Check out the full interview here:
Have you ever felt like your body and mind were suddenly speaking a different language? For millions of women entering menopause, this feeling isn't just common—it's a daily reality that often goes unaddressed and misunderstood.
I recently sat down with Johanna Swanson, a menopause educator and coach who transformed her own journey through surgical menopause into a mission to help others thrive during this transition.
When Menopause Symptoms Turn the World Upside Down
"I went from being someone who was always very balanced, had phenomenal emotional health, and mental health, into just complete chaos," Johanna shared, describing her experience with surgical menopause at age 38.
This wasn't just another story about managing menopause symptoms—it was a wake-up call about how we approach this natural life transition.
The Mental Health Connection Nobody's Talking About
Here's a startling fact that your doctor might not have mentioned: up to 40% of women experience depression during perimenopause.
Even more surprising? Those already on mental health medications might find them becoming less effective.
"It's astounding to me how many women come to me and say they went to their doctor, they told their doctor they thought they were in perimenopause, they said no you're too young, here's an SSRI and a sleep medication," Johanna revealed.
The Hormone Truth You Need to Know
Your eyes aren't just for seeing—they're actually hormone-making organs.
This revelation from Johanna explains why our modern indoor lifestyle might be wreaking havoc on our hormonal balance.
"You need to get sunlight into your eyes because your eyes are hormone-making organs," she explained. "That's very important."
Reframing Your Relationship with Emotions
Perhaps the most powerful insight from our conversation wasn't about managing symptoms—it was about embracing them as teachers.
"From the time we're young, we're told, 'Oh, don't worry, you're just PMSing,'" Johanna points out. This dismissal of our emotions during hormonal shifts has created a pattern of ignoring important emotional signals.
The Sunrise Solution
The path to hormone balance might be simpler than you think. Johanna recommends:
"You need to be waking up with the sunrise, eating a high protein breakfast about 30 minutes within when the sun rises. And getting outside as much as possible."
Can't spend much time outdoors? Even small actions count. "Simply just rolling your windows down on your drive to work" can help you get the natural light exposure your body craves.
The Bioidentical Breakthrough
Many women believe they need expensive specialists for hormone therapy, but Johanna shared a game-changing truth: "Any doctor that can prescribe you medication can prescribe you bioidentical hormones."
This means access to hormone support might be more accessible—and affordable—than you thought.
Your Path Forward
The journey through menopause doesn't have to be a struggle. Instead, it can be a powerful transition into what Johanna calls "the best phase of your life."
By understanding the connection between natural light, hormones, and emotional well-being, you can start creating daily practices that support your body's needs during this transition.
Key Takeaways:
The Hormone-Mental Health Connection: Depression and anxiety during perimenopause are common and often misdiagnosed. Always get your hormones checked before accepting mental health medications as the only solution.
Emotional Awareness During Hormonal Changes: Your heightened emotions during menopause aren't something to dismiss—they're opportunities to address underlying fears and insecurities, potentially leading to profound personal growth.
Light Exposure and Hormonal Health: Your eyes play a crucial role in hormone production. Getting natural sunlight exposure, especially in the morning, can significantly impact your hormone balance and overall well-being.
Ready to start your own journey toward mastering menopause? Remember that this transition, while challenging, can become a pathway to greater wisdom and personal power. As Johanna says, you have a choice in how you approach this phase of life—why not choose to use it as a springboard into your most authentic, confident self?
Want to learn more about navigating your menopause journey? Connect with Johanna on Instagram @Navigate.Menopause or visit navigatemenopause.com. Mention The Begin Within Health Show Episode 238 for a complimentary 13th session in her 12-session Master Menopause Method program.
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