Menopause Hit Me Like a Freight Train

Joint pain, waking up at 3 a.m., weight gain (hello, visceral fat I've never had before!), low energy, irritability, sugar and carb cravings, bloating, night sweats… the list goes on. Frustratingly, I was already doing all the “right” things—eating well, exercising, managing stress—but still felt horrible. I had even started BHRT months earlier, yet the symptoms persisted. Off-balance, exhausted, and discouraged, I knew something more was needed—and I was ready to do whatever it took to feel better.

Why I Thought I’d Hate It

Enter Belle Vitale, a 12 week hormone health program for women. Pilates? Never done it—I assumed I’d lose all the strength I’d worked for. Nutrition plan? No added / refined sugar, alcohol, dairy, gluten, soy, or corn? My inner drama queen screamed, “Impossible!”

Well… I was wrong.

The Workouts & Nutrition Were Game Changers

Just the right amount of HIIT, steady-state cardio, strength training, and Pilates on the control track—low impact, high intensity—made me stronger, not weaker. The nutrition plan? Clear-headed, energized, focused… and yes, even my sugar cravings became manageable.

Small Tweaks, Big Wins

It wasn’t huge changes that shifted everything—it was tiny tweaks that made all the difference: improving metabolic flexibility, dialing back constant intensity, prioritizing stress management, adding supplements, and incorporating breathwork exercises.

Science backs it up:

• 🧠 Brain Health: Chronic stress spikes cortisol, wrecking sleep, mood, cravings, and fat metabolism. Breathwork and recovery calmed my nervous system so my body finally stopped living in code-red mode.

• 🔥 Metabolic Health: Menopause tires out mitochondria. Smart combinations of zone 2 cardio, strength, and controlled HIIT improve metabolic flexibility, stabilize energy, and balance appetite.

• 💪 Muscle + Metabolism: Strength training with anti-inflammatory, gut-supportive nutrition boosts insulin sensitivity and preserves muscle—aka metabolic gold during menopause.

Mindset Shift

Those “why it used to work but doesn’t anymore” moments? Now I get it—and I feel empowered taking my power back. Doing it alongside a few friends made the journey fun, supportive, and motivating.

The Physical Results

My 12-week DEXA scan? A 6% reduction in body fat while building muscle! Clothes fit better, but the real transformation is how I feel—strong, clear-headed, and confident, knowing I’m doing everything I can to age well.

12 Months Later…

This isn’t a “phase” or a “reset.” It’s my lifestyle. Aging boldly, powerfully, and with more ease. Energy, strength, and clarity are back—and I’m not slowing down anytime soon.

My Advice

Menopause changes everything, but it doesn’t take your power. Treat it with the respect it deserves—it’s so much more than hot flashes! When estrogen levels drop, almost every system in your body is impacted. Understanding what’s happening and taking intentional steps—through movement, nutrition, supplements, and stress management—is the best way to protect your future health. Belle Vitale gave me the tools, the support, and yes—a whole lot of laughs along the way.

If you’ve been thinking “maybe it’s too late” or “what’s the point now,” think again.

The Best Time to Take Your Power Back? Today.
Contact us to get started.