What You Don’t Need to Apologize for Anymore at 44 (Especially in Perimenopause)
There’s something strange that happens when you hit your 40s—especially around 44. Your body starts whispering (sometimes yelling) that something’s changing. You’re not imagining it. It’s not just stress. And no, you’re not “crazy.”
It’s most likely perimenopause—the hormonal rollercoaster that leads up to menopause—and it can feel like it’s rewriting every rule about how your mind, mood, and body function. But here’s what’s worse: on top of the symptoms, many of us carry a heavy dose of guilt for the ways we’re coping (or not coping).
Let’s take that weight off right now.
This stage of life can feel lonely, confusing, and downright frustrating—but you don’t owe anyone an apology for what you’re going through. Here’s what that looks like in real life:
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Your Energy Isn’t What It Used to Be—And That’s Okay
One day you wake up feeling ready to tackle everything on your to-do list. The next, you can’t remember why you walked into the room. This is the hormonal ebb and flow in action. Your body is using energy to recalibrate internally, which often means you’ll feel physically or emotionally depleted—without warning. You’re not failing. You’re adapting.
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You Don’t Need to Explain Why You Need Space
Maybe you used to love packed weekends, busy family schedules, or late-night phone calls. Now, even small talk feels overwhelming. That shift is valid. Wanting quiet doesn’t mean you’ve become antisocial—it means your nervous system is asking for stillness so it can recover and recalibrate.
⸻Your Emotions Are Loud for a Reason
Sudden tears? Irritability that comes out of nowhere? That emotional rawness is real—and it’s not a sign of weakness. Hormonal changes affect your brain chemistry and nervous system. You are not “too sensitive.” You are navigating a phase of life where your body is talking louder than it used to—and sometimes, the only way it speaks is through emotion.
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Your Body Is Changing—and It’s Not a Moral Failing
Weight gain. Bloating. Shifting body composition. These changes are not because you’ve let yourself go. They’re because your body is undergoing one of the most significant physiological shifts of your life. Instead of trying to punish or fix it, this is the time to partner with your body—to nourish it, support it, and give it what it needs.
Want help supporting your body from the inside out?
✨ Click here to download my supplement recommendations for perimenopause
You’re Allowed to Put Yourself First (Even if You’re Not Used To)
Many women in midlife have spent decades being the caretaker, the peacemaker, the multitasker. But your body and brain are now sending a new message: “I need you to prioritize me now.” This shift can feel uncomfortable—but it’s not selfish. It’s essential.
If you’re used to being the one who keeps everything running smoothly, slowing down or stepping back can feel like you’re letting others down. But the truth is: the more you care for you, the better you’ll be able to show up in the ways that matter most.
Feeling maxed out or burned out?
💛 Grab my free High Cortisol Guide to help calm your system.
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Your Truth Deserves Space—Even When It’s Messy
You don’t have to put on a brave face if you’re struggling. Perimenopause isn’t just hot flashes and missed periods—it’s anxiety, insomnia, memory issues, joint pain, and a hundred other symptoms most people don’t talk about.
Let’s start changing that by talking openly, honestly, and without shame. When you voice your experience, you’re not complaining—you’re creating space for others to feel seen too.
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This Isn’t the End—It’s a Reintroduction to Yourself
Perimenopause isn’t just a time of loss (of energy, of control, of “the old you”). It can also be a time of deep clarity, growth, and fierce self-respect. You’re stepping into a version of yourself that knows her worth, speaks her truth, and stops apologizing for simply being real.
This is your invitation to stop shrinking, stop explaining, and start owning exactly where you are.
You’re not alone. And you’re definitely not broken. You’re becoming.
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Helpful resources for this season of life:
✅ Find a functional doctor in your area