I never imagined that at the very stage of my career where I would feel the most confident, when I am building Brewathought brick by brick, loving the work I do as a Coach and coaching others to reach their fullest potential, my own body would begin playing tricks on me. Perimenopause. The other day I was talking to a friend and the word came out as meri-pause.. which kind of broke us both into peals of laughter that our merry had really paused because of this word.
Even writing the word feels strange, because it is not something we women leaders, founders, coaches, executives ever really talk about openly in the professional space. Or do we? It is almost as if this phase, as natural as it is, does not exist in our professional vocabulary. I gained a few raised eyebrows when some younger women clients asked me if everything was well since I was looking tired. The word attracted a wide mouth gape which the poor girl did not know to laugh it out, give me a look of worry or just be herself and look super confused.
But it is here. And it is frustrating. Period. Well! Isn’t it all about just that ? Period?
Guess not!
My Body Stopped Playing by the Rules
I am used to challenges like rejections from potential clients, market uncertainty, leadership conflicts, strategic pivots and a whole lot of personal stuff that gives wheels to my brains but this one word? Woah! This one is internal.
Some mornings, I wake up after a night of broken sleep, foggy – headed before the day even begins. I walk into a client session or board meeting, and suddenly, a wave of heat rushes through me and palpitations that come out of nowhere. My confidence, composure, and sharpness feel momentarily hijacked by biology and these were the same traits I built my reputation on!
Just when so many of us women finally arrive after years of proving ourselves, building credibility, and finding our voice our own hormones decide to test our resilience all over again. Now here comes another battle!!
The Silent Struggle of Women in Power
I refuse to believe that I am the only one. In fact, I am certain every woman at the top — every founder, every executive, every coach is quietly navigating some version of this.
But we do not talk about it.
Not in leadership forums.
Not in boardrooms.
Not even among ourselves.
We have normalized conversations about maternity leave, mental health, and diversity but perimenopause? Mmm.. that hardly even gets a whisper. After all, it’s easy to brand a lady boss as cynical and always snappy!
And yet, this is a phase that can stretch for years. Imagine how many powerful, talented women are silently managing sleepless nights, anxiety, hot flashes, and unpredictable moods while continuing to lead teams, inspire others, and make critical business decisions. And I will not even get started about navigating family responsibilities!
The fact that this is not part of workplace wellbeing discussions says a lot about how far we still have to go.
The Science and the Wisdom
Scientifically speaking, perimenopause is the body’s natural transition toward menopause, when estrogen and progesterone ( the two key hormones ) begin to fluctuate. Yes! I did a lot of research on this. Check my insta and browser history you will know what I am talking about! These shifts affect everything from our energy levels, our focus, our moods and even our metabolism. It is like our internal rhythm which had a steady song for so many decades suddenly starts playing jazz when we were expecting classical.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, this phase is deeply tied to the vata dosha, which governs movement and change. When vata becomes imbalanced, it manifests as restlessness, anxiety, dryness, forgetfulness, and sleep disturbances. Ayurveda teaches that the antidote lies in slowing down, grounding ourselves, and nourishing both body and mind.
In other words, the body is asking for gentleness while the world demands performance (read Wonder Woman level performance!)
The Change We Need
It is time we bring this into the open.
Workplaces should begin acknowledging perimenopause as a real, impactful transition. It deserves compassion, flexibility and support. Imagine policies that allow for flexible schedules, wellness days, or access to holistic care for women navigating this phase. Utopian? Yes? Unimaginable but can we not think about it?
And before policies, we need conversation. Safe spaces where women leaders can share, learn, and simply say, “yes, me too,” without fear of being perceived as less capable.
The Hopeful Future
Ok for those who feel this feels like a complaint, let’s also know that this thing, this phase does not last forever. After menopause, many women describe feeling clearer, calmer and more powerful than ever. Some of my closest friends have helped me navigate my symptoms so gently and the only thing that keeps me positive is that it will end. The fluctuations stop, the fog lifts, and what remains is a woman who knows herself completely not just in her body but in her boundaries and her brilliance.
I truly believe that after menopause, a woman becomes unstoppable.
And maybe that is what keeps me hopeful that by speaking about this, by normalizing it, we can pave the way for future generations of women leaders who will not feel embarrassed or slowed down by a natural transition.
Because the truth is, this is not a weakness. It is another chapter of resilience which is one more test of strength in the lifelong journey of leadership.
So, to every woman out there leading through the heat, the fog, and the fatigue I just want to say you are not alone and let us not lower our voices talking about it. Let us make this phase something we can talk about openly, support one another through, and eventually celebrate.
Because when this storm passes, we don’t just come out strong.
We come out limitless.