another 30 minutes exhausted ever could.

When you slow down and restore, you can think clearly, focus better, have more patience, and show up as your best self.

So let’s dive into:
7 Ways to Take It Easy 🌿

1️⃣ Take a Nap
Obvious? Maybe. But powerful!
Even if you don’t fall fully asleep, giving your brain permission to slow down and wander is deeply restorative. And if you do nap longer—great! That gives your brain time to truly power down and reset.

2️⃣ Spend Time by Yourself (Without a Required Task)
Yes, no required tasks allowed.This could be walking, sitting by a fire, curling up in a cozy chair, or listening to music. The key is twofold: you’re alone and you’re not “doing” anything expected of you or already on your to do list or calendar. Let yourself be.

3️⃣ Intentional Nervous System Relaxation
You’ve heard me talk about this before—it’s one of my favorites!
Try 30 seconds of slow, intentional breathing. Use techniques like:
3-3-3 breathing

4-7-8 breathing

Square breathing
You can also try progressive muscle relaxation, gentle yoga, tai chi, Pilates, or self-led stretching. Anything that helps your body and breath slow down.
4️⃣ Relaxing Friend Time
Yes—relaxing friend time. There’s a difference!
This isn’t the loud dinner or the chaotic group hangout. This is a quiet coffee date, a slow morning chat, or an easy walk with someone who brings calm energy. Restoration through connection.

5️⃣ Do Something That Brings Peace
This could be painting, playing music, taking a nature walk, or attending a spiritual or meditation gathering. Choose something that centers you—not something that just fills your schedule.
6️⃣ Read a Book or Watch a Movie
Solo or with a few loved ones, keep it cozy and calm. Maybe add a cup of tea or a glass of wine (if that’s aligned with your lifestyle). Journaling or writing can fit here too—whatever feels peaceful and grounding.

7️⃣ Let Go of Others’ Expectations
This might be the hardest one—and the most freeing.
Release the things you think others expect from you—whether from society, family, or friends.

Example: Must have handmade pies for Thanksgiving? Nope. Costco can do the magic this year. 🙌

Create a ritual around this:
Come up with a mantra to remind yourself of your worth and enough-ness.

Try:
💬 “I am okay just as I am.”
💬 “I am loved even if I don’t please everyone.”
💬 “Good is great.”
💬 Or for my spicy listeners —“They can suck it.”

😏Breathe in… breathe out… and imagine exhaling those expectations away.

Closing Thoughts
Menobodies, you are valuable.
You are worthy of rest.
And you deserve to take it easy.

Remind yourself of that daily.

I’m here to help if you need it — check out our IG and Facebook pages at @Menobodies, and join our biweekly emails full of encouragement, tips, tricks, and laughter.

Reach out anytime

Until next time, remember —

You are amazing exactly as you are. 💛

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68552810Thu, 18 Dec 2025 13:00:07 +0000Beth LohmanHiiiiiiiii there (cue the yoga exhale 🧘‍♀️). Because today’s episode is all about taking it easy — slowing down, relaxing, restoring, finding calm and peace, and grounding yourself, especially during the busiest time of the year. It’s deep in the...Because today’s episode is all about taking it easy — slowing down, relaxing, restoring, finding calm and peace, and grounding yourself, especially during the busiest time of the year.

It’s deep in the holiday season as I record this, and that’s exactly why this topic matters. You need rest and restoration the most when life feels the most chaotic. Thirty minutes of true rest will give you more than pushing through another 30 minutes exhausted ever could.

When you slow down and restore, you can think clearly, focus better, have more patience, and show up as your best self.

So let’s dive into:
7 Ways to Take It Easy 🌿

1️⃣ Take a Nap
Obvious? Maybe. But powerful!
Even if you don’t fall fully asleep, giving your brain permission to slow down and wander is deeply restorative. And if you do nap longer—great! That gives your brain time to truly power down and reset.

2️⃣ Spend Time by Yourself (Without a Required Task)
Yes, no required tasks allowed.This could be walking, sitting by a fire, curling up in a cozy chair, or listening to music. The key is twofold: you’re alone and you’re not “doing” anything expected of you or already on your to do list or calendar. Let yourself be.

3️⃣ Intentional Nervous System Relaxation
You’ve heard me talk about this before—it’s one of my favorites!
Try 30 seconds of slow, intentional breathing. Use techniques like:
3-3-3 breathing

4-7-8 breathing

Square breathing
You can also try progressive muscle relaxation, gentle yoga, tai chi, Pilates, or self-led stretching. Anything that helps your body and breath slow down.
4️⃣ Relaxing Friend Time
Yes—relaxing friend time. There’s a difference!
This isn’t the loud dinner or the chaotic group hangout. This is a quiet coffee date, a slow morning chat, or an easy walk with someone who brings calm energy. Restoration through connection.

5️⃣ Do Something That Brings Peace
This could be painting, playing music, taking a nature walk, or attending a spiritual or meditation gathering. Choose something that centers you—not something that just fills your schedule.
6️⃣ Read a Book or Watch a Movie
Solo or with a few loved ones, keep it cozy and calm. Maybe add a cup of tea or a glass of wine (if that’s aligned with your lifestyle). Journaling or writing can fit here too—whatever feels peaceful and grounding.

7️⃣ Let Go of Others’ Expectations
This might be the hardest one—and the most freeing.
Release the things you think others expect from you—whether from society, family, or friends.

Example: Must have handmade pies for Thanksgiving? Nope. Costco can do the magic this year. 🙌

Create a ritual around this:
Come up with a mantra to remind yourself of your worth and enough-ness.

Try:
💬 “I am okay just as I am.”
💬 “I am loved even if I don’t please everyone.”
💬 “Good is great.”
💬 Or for my spicy listeners —“They can suck it.”

😏Breathe in… breathe out… and imagine exhaling those expectations away.

Closing Thoughts
Menobodies, you are valuable.
You are worthy of rest.
And you deserve to take it easy.

Remind yourself of that daily.

I’m here to help if you need it — check out our IG and Facebook pages at @Menobodies, and join our biweekly emails full of encouragement, tips, tricks, and laughter.

Reach out anytime

Until next time, remember —

You are amazing exactly as you are. 💛

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email:...]]>534busyseason,menopause,menopausesupport,midlifewellness,perimenopause,waystorelaxfalse113fullHoliday Mantras to Get You Through Hard Times; Positive Self-Messageshttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/holiday-mantras-to-get-you-through-hard-times-positive-self-messages--68366127 power tool — one that helps you stay calm, grounded, and sane when life (and Aunt Marge) get intense: the power of mantras.

💬 What You’ll Hear About in This Episode:
Why the holidays can be emotionally tough — and you’re not alone if you feel that way
How perimenopause and menopause can add another layer to the holiday pressure
What mantras are and why they actually work (yes, there’s research!)
Easy ways to use mantras — out loud, written, or posted on your mirror or steering wheel
Examples of mantras that can shift your mindset and soothe your stress
Letting go of people-pleasing and the need to control others’ opinions
How to handle passive-aggressive behavior without losing your peace (hello, family gatherings!)
Tips for setting healthy boundaries — and not apologizing for everything
Special mantras for navigating perimenopause and menopause

🧠 Sample Mantras from the Episode:
I can do hard things.
I am more than my mom’s opinion of me.
It’s okay to ask for help.
I am allowed to slow down and take care of myself.
My body is changing, and I am going to love it and work to help it.
I am more than my symptoms.
These small, powerful statements help retrain your brain — moving you from stress to calm, from negativity to self-compassion.

💡 Takeaway:
Your words matter.
When you change what you tell yourself, you change how you experience the world.
This holiday season, give yourself permission to breathe, let go of perfection, and use your power tool — your mantra — to build peace instead of chaos.

✨ Join the Conversation:
I want to hear from you!
What’s your personal mantra?
Send me a DM, comment on this episode, or email me at beth@neonlavendertherapy.com.
Bonus points if you share the story behind why it works for you.

Let’s make this holiday season one of calm, grace, and a little self-love — Menobodies style.

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68366127Thu, 11 Dec 2025 13:05:07 +0000Beth LohmanIf the holidays bring you more stress than sparkle, this episode is for you. Today, we’re not talking drills or staple guns (though those might come in handy if you need an excuse to “fix something” and sneak away from family chaos 😅). Instead, we’re... power tool — one that helps you stay calm, grounded, and sane when life (and Aunt Marge) get intense: the power of mantras.

💬 What You’ll Hear About in This Episode:
Why the holidays can be emotionally tough — and you’re not alone if you feel that way
How perimenopause and menopause can add another layer to the holiday pressure
What mantras are and why they actually work (yes, there’s research!)
Easy ways to use mantras — out loud, written, or posted on your mirror or steering wheel
Examples of mantras that can shift your mindset and soothe your stress
Letting go of people-pleasing and the need to control others’ opinions
How to handle passive-aggressive behavior without losing your peace (hello, family gatherings!)
Tips for setting healthy boundaries — and not apologizing for everything
Special mantras for navigating perimenopause and menopause

🧠 Sample Mantras from the Episode:
I can do hard things.
I am more than my mom’s opinion of me.
It’s okay to ask for help.
I am allowed to slow down and take care of myself.
My body is changing, and I am going to love it and work to help it.
I am more than my symptoms.
These small, powerful statements help retrain your brain — moving you from stress to calm, from negativity to self-compassion.

💡 Takeaway:
Your words matter.
When you change what you tell yourself, you change how you experience the world.
This holiday season, give yourself permission to breathe, let go of perfection, and use your power tool — your mantra — to build peace instead of chaos.

✨ Join the Conversation:
I want to hear from you!
What’s your personal mantra?
Send me a DM, comment on this episode, or email me at beth@neonlavendertherapy.com.
Bonus points if you share the story behind why it works for you.

Let’s make this holiday season one of calm, grace, and a little self-love — Menobodies style.

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>801holidaymantras,menopause,menopausesupport,midlfe,midlifewellness,perimenopause,positiveselftalk,womenshealthfalse112fullMiniPod How to Make Friendshttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/minipod-how-to-make-friends--68902668tips on how to handle conversations in social settings
how to keep conversations going
how to handle akward silences
how to have easy outs when needed

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68902668Fri, 05 Dec 2025 18:09:49 +0000Beth LohmanA little bonus share: tips on how to handle conversations in social settings - how to keep conversations going - how to handle akward silences - how to have easy outs when neededtips on how to handle conversations in social settings
how to keep conversations going
how to handle akward silences
how to have easy outs when needed

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>372howtocommuniateinsocialsetting,howtomakefriends,keepingconversationsgoing,makingfriendsfalsefullHumor in Perimenopause and Menopause, You are Not Alonehttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/humor-in-perimenopause-and-menopause-you-are-not-alone--68535717Menobodies Humor Stories

Welcome, Menobodies!
Hey there, hey there! Today’s episode is short, sweet, and perfect for the busy holiday season. We’re taking a lighter look at something that usually gets a bad rap — the humor of perimenopause and menopause.

If you’ve ever listened to Dax Shepard and Monica Padman’s Armchair Anonymous, you know their “Funny Friday” stories. Well, this is my version — a “Funny Friday: Menobodies Edition.”

Because let’s be honest… peri/menopause gives us plenty of material!

💫 In This Episode
We know menopause symptoms are custom-fit to every person — and the mix of brain fog, bloating, mood swings, and everyday life makes for some truly funny moments.

Beth shares:
Her own “squeaky walking” story (yes, it’s as funny as it sounds)
The joys of brain fog and forgetting what you walked into a room for
The “word block” moments that turn everyday conversations into guessing games
The mystery of clothing that looked great online but somehow aged us 40 years in the mirror
And those “orthopedic chic” ads that start following us around the internet 👟
It’s all about finding laughter, community, and self-compassion in this season of life.

💜 A Gentle Reminder
All the humor comes with a deeper message:

👉 Acceptance.
👉 Self-love.
👉 Grace for the stage you’re in.

You’re not alone — and laughing about it together just makes it all a little lighter.

🗣️ Join the Conversation
Beth wants to hear your funny menopause or perimenopause stories!
💌 Share anonymously via this link Menobodies Humor Stories
📩 Email: beth@neonlavendertherapy.com
📱 DM: @menobodies on social media
💬 Comment on this episode to keep the laughter going

Who knows? Your story might make it into a future “Menopause Humor” episode!

✨ Connect & Close
Until next time, Menobodies — may your day be filled with peace, acceptance, and lots of laughter.

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68535717Thu, 04 Dec 2025 13:00:07 +0000Beth LohmanShare your perim/menopause funny story via this link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd6WJs03p6OwnLvAPGkbIfbhOiU6cFnzokyTj5Gkqp7G3x68g/viewform?usp=publish-editor Welcome, Menobodies! Hey there, hey there! Today’s episode is short, sweet,...Menobodies Humor Stories

Welcome, Menobodies!
Hey there, hey there! Today’s episode is short, sweet, and perfect for the busy holiday season. We’re taking a lighter look at something that usually gets a bad rap — the humor of perimenopause and menopause.

If you’ve ever listened to Dax Shepard and Monica Padman’s Armchair Anonymous, you know their “Funny Friday” stories. Well, this is my version — a “Funny Friday: Menobodies Edition.”

Because let’s be honest… peri/menopause gives us plenty of material!

💫 In This Episode
We know menopause symptoms are custom-fit to every person — and the mix of brain fog, bloating, mood swings, and everyday life makes for some truly funny moments.

Beth shares:
Her own “squeaky walking” story (yes, it’s as funny as it sounds)
The joys of brain fog and forgetting what you walked into a room for
The “word block” moments that turn everyday conversations into guessing games
The mystery of clothing that looked great online but somehow aged us 40 years in the mirror
And those “orthopedic chic” ads that start following us around the internet 👟
It’s all about finding laughter, community, and self-compassion in this season of life.

💜 A Gentle Reminder
All the humor comes with a deeper message:

👉 Acceptance.
👉 Self-love.
👉 Grace for the stage you’re in.

You’re not alone — and laughing about it together just makes it all a little lighter.

🗣️ Join the Conversation
Beth wants to hear your funny menopause or perimenopause stories!
💌 Share anonymously via this link Menobodies Humor Stories
📩 Email: beth@neonlavendertherapy.com
📱 DM: @menobodies on social media
💬 Comment on this episode to keep the laughter going

Who knows? Your story might make it into a future “Menopause Humor” episode!

✨ Connect & Close
Until next time, Menobodies — may your day be filled with peace, acceptance, and lots of laughter.

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>377funnymenopausesymptoms,humerinmenopause,menopause,menopausesupport,midlifewellness,perimenopause,youarenotalonefalse111fullHealthy Holiday Communication - what to say, how to let go of holding guilt and fixing others' emotions; conversation tools and tipshttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/healthy-holiday-communication-what-to-say-how-to-let-go-of-holding-guilt-and-fixing-others-emotions-conversation-tools-and-tips--68450745 communication.

Let’s be honest — it’s way easier to spot bad communication than to practice healthy communication. You know the drill:
Yelling, sarcasm, or the silent treatment
Bottling things up until you explode
Talking about someone instead of to them
Passive-aggressive comments
Or just plain pretending everything’s fine when it’s not
Sound familiar? Yeah… we’ve all been there.

In today’s episode, we’ll talk about what healthy communication really looks like — and why it’s a game-changer for your emotional wellbeing, your relationships, and your sanity this holiday season.

💬 What You’ll Learn:
The two key parts of communication:
How you choose to communicate
How you respond to others’ communication choices
Why healthy communication helps you feel calmer, more connected, and less guilty
How to respond instead of react
When (and how) to stop taking responsibility for other people’s emotions
🍲 Real-Life Example:
“Is Dinner Ready?” Beth walks us through one simple question that can go very wrong — or very right — depending on how we communicate.
In the poor communication version, assumptions, exhaustion, and guilt lead straight to conflict.
In the healthy communication version, curiosity and respect open the door to understanding — and maybe even takeout.
❤️ Key Takeaways:
You are not responsible for reading minds.
If someone says they’re “fine” but clearly isn’t — you can check in once or twice, but then let it go.
When others communicate passively or expect you to guess their needs, it’s okay to set a boundary: “I can’t fix what I don’t know.”
You don’t have to apologize for how someone feels. You can simply acknowledge their emotion without taking the blame.
🎄 Applying It to the Holidays:
From your partner to Great Aunt Maya and her famous plum pudding, these same principles apply.
You can empathize without fixing.
You can clarify without assuming.
And you can choose to walk away from uncomfortable conversations — politely.
Quick exit ideas:
Excuse yourself to the bathroom
Make a quick call or check-in
“So nice catching up with you!” (then glide away gracefully)
Or, if you want to keep things rolling, have a few go-to questions ready:
“What did you do today?”
“How’s your week going?”
Then listen, ask a follow-up, and avoid the temptation to “one-up.”
🌟 Final Thoughts:
This season, let’s let go of guilt, stop carrying other people’s emotional loads, and practice healthy communication that feels calm, clear, and kind. If you’ve got a communication conundrum, Beth would love to hear from you — and maybe even share it (with permission, of course) to help other Menobodies learn, too!

Newsletter Link:
Link to register for the Menobodies Newsleter: https://www.menobodies.com/newsletter

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68450745Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:00:07 +0000Beth LohmanHappy Holiday Season, Menobodies! Whether you celebrate all the holidays, just one, or none at all — this episode is for you. Because no matter what’s on your calendar, there’s one thing we all have to deal with this time of year: communication.... communication.

Let’s be honest — it’s way easier to spot bad communication than to practice healthy communication. You know the drill:
Yelling, sarcasm, or the silent treatment
Bottling things up until you explode
Talking about someone instead of to them
Passive-aggressive comments
Or just plain pretending everything’s fine when it’s not
Sound familiar? Yeah… we’ve all been there.

In today’s episode, we’ll talk about what healthy communication really looks like — and why it’s a game-changer for your emotional wellbeing, your relationships, and your sanity this holiday season.

💬 What You’ll Learn:
The two key parts of communication:
How you choose to communicate
How you respond to others’ communication choices
Why healthy communication helps you feel calmer, more connected, and less guilty
How to respond instead of react
When (and how) to stop taking responsibility for other people’s emotions
🍲 Real-Life Example:
“Is Dinner Ready?” Beth walks us through one simple question that can go very wrong — or very right — depending on how we communicate.
In the poor communication version, assumptions, exhaustion, and guilt lead straight to conflict.
In the healthy communication version, curiosity and respect open the door to understanding — and maybe even takeout.
❤️ Key Takeaways:
You are not responsible for reading minds.
If someone says they’re “fine” but clearly isn’t — you can check in once or twice, but then let it go.
When others communicate passively or expect you to guess their needs, it’s okay to set a boundary: “I can’t fix what I don’t know.”
You don’t have to apologize for how someone feels. You can simply acknowledge their emotion without taking the blame.
🎄 Applying It to the Holidays:
From your partner to Great Aunt Maya and her famous plum pudding, these same principles apply.
You can empathize without fixing.
You can clarify without assuming.
And you can choose to walk away from uncomfortable conversations — politely.
Quick exit ideas:
Excuse yourself to the bathroom
Make a quick call or check-in
“So nice catching up with you!” (then glide away gracefully)
Or, if you want to keep things rolling, have a few go-to questions ready:
“What did you do today?”
“How’s your week going?”
Then listen, ask a follow-up, and avoid the temptation to “one-up.”
🌟 Final Thoughts:
This season, let’s let go of guilt, stop carrying other people’s emotional loads, and practice healthy communication that feels calm, clear, and kind. If you’ve got a communication conundrum, Beth would love to hear from you — and maybe even share it (with permission, of course) to help other Menobodies learn, too!

Newsletter Link:
Link to register for the Menobodies Newsleter: https://www.menobodies.com/newsletter

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:764communicationskills,healthycommunication,holidaycommunication,howtokeepaconversationgoing,menopause,menopausesupport,midlifewellness,perimenopause,whattosayfalse110fullPhase of Menopause in colors of the seasons, how we can move through them with successhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/phase-of-menopause-in-colors-of-the-seasons-how-we-can-move-through-them-with-success--68528725Welcome, Menobodies and all who are listening!
Beth here — and guess what? It’s our first snowfall of the season! Still technically fall, but that walk today with chilly air and a few flakes falling got me really looking at the trees. The colors were still hanging on — and that bright, vivid red? I decided to name it “Alive Red.” You know that color that can’t quite be captured by camera, crayon, or marker? It’s vibrant, full of life, and totally stands out. And that “Alive Red” got me thinking about us — about the phases we go through in peri- and menopause.

Because just like that tree, we go through seasons:

🍂 Winter: When symptoms hit hard, energy drops, and things feel dry or dull.
🌱 Spring: Tiny sparks of improvement — some energy, some relief — but it’s unpredictable, like spring weather.
🌞 Summer: Feeling good again, symptoms managed, life humming along.
🍁 Fall — the “Alive Red” phase: Fully thriving. Not just surviving menopause, but owning it. Starting new things, reconnecting with people, feeling powerful and grounded. I’m somewhere in my “spring” season — managing symptoms, noticing little improvements — but also dealing with tiredness, grumpiness, and the occasional desire for a sabbatical (probably for the people around me more than me!). The truth is, we can allow all of it: the fatigue, the frustration, the ups and downs. Acceptance with action.
Because each of us is finding our own “solution cocktail” — and it’s different for everyone, sometimes even day by day. That’s why I created Menobodies — to talk about what’s normal, what’s not, what helps, and to make sure you never feel alone on this ride.

📨 Join the Menobodies Newsletter
Want to stay connected and get extra support? Sign up for our biweekly newsletter at menobodies.com/newsletter.

You’re not alone, friends. We’re moving toward our “Alive Red” season together. Until next time, visualize your “Alive Red” — and let it guide you through even the hardest days. ❤️

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68528725Thu, 20 Nov 2025 13:00:08 +0000Beth LohmanWelcome, Menobodies and all who are listening! Beth here — and guess what? It’s our first snowfall of the season! Still technically fall, but that walk today with chilly air and a few flakes falling got me really looking at the trees. The colors were...Welcome, Menobodies and all who are listening!
Beth here — and guess what? It’s our first snowfall of the season! Still technically fall, but that walk today with chilly air and a few flakes falling got me really looking at the trees. The colors were still hanging on — and that bright, vivid red? I decided to name it “Alive Red.” You know that color that can’t quite be captured by camera, crayon, or marker? It’s vibrant, full of life, and totally stands out. And that “Alive Red” got me thinking about us — about the phases we go through in peri- and menopause.

Because just like that tree, we go through seasons:

🍂 Winter: When symptoms hit hard, energy drops, and things feel dry or dull.
🌱 Spring: Tiny sparks of improvement — some energy, some relief — but it’s unpredictable, like spring weather.
🌞 Summer: Feeling good again, symptoms managed, life humming along.
🍁 Fall — the “Alive Red” phase: Fully thriving. Not just surviving menopause, but owning it. Starting new things, reconnecting with people, feeling powerful and grounded. I’m somewhere in my “spring” season — managing symptoms, noticing little improvements — but also dealing with tiredness, grumpiness, and the occasional desire for a sabbatical (probably for the people around me more than me!). The truth is, we can allow all of it: the fatigue, the frustration, the ups and downs. Acceptance with action.
Because each of us is finding our own “solution cocktail” — and it’s different for everyone, sometimes even day by day. That’s why I created Menobodies — to talk about what’s normal, what’s not, what helps, and to make sure you never feel alone on this ride.

📨 Join the Menobodies Newsletter
Want to stay connected and get extra support? Sign up for our biweekly newsletter at menobodies.com/newsletter.

You’re not alone, friends. We’re moving toward our “Alive Red” season together. Until next time, visualize your “Alive Red” — and let it guide you through even the hardest days. ❤️

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>470menopause,menopausesupport,midlifewellness,perimenopause,phasesofmenopause,seasonsfalse19fullChameleoning - knowing how to show up differently in different situations but not lose who you arehttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chameleoning-knowing-how-to-show-up-differently-in-different-situations-but-not-lose-who-you-are--68529193Welcome, Menobodies!
Hi there, hi there! I’m so glad you’re here today — because we’re diving into one of my favorite topics: Chameleoning.

Now, I don’t have a copyright on that term (at least not yet, ha!), but I might’ve come up with it! So what does chameleoning mean?

👉 Definition: being a different version of yourself in different situations.
Not lying, not pretending — but shifting energy, expression, and focus depending on where you are and who you’re with.

For example:
When I’m with friends who love a cocktail and a good laugh — I’m right there, laughing along.

When I’m with friends who are calm, reflective, and not big drinkers — I match that quieter energy.

It’s not about faking it. It’s about reading the room.

And that “read the room” phrase? I actually use it at home. Picture me rushing around getting ready for a sports game and someone asks where their stuff is — my quick response: “Read the room!” Meaning — notice what’s going on, sense the energy, and respond accordingly.

But — and this is a big one — chameleoning isn’t the same as people-pleasing.
When it turns into anxiety, when you’re guessing what others think or changing to avoid conflict, that’s not healthy adaptation — that’s fear.

True chameleoning is about self-awareness.
You’re observing, choosing how to show up, and staying grounded in who you are.Think of it like this:
A firefighter can’t show up timid and scared to a fire.

But that same firefighter shouldn’t bring that high-adrenaline energy to comfort their 5-year-old whose pet ladybug just died.

A salesperson who crushes big presentations can’t bring that same pitch energy into a quiet night with their partner.

Different energy for different spaces — that’s healthy.

💡 When is chameleoning not good?
When it makes you lose your sense of self — when your behavior or beliefs shift to fit in, not to connect.

💡 When is it good?
When you adapt to what’s appropriate — showing up with empathy, timing, and awareness.
When you know that holding back or speaking up both have their moments.
When you’re able to meet others where they are without abandoning yourself.

So how do we build this skill?
Talk less, observe more.

Notice what others expect from you in the moment.

Afterward, reflect: Did I like how I showed up? Did I stay true to my values?

If you keep feeling misaligned, ask why you’re still in that space. Maybe it’s time to leave it — or speak up.

🌿 Chameleoning and Menopause

During peri/menopause, our energy, emotions, and patience fluctuate — a lot.
We show up differently depending on the day, the hormones, the exhaustion.

And that’s okay.

We can:
Give ourselves permission to show up imperfectly.

Take more social rest.

Apologize when we need to.

Check in with our emotional limits before diving into social events.

Find safe people who can hold space for all our versions — the tired, the funny, the snappy, and the wise ones.

That’s the heart of Menobodies.
It’s your place to show up as you are — no filters, no shame.
Your stories, your struggles, your humor — all welcome here.

I’d love to hear from you:
💬 How do you “chameleon”?
💗 Who’s your menopause support person?

You’re not alone, friend. I’m here for you — and I’ll be back next week with another conversation for the Menobodies community. 💜

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68529193Thu, 13 Nov 2025 13:00:08 +0000Beth LohmanWelcome, Menobodies! Hi there, hi there! I’m so glad you’re here today — because we’re diving into one of my favorite topics: Chameleoning. Now, I don’t have a copyright on that term (at least not yet, ha!), but I might’ve come up with it! So what...Welcome, Menobodies!
Hi there, hi there! I’m so glad you’re here today — because we’re diving into one of my favorite topics: Chameleoning.

Now, I don’t have a copyright on that term (at least not yet, ha!), but I might’ve come up with it! So what does chameleoning mean?

👉 Definition: being a different version of yourself in different situations.
Not lying, not pretending — but shifting energy, expression, and focus depending on where you are and who you’re with.

For example:
When I’m with friends who love a cocktail and a good laugh — I’m right there, laughing along.

When I’m with friends who are calm, reflective, and not big drinkers — I match that quieter energy.

It’s not about faking it. It’s about reading the room.

And that “read the room” phrase? I actually use it at home. Picture me rushing around getting ready for a sports game and someone asks where their stuff is — my quick response: “Read the room!” Meaning — notice what’s going on, sense the energy, and respond accordingly.

But — and this is a big one — chameleoning isn’t the same as people-pleasing.
When it turns into anxiety, when you’re guessing what others think or changing to avoid conflict, that’s not healthy adaptation — that’s fear.

True chameleoning is about self-awareness.
You’re observing, choosing how to show up, and staying grounded in who you are.Think of it like this:
A firefighter can’t show up timid and scared to a fire.

But that same firefighter shouldn’t bring that high-adrenaline energy to comfort their 5-year-old whose pet ladybug just died.

A salesperson who crushes big presentations can’t bring that same pitch energy into a quiet night with their partner.

Different energy for different spaces — that’s healthy.

💡 When is chameleoning not good?
When it makes you lose your sense of self — when your behavior or beliefs shift to fit in, not to connect.

💡 When is it good?
When you adapt to what’s appropriate — showing up with empathy, timing, and awareness.
When you know that holding back or speaking up both have their moments.
When you’re able to meet others where they are without abandoning yourself.

So how do we build this skill?
Talk less, observe more.

Notice what others expect from you in the moment.

Afterward, reflect: Did I like how I showed up? Did I stay true to my values?

If you keep feeling misaligned, ask why you’re still in that space. Maybe it’s time to leave it — or speak up.

🌿 Chameleoning and Menopause

During peri/menopause, our energy, emotions, and patience fluctuate — a lot.
We show up differently depending on the day, the hormones, the exhaustion.

And that’s okay.

We can:
Give ourselves permission to show up imperfectly.

Take more social rest.

Apologize when we need to.

Check in with our emotional limits before diving into social events.

Find safe people who can hold space for all our versions — the tired, the funny, the snappy, and the wise ones.

That’s the heart of Menobodies.
It’s your place to show up as you are — no filters, no shame.
Your stories, your struggles, your humor — all welcome here.

I’d love to hear from you:
💬 How do you “chameleon”?
💗 Who’s your menopause support person?

You’re not alone, friend. I’m here for you — and I’ll be back next week with another conversation for the Menobodies community. 💜

Connect...]]>608beingyourself,chameleoning,menopause,menopausesupport,midlifewellness,perimenopause,showingupinsocialsituationsfalse18fullThe Power of Pausing to Calm Yourself and Reset; Reset Physically, Emotionally, and Mentallyhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-power-of-pausing-to-calm-yourself-and-reset-reset-physically-emotionally-and-mentally--68423669Hey, hey — it’s another day and another Menobodies podcast episode! We’re exploring what it means to pause, how to do it, and why it’s so powerful—especially in the busier, more exhausting seasons of life, like peri/menopause.

💭 In This Episode

We’ll dive into:
What it really means to pause
Why pausing helps your body, mind, and emotions
How it resets your nervous system and helps you regain control
Three types of pauses: physical, mental, and emotional
Practical tools you can start using today to calm your system and think clearly
🧘‍♀️ Why Pause?
When we pause—literally or figuratively—we give our nervous system a signal to slow down. It’s not about getting rid of stress or anxiety completely, but about regaining clarity and calm so we can make wiser choices.

Pausing helps us:
Avoid saying things we’ll regret
Double-check our plans and reactions
Calm our body’s fight-or-flight response
See the reality of a situation more clearly (like when someone turns on the lights in a haunted house!)
When we pause, our nervous system gets the message: You’re safe. You can relax.

🧠 How to Pause: 3 Ways

1️⃣ Physical Pause
Try deep breathing patterns like 3x3x3, 4-7-8, or box breathing
Stand still and breathe—or move! Stretch, take a walk, or focus on something simple at your desk
Regular short pauses train your body to find calm faster when stress hits
2️⃣ Mental Pause
Notice when your thoughts start spiraling
Use movement or distraction to stop the “thought train”
Replace unhelpful thoughts with truth statements:
“I was a good partner.”
“I am loved and valued.”
“Hindsight is 20/20.”
Sometimes you need to move first (like a run or dance break) to let your brain reset
3️⃣ Emotional Pause
When emotions feel intense, pausing helps you feel without reacting
Remember: emotions last about 90 seconds unless we feed them
Shift focus—listen to music, watch a show, call a friend
Recognize triggers and speak truth into the moment:
“I’m safe.”
“This is not happening again.”
🔄 When All Systems Fire at Once
Ever felt your body, mind, and emotions all react together—like after a near car accident? That’s your nervous system protecting you, even when there’s no real danger.
Pausing helps you check reality, breathe, and calm your system so it learns to respond differently next time.

💬 Beth’s Tip: Practice Your Pause
Even two minutes of calm breathing every morning trains your body to return to peace faster during chaos. Meditation, mindfulness, or quiet stillness—it’s all practice for real-life moments.

💌 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
How do you pause and reset your physical body, mind, or emotions throughout your week?
I’d love to hear from you!
DM me on social, comment on this episode, or email me.
If this episode helped you, share it with a few friends and help grow our Menobodies community. And don’t forget to sign up for the Menobodies Newsletter — it comes out twice a month and gives you early access to tools, insights, and resources before anyone else.

Link to register for the Menobodies Newsleter: https://www.menobodies.com/newsletter

🕊️ Final Thought
Before you go… pause for you.
Take a breath. Feel your feet. Let your nervous system know—it’s safe here. Until next time, Menobodies and all who listen,
Pause for you! See you soon.

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68423669Thu, 06 Nov 2025 13:20:07 +0000Beth LohmanWelcome, Menobodies! Hey, hey — it’s another day and another Menobodies podcast episode! We’re exploring what it means to pause, how to do it, and why it’s so powerful—especially in the busier, more exhausting seasons of life, like peri/menopause. 💭...Hey, hey — it’s another day and another Menobodies podcast episode! We’re exploring what it means to pause, how to do it, and why it’s so powerful—especially in the busier, more exhausting seasons of life, like peri/menopause.

💭 In This Episode

We’ll dive into:
What it really means to pause
Why pausing helps your body, mind, and emotions
How it resets your nervous system and helps you regain control
Three types of pauses: physical, mental, and emotional
Practical tools you can start using today to calm your system and think clearly
🧘‍♀️ Why Pause?
When we pause—literally or figuratively—we give our nervous system a signal to slow down. It’s not about getting rid of stress or anxiety completely, but about regaining clarity and calm so we can make wiser choices.

Pausing helps us:
Avoid saying things we’ll regret
Double-check our plans and reactions
Calm our body’s fight-or-flight response
See the reality of a situation more clearly (like when someone turns on the lights in a haunted house!)
When we pause, our nervous system gets the message: You’re safe. You can relax.

🧠 How to Pause: 3 Ways

1️⃣ Physical Pause
Try deep breathing patterns like 3x3x3, 4-7-8, or box breathing
Stand still and breathe—or move! Stretch, take a walk, or focus on something simple at your desk
Regular short pauses train your body to find calm faster when stress hits
2️⃣ Mental Pause
Notice when your thoughts start spiraling
Use movement or distraction to stop the “thought train”
Replace unhelpful thoughts with truth statements:
“I was a good partner.”
“I am loved and valued.”
“Hindsight is 20/20.”
Sometimes you need to move first (like a run or dance break) to let your brain reset
3️⃣ Emotional Pause
When emotions feel intense, pausing helps you feel without reacting
Remember: emotions last about 90 seconds unless we feed them
Shift focus—listen to music, watch a show, call a friend
Recognize triggers and speak truth into the moment:
“I’m safe.”
“This is not happening again.”
🔄 When All Systems Fire at Once
Ever felt your body, mind, and emotions all react together—like after a near car accident? That’s your nervous system protecting you, even when there’s no real danger.
Pausing helps you check reality, breathe, and calm your system so it learns to respond differently next time.

💬 Beth’s Tip: Practice Your Pause
Even two minutes of calm breathing every morning trains your body to return to peace faster during chaos. Meditation, mindfulness, or quiet stillness—it’s all practice for real-life moments.

💌 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
How do you pause and reset your physical body, mind, or emotions throughout your week?
I’d love to hear from you!
DM me on social, comment on this episode, or email me.
If this episode helped you, share it with a few friends and help grow our Menobodies community. And don’t forget to sign up for the Menobodies Newsletter — it comes out twice a month and gives you early access to tools, insights, and resources before anyone else.

Link to register for the Menobodies Newsleter: https://www.menobodies.com/newsletter

🕊️ Final Thought
Before you go… pause for you.
Take a breath. Feel your feet. Let your nervous system know—it’s safe here. Until next time, Menobodies and all who listen,
Pause for you! See you soon.

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 1233breathing,menopause,menopausesupport,midlifewellness,pausing,perimenopause,resetnervoussystem,slowingdown,takeabreak,womenshealthfalse17fullRebeling against culture expectations of menopausehttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/rebeling-against-culture-expectations-of-menopause--68319024
In This Episode:
👻 Why Beth’s Halloween “boo” moment turned into a bigger realization about choice
💀 The truth about giant skeletons and cultural pressure
💪 How menopause mirrors Halloween — everyone expects you to feel a certain way
✨ Why it’s never too late to rewrite the “rules” of aging
🛼 New hobbies, new moves — roller skating, weightlifting, and loving your body differently
❤️ Learning to take care of yourself from a place of love, not punishment
Takeaway:
You don’t have to follow the script. Whether it’s Halloween, menopause, or midlife expectations, the freedom to live joyfully — on your terms — is the real treat.

Mentioned in This Episode:
Crazie Auntie Ann (Instagram DJ)
Join the Conversation:
What’s your “against-the-grain” dream right now? Share it with us on Instagram @MenobodiesPodcast or in the comments wherever you listen.

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68319024Tue, 28 Oct 2025 22:09:01 +0000Beth LohmanHappy Halloween — or not! In this week’s episode of Menobodies, Beth shares how a floating ghost in a tree triggered a reflection on cultural expectations — from Halloween to menopause. What happens when you realize you don’t have to love what...
In This Episode:
👻 Why Beth’s Halloween “boo” moment turned into a bigger realization about choice
💀 The truth about giant skeletons and cultural pressure
💪 How menopause mirrors Halloween — everyone expects you to feel a certain way
✨ Why it’s never too late to rewrite the “rules” of aging
🛼 New hobbies, new moves — roller skating, weightlifting, and loving your body differently
❤️ Learning to take care of yourself from a place of love, not punishment
Takeaway:
You don’t have to follow the script. Whether it’s Halloween, menopause, or midlife expectations, the freedom to live joyfully — on your terms — is the real treat.

Mentioned in This Episode:
Crazie Auntie Ann (Instagram DJ)
Join the Conversation:
What’s your “against-the-grain” dream right now? Share it with us on Instagram @MenobodiesPodcast or in the comments wherever you listen.

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>336culturalexpectations,menopause,menopausesupport,midlifewellness,perimenopause,womenshealthfalse16fullResetting nervous systemhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/resetting-nervous-system--68269289the nervous system and how to reset it.

If you’ve been feeling anxious, on edge, or constantly “on,” this episode is for you. Beth explains what the nervous system is, how stress keeps it stuck in overdrive, and why learning to reset it can transform both your mental and physical health.

In this episode, Beth covers:
The basics of the nervous system and what “resetting” really means

The body’s survival modes: fight, flight, freeze

How chronic stress affects your body—especially during perimenopause

Elevated cortisol

Weight gain around the midsection

Blood sugar imbalances and insulin resistance

Increased anxiety and fatigue

The difference between stress challenges and mental health disorders

Simple ways to bring your system back to baseline

Reset strategies you can try right now:
Breathwork: Slow, intentional breathing to activate the parasympathetic system

Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR): Scan your body and consciously release tension

Mantras: “I am safe.” “It will be okay.”

Movement: Gentle exercise to release stuck energy and boost endorphins

Talking it out: Share your worries to release mental load

Nutrition check-ins: Fuel your body so it can support your mind

Beth’s takeaway:
Your body already knows how to find calm—it just needs reminders. Practice your resets even when you feel fine, so your body learns what peace feels like and can find its way back faster next time.

Until next time, Menobodies—take a breath, find your calm, and know you’re safe right where you are.

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68269289Fri, 24 Oct 2025 19:39:03 +0000Beth LohmanHey Menobodies! In this calming and practical episode, Beth tackles a topic that affects everyone—especially during perimenopause and menopause—the nervous system and how to reset it. If you’ve been feeling anxious, on edge, or constantly “on,” this...the nervous system and how to reset it.

If you’ve been feeling anxious, on edge, or constantly “on,” this episode is for you. Beth explains what the nervous system is, how stress keeps it stuck in overdrive, and why learning to reset it can transform both your mental and physical health.

In this episode, Beth covers:
The basics of the nervous system and what “resetting” really means

The body’s survival modes: fight, flight, freeze

How chronic stress affects your body—especially during perimenopause

Elevated cortisol

Weight gain around the midsection

Blood sugar imbalances and insulin resistance

Increased anxiety and fatigue

The difference between stress challenges and mental health disorders

Simple ways to bring your system back to baseline

Reset strategies you can try right now:
Breathwork: Slow, intentional breathing to activate the parasympathetic system

Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR): Scan your body and consciously release tension

Mantras: “I am safe.” “It will be okay.”

Movement: Gentle exercise to release stuck energy and boost endorphins

Talking it out: Share your worries to release mental load

Nutrition check-ins: Fuel your body so it can support your mind

Beth’s takeaway:
Your body already knows how to find calm—it just needs reminders. Practice your resets even when you feel fine, so your body learns what peace feels like and can find its way back faster next time.

Until next time, Menobodies—take a breath, find your calm, and know you’re safe right where you are.

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>516menopause,menopausesupport,midlifewellness,nervoussystem,nervoussystemreset,perimenopause,womenshealthfalse15fullSpiraling Thoughts and How to Stop Themhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/spiraling-thoughts-and-how-to-stop-them--68269232spiraling thoughts. You know that mental tornado that starts with one worry and suddenly sweeps you into worst-case scenarios? Whether it’s about sleep, weight, or everyday stress, Beth breaks it down with her signature mix of humor, heart, and practicality.

In this episode, Beth covers:
What spiraling thoughts actually are (and why they hit harder during perimenopause and menopause)
How anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and black-and-white thinking feed the spiral
Her “tornado” visual—how one thought builds into chaos
Why midlife changes, hormones, and stress make the mental chatter even louder
Then she introduces her favorite tool: “doorstops.”
Simple, realistic ways to pause your thoughts before they spin out of control.

Examples Beth shares:
Forgetting breakfast → imagining you’ll end up in the hospital → using a doorstop like deep breathing, logic, or reassurance
Feeling bloated or noticing weight gain → spiraling into shame → using a doorstop like body kindness, a walk, or ditching the clothes that don’t fit today
Practical doorstops you can try:
3x3x3 breathing
A personal mantra or affirmation
Calling a trusted friend
Journaling or jotting down quick thoughts
Taking a short break—walk, snack, or reset moment
Beth’s takeaway:
You can’t always stop intrusive thoughts from showing up, but you can keep them from running the show. With awareness and a few “doorstops,” you can calm the storm before it spirals.

Until next time, Menobodies—take a deep breath, be kind to yourself, and remember: you’re stronger than the storm.

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68269232Fri, 24 Oct 2025 19:34:11 +0000Beth LohmanWelcome back, Menobodies! In this episode, Beth dives into a topic she often talks about in her therapy sessions—spiraling thoughts. You know that mental tornado that starts with one worry and suddenly sweeps you into worst-case scenarios? Whether...spiraling thoughts. You know that mental tornado that starts with one worry and suddenly sweeps you into worst-case scenarios? Whether it’s about sleep, weight, or everyday stress, Beth breaks it down with her signature mix of humor, heart, and practicality.

In this episode, Beth covers:
What spiraling thoughts actually are (and why they hit harder during perimenopause and menopause)
How anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and black-and-white thinking feed the spiral
Her “tornado” visual—how one thought builds into chaos
Why midlife changes, hormones, and stress make the mental chatter even louder
Then she introduces her favorite tool: “doorstops.”
Simple, realistic ways to pause your thoughts before they spin out of control.

Examples Beth shares:
Forgetting breakfast → imagining you’ll end up in the hospital → using a doorstop like deep breathing, logic, or reassurance
Feeling bloated or noticing weight gain → spiraling into shame → using a doorstop like body kindness, a walk, or ditching the clothes that don’t fit today
Practical doorstops you can try:
3x3x3 breathing
A personal mantra or affirmation
Calling a trusted friend
Journaling or jotting down quick thoughts
Taking a short break—walk, snack, or reset moment
Beth’s takeaway:
You can’t always stop intrusive thoughts from showing up, but you can keep them from running the show. With awareness and a few “doorstops,” you can calm the storm before it spirals.

Until next time, Menobodies—take a deep breath, be kind to yourself, and remember: you’re stronger than the storm.

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>491intrusivethoughts,menopause,menopausesupport,midlifewellness,perimenopause,spiralingthoughts,womenshealthfalse14fullWeigh, Hormones, and Midlife Bodieshttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/weigh-hormones-and-midlife-bodies--68269157weight changes.

She starts with a gentle reminder: this episode discusses weight and body image, so take care of yourself before listening if the topic feels sensitive.

In this episode, Beth talks about:
Why many women gain weight during perimenopause and menopause

Shifts in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone

Cortisol’s role in midsection weight gain

Slower metabolism with age

Her personal experience with bloating, constipation, and fluctuating weight

The concept of body neutrality—loving or simply accepting your changing body

When weight loss might be worth pursuing for health reasons (like high cholesterol or blood sugar)

The impact of genetics on body shape and weight

How to avoid misinformation and spot unreliable health influencers

Building a kinder mindset toward your body through positive self-talk and realistic expectations

Beth’s key takeaway:
You get to define what health and comfort look like for you. Whether you choose acceptance, action, or both, the goal is to feel good in your body—not chase the world’s definition of it.

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68269157Fri, 24 Oct 2025 19:22:51 +0000Beth LohmanWelcome back, Menobodies! In this honest and compassionate episode, Beth dives into one of the most common (and emotional) parts of perimenopause and menopause—weight changes. She starts with a gentle reminder: this episode discusses weight and body...weight changes.

She starts with a gentle reminder: this episode discusses weight and body image, so take care of yourself before listening if the topic feels sensitive.

In this episode, Beth talks about:
Why many women gain weight during perimenopause and menopause

Shifts in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone

Cortisol’s role in midsection weight gain

Slower metabolism with age

Her personal experience with bloating, constipation, and fluctuating weight

The concept of body neutrality—loving or simply accepting your changing body

When weight loss might be worth pursuing for health reasons (like high cholesterol or blood sugar)

The impact of genetics on body shape and weight

How to avoid misinformation and spot unreliable health influencers

Building a kinder mindset toward your body through positive self-talk and realistic expectations

Beth’s key takeaway:
You get to define what health and comfort look like for you. Whether you choose acceptance, action, or both, the goal is to feel good in your body—not chase the world’s definition of it.

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>757bellyweight,bodyacceptance,menopause,menopausesupport,midlifewellness,perimenopause,weightgain,womenshealthfalse13fullPeeing Your Pants Isn’t Cool—But It Is Normalhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/peeing-your-pants-isn-t-cool-but-it-is-normal--68268706bladder leaks and pelvic floor changes during perimenopause and menopause.

Yes, we’re talking about sneezing, laughing, running, or jumping…and realizing you just tinkled a bit. It happens, and Beth’s here to normalize the conversation, reduce the shame, and explore what you can actually do about it.

In this episode, Beth covers:
Why bladder leaks are common: age, childbirth, menopause, and muscle fatigue

Her personal “black shorts” running story (TMI, but so relatable)

Why normalizing these symptoms can spark better healthcare and awareness

The connection between menopause and pelvic floor weakness

Action vs. acceptance—how to find your own balance

Treatment and support options: pelvic floor rehab, Pilates, holistic care, and even surgery

The good news—many options are covered by insurance

Key takeaway:
You’re not alone, you’re not broken, and you get to choose your next step—whether that’s acceptance, action, or both.

Beth’s encouragement:
Let’s talk about it without shame. The more we speak up, the more we change how women’s health is treated and understood.

Next episode:
Weight, hormones, and midlife body changes—why it happens and how to handle it with compassion.

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68268706Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:37:07 +0000Beth LohmanWelcome back, Menobodies! Beth dives into the first real topic episode with a mix of humor, honesty, and real talk about something a lot of women deal with but rarely discuss—bladder leaks and pelvic floor changes during perimenopause and menopause....bladder leaks and pelvic floor changes during perimenopause and menopause.

Yes, we’re talking about sneezing, laughing, running, or jumping…and realizing you just tinkled a bit. It happens, and Beth’s here to normalize the conversation, reduce the shame, and explore what you can actually do about it.

In this episode, Beth covers:
Why bladder leaks are common: age, childbirth, menopause, and muscle fatigue

Her personal “black shorts” running story (TMI, but so relatable)

Why normalizing these symptoms can spark better healthcare and awareness

The connection between menopause and pelvic floor weakness

Action vs. acceptance—how to find your own balance

Treatment and support options: pelvic floor rehab, Pilates, holistic care, and even surgery

The good news—many options are covered by insurance

Key takeaway:
You’re not alone, you’re not broken, and you get to choose your next step—whether that’s acceptance, action, or both.

Beth’s encouragement:
Let’s talk about it without shame. The more we speak up, the more we change how women’s health is treated and understood.

Next episode:
Weight, hormones, and midlife body changes—why it happens and how to handle it with compassion.

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>457menopause,menopausesupport,midlifewellness,peeingyourpants,perimenopause,urinaryincontinence,womenshealthfalse12fullMeet Beth: The Heart Behind Menobodieshttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/meet-beth-the-heart-behind-menobodies--68268496
Beth opens up about her own experiences with anxiety, perfectionism, and loss, explaining how they shaped her as a therapist and inspired Neon Lavender Therapy & Wellness and Menobodies & NL Coaching.

Listeners can expect future episodes that blend real talk, research, and relatable stories on perimenopause, mental health, and self-growth—all in Beth’s quirky, compassionate style.

Welcome to the very first episode of Menobodies! Beth opens the series with warmth, humor, and honesty as she shares how her own perimenopause journey led to creating Neon Lavender Therapy & Wellness and Menobodies Coaching.

She talks about noticing the early signs—weight gain, constipation, fatigue, mood swings, forgetfulness—and how her curiosity (not quick fixes) pushed her to research, ask questions, and advocate for herself.

Beth also shares her background:
Degrees in kinesiology and mental health counseling

Experience in higher education, group fitness, and wellness

Her evolution from personal trainer to therapist and coach

Through her story, Beth opens up about her lifelong anxiety, perfectionism, disordered eating, and loss—experiences that shaped her empathy and authenticity as a therapist. She reminds listeners that therapists are often wounded healers who’ve done their own inner work, and that doing so makes them more compassionate guides.

In this episode, you’ll hear:
Beth’s personal and professional journey including perimenopause

What makes her therapy and coaching approach unique—creative, down-to-earth, and full of humor

Why she created Neon Lavender Therapy & Wellness and Menobodies

What to expect from the Menobodies podcast: real talk, research, relatable stories, and a few laughs

Beth’s message:
You’re not alone in figuring this out. Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, mental health challenges, or just trying to feel more like yourself again, this space is for you.

Stay tuned for the next episode—Beth’s first deep-dive topic: pelvic floor changes, leaks, and laughter. You won’t want to miss it!

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68268496Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:25:56 +0000Beth LohmanIn this first episode, Beth warmly welcomes listeners and shares how her perimenopause journey—weight changes, sleepless nights, and shifting moods—sparked a deeper dive into wellness and mental health. With a background in fitness, kinesiology, and...
Beth opens up about her own experiences with anxiety, perfectionism, and loss, explaining how they shaped her as a therapist and inspired Neon Lavender Therapy & Wellness and Menobodies & NL Coaching.

Listeners can expect future episodes that blend real talk, research, and relatable stories on perimenopause, mental health, and self-growth—all in Beth’s quirky, compassionate style.

Welcome to the very first episode of Menobodies! Beth opens the series with warmth, humor, and honesty as she shares how her own perimenopause journey led to creating Neon Lavender Therapy & Wellness and Menobodies Coaching.

She talks about noticing the early signs—weight gain, constipation, fatigue, mood swings, forgetfulness—and how her curiosity (not quick fixes) pushed her to research, ask questions, and advocate for herself.

Beth also shares her background:
Degrees in kinesiology and mental health counseling

Experience in higher education, group fitness, and wellness

Her evolution from personal trainer to therapist and coach

Through her story, Beth opens up about her lifelong anxiety, perfectionism, disordered eating, and loss—experiences that shaped her empathy and authenticity as a therapist. She reminds listeners that therapists are often wounded healers who’ve done their own inner work, and that doing so makes them more compassionate guides.

In this episode, you’ll hear:
Beth’s personal and professional journey including perimenopause

What makes her therapy and coaching approach unique—creative, down-to-earth, and full of humor

Why she created Neon Lavender Therapy & Wellness and Menobodies

What to expect from the Menobodies podcast: real talk, research, relatable stories, and a few laughs

Beth’s message:
You’re not alone in figuring this out. Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, mental health challenges, or just trying to feel more like yourself again, this space is for you.

Stay tuned for the next episode—Beth’s first deep-dive topic: pelvic floor changes, leaks, and laughter. You won’t want to miss it!

Connect with Beth:
💌 Email: info@bethlohman.com
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @menobodies
🌐 Website: www.menobodies.com/home
🗞️Newsletter:www.menobodies.com/newsletter]]>878menopause,menopausesupport,midlifewellness,perimenopause,womenshealthfalse11full