Perimeno-Foreword

Just like this phase of life, I’m not even sure how to start navigating it. But what I do know, is that starting it and chipping away at the information, not only for myself but for the benefit of others, is a non-negotiable. I can’t ignore the myriad of symptoms that plague my daily life and affect the ones around me. Just like I can’t ignore this call to share what I learn along the way. Let me back up to almost 18 years ago…

I had an “aha” moment. I have had them before. The last time I did, I started documenting my research on a website called SafeMama.com. I documented everything I learned about keeping up with what was safe for my kids . I was published in books and articles and it made some ripples on the internet. It grew to something magnificent and I don’t know how many people it helped. But it helped a lot. I got so many emails I couldn’t keep up with it. It was something. As it does, life happened and my babies / kids grew up and I didn’t have the time or relatable energy to keep it going. It’s in someone else’s hands now. The child I had that triggered it all is now 19 and no longer a baby. Instead, they’re grown and I have a new challenge I am facing … menopause.

Sounds like a bad word to say it… MENOPAUSE. We, as women entering this stage of our life are told to embrace it, see it as freeing, as a positive change to be proud of. Meanwhile, we are needlessly suffering and most of the time, we start suffering way before we even know why. We are completely in the dark.

When you are a young girl, you are told all about your period. Why you get it, what happens when you do. They even give you a pamphlet that teaches you about PMS and how to track your period with a little calendar. Typically, someone gives you pads and tampons and tells you how to use them and then you are sent on your way to manage it for the next 30+ years.

Cut to the age of ~35. No one is giving you any talks. No pink pamphlet. No warning. No tools. No supplies. In fact, your OBGYN doesn’t even bring it up. Unless you have a magical unicorn OBGYN. In which case, can you give me her number?

We enter this stage of our lives completely unprepared. This is what I want this website to be. Someone’s pamphlet. I want this to be the place someone comes to for a proud hug and a tutorial on what you are about to face for the next 10+ years of your life. I am here to navigate it with you. Every bumpy wtf step of the way.

XO, Katherine