This article has been co-written by Mimi Moon Meno: Megan and Velvet Thyme: Gianna
Menopause and perimenopause is finally having a moment
Gianna: Menopause and perimenopause are finally becoming more than just whispers in the wind. A shift is underway, with many more public conversations about the often-debilitating and vividly REAL symptoms that can accompany the ending of your menstrual cycle.
Make sure you’re sitting down for this – or somewhere you can swear loudly – because these symptoms, to varying degrees, can go on for 2- 12 or more years. Most women do not realise that perimenopause can start as early as 35 years old, that is when Megan noticed changes in her life.
I know – that’s a lot to take in. I’m pretty sure I’m in perimenopause myself, because my cycle symptoms have broadened beyond the usual, although to be fair, my periods have always been an emotional and painful roller coaster. I’m still figuring out how to manage that! (I’m writing this during my follicular stage, because that’s when my brain works best – here’s why).
I realise this might sound a bit doom and gloom, but here’s the good news: we have incredible support right here in Adelaide. One of them is Mimi Moon Meno – who is also known as the the Meno Concierge – and is supercharging the conversation around menopause and supporting folks through it. She’s also co-writing this article with me!
This article will help you to get a deeper understanding of menopause and learn many strategies to help you not just navigate it but use it as a catalyst for positive change.
What is menopause and what symptoms might you experience?
Megan: Menopause is a natural part of life for every person with ovaries, not an illness, but it can be tough. It’s a big hormonal shift that affects your whole body, not just your periods, and marks the start of the post reproductive phase of life.
There are three stages:
- Perimenopause usually starts in your mid-30s or 40s and can last several years. This is when your hormones estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are depleting and doing a real “double Dutch” like skipping ropes, going up, down, and all around! These hormones don’t just affect reproduction; they also regulate your brain chemistry, bone density, metabolism, heart health, and immune system.
- Menopause happens after 12 months + 1 day without a period, typically around age 51.
- Post-menopause is everything after that, and a privilege to have made it this far!
For some, perimenopause starts early because of family history, surgery, illness, or life events. Everyone’s experience is unique, like a fingerprint. Some women sail through with few symptoms; others face serious challenges.
When I hit 35, I had no idea what perimenopause was. Over the following few years, I dealt with 31 different symptoms. This included a nonstop period for six months, joint pain, brain fog so bad I forgot my sister’s name, mood swings, insomnia, and more. It felt like a slow unravelling, and no one seemed to connect the dots.
There are now 44+ recognised symptoms, but most of us only talk about hot flashes. If you want to understand what might be happening to your body, DM/ or email me “Symptom Checker” and I’ll send you the tool I created to help you advocate for yourself.
How can you thrive through menopause?
Megan: My simple mantra – Movement, Mindset and Modify – is your roadmap to navigating perimenopause and menopause with strength, calm, and confidence.
Movement keeps your body and mind in sync, just 5–15 minutes a day can boost energy, lift your mood, improve sleep, sharpen focus, and protect long-term health.
Mindset is about choosing positivity on purpose! Reducing stress, building resilience, and surrounding yourself with colour, crystals, gratitude, generosity, and practices that keep anxiety, brain fog, and self-doubt at bay.
Modify is your power move. Letting go of what no longer serves you, embracing what lifts you up, and making small tweaks or bold shifts to create the life you want.
When you move, focus your mind, and adapt with intention, you stay Positively Charged, ready to meet every day feeling energised, empowered, and authentically you.
The best part is that positively charged objects attract each other, so be the positive object!
Menopause and your sense of self
Gianna: It’s not surprising that during menopause we can feel our sense of self becoming scrambled – or even lost.
These significant mental and physical changes often prompt a re-examination of self-identity. Menopause can feel like the end of a chapter, but it can also be a powerful and positive opportunity for self-reflection and growth. As Megan has suggested, mindset and modify is a vital part of improving overall well-being during this time and into the future. This is a great opportunity to re-evaluate your life and make powerful changes for the better.
And sometimes, one of the most effective ways to begin that re-connection is through experiences that let you explore your self identity and build confidence.
Photography to build confidence during menopause
Gianna: Part of strengthening your mindset during menopause is giving yourself the chance to pause, reflect, and explore who you are now or simply find your way back to yourself. Velvet Thyme photo sessions are a safe, entirely collaborative space where you can show up exactly as you are and explore different facets of yourself.
Sometimes that exploration involves shedding layers – whether it’s layers of clothing or the layers of your pre-conceived self. Far from diminishing you, this can actually strengthen and re-affirm your sense of who you are. Seeing yourself in a new way can be a catalyst for reconnecting with the truest parts of yourself.
It’s an opportunity to pause, take a breath, and see which direction feels right for you. You might arrive at the photo session with certain parts of yourself you want to explore, or with no idea at all. Both are absolutely fine. There’s no “right” way to approach this photo session – they’re all about creative exploration, discovery, and re-invigoration.
I’ve received countless messages from clients, sometimes months or even years later, telling me how meaningful the experience was for their confidence and personal growth. It’s not just about the photographs, but about showing up in a space that exists entirely for you, engaging in the collaborative process, allowing yourself to be seen, and making yourself a priority.
This process is a beautiful act of self-love and self-acceptance – one with effects that ripple far beyond the session. Let’s talk about what your photography experience could be.
Menopause can be the perfect reset
Megan: Menopause is not the end of your story; it is a powerful turning point. Yes, it can deeply challenging, but it can also be the catalyst for the most intentional, confident, and connected chapter of your life.
Here are three ways to start:
- Move daily. Even 5–15 minutes of movement can transform your energy, mood, and long-term health.
- Protect your mindset. Surround yourself with positivity, practice gratitude, and explore experiences like fine art photography, to help you reconnect with your identity and see yourself in a new, empowering light.
- Modify with courage. Let go of what drains you, embrace what fuels you, and make small changes that create big shifts over time.
When you move your body, focus your mind, and adapt with intention, you stay Positively Charged ready to meet each day with energy, clarity, and purpose. And in that space of self-connection, you rediscover not just who you are, but who you want to become.
Menopause is a transition, not a full stop. If you’d like guidance, resources, or simply someone to walk alongside you, that’s exactly what I do as the Meno Concierge. I’m here to help women, families, and workplaces navigate this chapter with clarity and confidence, let’s start the conversation.
