Saturday September 19, 2026

Hello My Friend,

So, I'm 49, and over the last year, I've noticed real changes in my body I can't ignore anymore. My mom didn't go through menopause until she was 55, so I assumed I had time before dealing with any of this. Turns out, that's not how it works, every woman's timeline is her own, and perimenopause, the transition leading up to menopause, usually can start well before 55.

Here's what I've personally been experiencing: trouble staying asleep and waking up way earlier than usual, irregular periods that come later, lighter, or sometimes skip entirely, thinning hair, and weight gain around my midsection that's shown up even without major changes to what I'm doing. None of this happened because I did something wrong. It's hormones, and once I understood that, I stopped blaming myself and started paying attention instead.

Here's the science in short: perimenopause happens because estrogen doesn't decline smoothly, it fluctuates wildly, sometimes within the same day. And since estrogen receptors exist throughout the entire body, not just in your reproductive system, that fluctuation can touch sleep, mood, skin, joints, digestion, and more, all at once.

Some other common symptoms worth knowing: brain fog, hot flashes and night sweats, joint pain and stiffness, fatigue that sleep doesn't fix, hormonal headaches, mood swings and anxiety, dry or itchy skin, bloating, low libido, vaginal dryness, tinnitus, and even electric shock sensations right before a hot flash. If you've experienced a few of these without connecting the dots, you're not alone, and it's not "just stress."

What I'm doing about it: I have a consultation booked for October with the Cleveland Clinic to talk about hormone replacement therapy. I'll be tracking my symptoms beforehand and bringing that log with me, instead of trying to explain everything from memory in the room.

If you take one thing from this, let it be how to advocate for yourself:

Track your symptoms for 30 to 60 days before your appointment. Bring that log with you. Ask specific questions, about Menopausal Hormone Therapy, non-hormonal options, and lifestyle changes, by name. And if you feel brushed off, ask for a second opinion or a referral to a menopause specialist. You don't have to accept "it's probably just stress" as your final answer.

You know your body better than anyone getting fifteen minutes with you in an exam room.

I'll share how my October appointment goes. If you're in this season too, I hope this helps you feel a little less alone in it.

Keep glowing. Keep growing. You've got this.

Love, Jax

A Couple of Things I am Doing to Make My Corporate Fun...

1. I bought a espresso machine for my desk and a cute, tiny espresso cups with lids.
2. I log into my Notion and full out my journal entry, 3 daily gratitudes and what I'm look forward to that day.
3. I am buying a stand-up desk converter and under the desk elliptical.

My Woo Woo Tip for the Day...

Root Chakra (Muladhara)

Governs safety, survival, and belonging to the earth and body. Manifestation stalls when the nervous system does not feel safe, because the brain prioritizes survival over creation. Grounding the root chakra through stability rituals, routine, and financial groundwork builds the floor a dream life is built on.

Wellness Tip for the Day...

A Cooling Weighted Blanket

Deepens sleep by calming the nervous system & helps with hot flashes.

Try: Aricove Cooling Weighted Blanket​

Today's Affirmnation...

My body is wise, resilient, and deeply worthy of care.

Visit my newly updated website + blog — everything has been refreshed for 2026:​
​www.JaxStys.com​