Menopause is often described as a hormonal milestone, but for many women, it’s a time when the emotional echoes of earlier life come back into focus. Around the age of 52, I found myself revisiting childhood memories and unresolved past traumas that I hadn’t thought about in decades. It was puzzling- why now, and why so intense? That question sent me diving into the latest medical literature, and what I discovered felt like a revelation.

Research shows that women who’ve experienced adversity or trauma, even in childhood, often face a tougher menopause journey. The hormonal shifts of this transition can trigger old patterns, amplify emotional surges, and bring previously hidden wounds to the surface.

For me, these experiences weren’t just random- they were my body and mind’s way of seeking healing for old inner wounds, or “injuries,” as described by trauma experts like Dr. Gabor Maté. This realization set me on my own journey: connecting the dots between my past and present, and learning firsthand how menopause can trigger deep emotional processing and growth.

Instead of viewing these resurfacing memories as setbacks, I began to see them as invitations. They were signals from my body and psyche- nudging me toward deeper healing and understanding. This process, described by experts like Dr. Gabor Maté as tending to your “inner injuries,” transformed how I approach my own well-being- and how I now care for others.

Why Should This Matter to You?

If you’re suddenly feeling anxious, sad, or confronted by long-buried memories as you enter menopause, you are not alone- and you are definitely not “crazy.” Scientific research increasingly confirms that hormonal changes during this transition can bring unresolved stress and emotional pain to the surface. What may seem like sudden mood swings or mental fog is often a deep, biological response- transforming menopause into both a challenge and a powerful opportunity for healing.

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Menopause isn’t just about “hormones” -your life experiences shape how you respond. Your brain and body remember stress and hardship, and these early wounds can influence your reaction to hormonal shifts even decades later. This can lead to more intense hot flashes, sleep disturbances, prolonged mood swings, and even a resurgence of old anxiety or depression. These effects aren’t your fault; they are the result of a complex interplay between biology and life history. Understanding this empowers you to seek support that treats the whole person- your mind, body, and spirit- not just isolated symptoms.

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When unresolved hurts surface, bottling them up can worsen symptoms and increase the risk of mental health issues- and even impact your physical health. If ignored, unprocessed pain fuels chronic inflammation, heightens heart disease risk, and sustains ongoing emotional distress. Recognizing this connection is the first step towards a more compassionate, trauma-informed approach to menopause- one where healing, growth, and resilience become possible even in the midst of life's changing seasons.

What Can You Do About It? Practical Steps to Start Healing Now

While menopause is a universal experience for women, your journey through it is unique- and entirely valid. If you’ve been feeling that inner nudge to seek help or healing, even as simple as making that call to the therapist that’s been on your heart, trust your intuition. This time in your life is guiding you toward growth and restoration.

• Seek guidance from a trauma-informed menopause provider: Look for care that honors your full life story and integrates hormonal and trauma-aware support. True healing comes from addressing mind, body, and history as one.
• Talk with trusted friends, therapists, or support groups: Social connection lightens emotional burdens and is proven to improve both mental and physical symptoms of menopause. Recognize those individuals who are "not" reliable when it comes to sharing your story, such as a toxic friend or partner. Although talk therapy is a valuable method for lessening the impacts of trauma, the choice of whom you confide in is crucial.
• Get outside, move your body, and practice breathwork: Gentle walks in nature, regular movement, and deep breathing exercises calm anxiety, lift mood, and reduce stress hormones.
• Try evidence-based trauma therapies like CBT or EMDR: These approaches help your brain process past trauma effectively, resulting in better symptom control and deeper healing.

Remember, breakthrough is possible: Menopause and midlife aren’t simply about symptom management- they are your opportunity to connect the dots between your past and present self, gain resilience, and reclaim your well-being.

See How It Plays Out

Imagine two women experiencing menopause- one without major early life stress, the other with a history of childhood adversity. The first may adjust with minor symptoms; the second might find even minor hot flashes trigger anxiety or sleepless nights. The difference isn’t “weakness,” but the impact of long-hidden stress physiology now unmasked by hormone change.

A Path to Healing and Thrive

You don’t have to navigate menopause alone or simply “tough it out”- support from trusted providers, like myself, friends, nature, or therapy can turn this challenging time into a powerful journey of self-discovery and healing. Every step toward connection and self-care helps lower stress, manage symptoms, and build resilience- allowing you to not just survive, but thrive.

This is the path I’ve walked myself. My healing journey began when I realized how my past “inner wounds,” just like many of the women I work with, were influencing my present. Inspired by experts like Dr. Gabor Maté, I dedicated myself to connecting these dots, and now I am committed to helping other women do the same.

If you’re ready to take that next step- whether it’s understanding yourself better, healing old wounds, or simply finding more peace- schedule a visit with me. Together, we can create a care plan tailored to you, designed to nurture your whole self and turn menopause into your time of renewal.

Take that step today- your journey to healing and thriving is waiting.💜

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