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Somatic Psychotherapy

Come Back Home to your Body

Embracing the Journey: Understanding Hormonal Changes in Women

Updated: Oct 1

The Importance of Hormonal Awareness


Over the past few years, about 85% of the people I’ve worked with have been women. Many of them are in their late 30s, 40s, and 50s, navigating perimenopause, menopause, or the years surrounding these transitions. These experiences remind me how important it is to understand hormonal changes.


As I approach my 40s, my curiosity about the hormonal system continues to grow. I have always been interested in the relationship between trauma and physiology. Recently, I have begun to explore how hormones and cycles interact with our body's systems. This interplay is beautiful, layered, and often underexplored.


During my pregnancies and postpartum periods, I began to question these topics more personally. My body was changing in profound ways. Clients shared symptoms that were not just psychological or physical but also hormonal. They were deeply intertwined with their histories and often misunderstood.


The Flaws in the Medical System


Many women, like so many before us, have fallen through the cracks of the medical system. Their symptoms are real, yet they are often dismissed, pathologized, or treated in isolation. It is honestly heartbreaking. This is one reason I feel a strong urge to share The Hormone Repair Manual by Lara Briden, a book I recently discovered.


A former client recommended it, and I started listening the same day. I haven't stopped since. The more I read, the more I realize that anyone working with women in this life phase needs to know this material.


Here’s the truth: many symptoms that present as mental health challenges, physical complaints, or general dysregulation may be directly connected to hormonal shifts. This critical connection is often overlooked. We might not learn about it from our parents, doctors, or even ourselves.


A Historical Perspective


I imagine that centuries ago, in smaller communities and tribal living, women shared their knowledge about hormonal changes. This wisdom lived between us. I remember taking a hormone and cycle tracking course in my early 20s. I learned how to recognize the shifts, rhythms, and changes throughout the month. This knowledge changed how I related to myself; it gave me a map.


Now, nearly 20 years later, I observe many women entering new life phases without even this basic information. This gaps leaves them vulnerable. They deserve more than outdated narratives and incomplete support.


Reclaiming Our Rhythm


Understanding hormonal changes isn’t just about knowing facts—it is about reclaiming our rhythm. This new phase—perimenopause and menopause—should not be viewed as a decline or "getting old." Lara Briden refers to it as a second puberty. This reframe resonates deeply with me. Puberty is full of changes, and we know it requires patience, presence, support, and respect. Why should this phase be any different?


During this second puberty, we have the opportunity to embrace the cycles of our bodies. It is crucial to honor our physical and emotional transitions, listening to what our bodies are telling us. We can approach this phase as a chance for growth rather than a decline.


Open Invitation to Learn and Share


I am excited to continue my learning journey. I want to share my insights with you—colleagues, friends, fellow women—as an invitation to join this curiosity. It is essential to remain open, ask questions, and reconnect with your body's wisdom and rhythm.


Sometimes, the answers we receive aren’t enough. We might find ourselves searching for deeper understanding or new perspectives. Often, the most authentic path forward is one we trace ourselves.


Let’s empower each other by sharing knowledge and experiences. By fostering open dialogues about our hormonal health, we can create an environment where women feel supported and understood.


As we navigate these changes together, we can cultivate resilience. Let’s celebrate this transformative chapter in our lives and support each other on this journey!

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