Have you ever found yourself wondering what’s happening to your body, feeling disconnected, or struggling with unexplainable changes as you enter your 40s or beyond?

These are common experiences for many facing perimenopause, a phase that often catches individuals off guard due to lack of information and societal dialogue. In this episode of the People Teaching People podcast, I’m joined by Mikelle Ethier, co-founder of This Is Perimenopause, to share insights on understanding and navigating this crucial life stage.

My conversation with Mikelle underscores the need for enhanced awareness and research on women’s health, particularly about perimenopause. As the medical community continues to make slow but steady progress, Mikelle and her co-founder, Michelle Stainton, advocate for a proactive approach to personal health and well-being.

For anyone struggling with or interested in better understanding perimenopause, This Is Perimenopause offers a wealth of resources and a solid starting point to guide one’s journey. You can join their community to gain insights, support, and inspiration for navigating this transformative phase of life.

Listen in as we talk about:

03:57 The birth of This Is Perimenopause

06:56 What is perimenopause?

11:52 What I wish I had known

14:58 Seeking answers and solutions

17:51 Slowly but surely – raising awareness for women’s health

22:10 The overwhelming impact of perimenopause

24:50 Curated support for perimenopause

36:18 Supporting loved ones through perimenopause

39:11 No quick fix for perimenopause

44:21 The power of great teachers

45:39 Pride in personal growth

46:44 A different way forward

Connect with Mikelle:

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• Website: https://thisisperimenopause.com/
  
• LinkedIn: Mikelle Ethier
  
• Instagram: @thisisperimenopause
  
• Facebook: @thisisperimenopause
  
• TikTok:  @thisisperimenopause
  
• Podcast: This is Perimenopause
  

Connect with Tiana:

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• Website: https://tianafech.com
  
• LinkedIn: Tiana Fech
  
• Instagram: @tianafech 
  
• Facebook: @tianafech 
  
• Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course 
  

Mikelle describes her journey from the corporate banking world to entrepreneurship, sparked by a period of deep reflection and unexpected challenges. In 2020, amidst the chaos of the pandemic, she and two close friends found themselves struggling with perimenopausal symptoms and frustrated by the lack of information and support available. Realizing they weren’t alone, they decided to take action, creating This Is Perimenopause to provide the resources they wished they had. With the backing of an incubator program, their mission gained momentum, proving that personal struggles can lead to powerful solutions. Sometimes, the hardest moments push us to redefine who we are and what truly matters.

Perimenopause is a phase many women don’t recognize until they’re in the middle of it. When Mikelle first started experiencing symptoms, she was surprised to learn that there’s no simple test to diagnose it. She explains that menopause itself is just one day—the one-year anniversary of a woman’s final menstrual period. The years leading up to that day, known as perimenopause, bring unpredictable hormonal fluctuations that can last anywhere from four to ten years. These changes can cause extreme anxiety, disrupted sleep, and dozens of other physical and emotional symptoms, often before any noticeable cycle changes. With over 60 recognized symptoms and ongoing research into even more, perimenopause remains widely misunderstood. The more we talk about it, the easier it becomes to navigate this phase with knowledge, support, and confidence.

“This is not your fault. This is your hormones.”

Mikelle reflects on the challenges she faced when her perimenopausal symptoms began in her early 40s, including anxiety, exhaustion, sleep issues, and other physical changes. At the time, she attributed it all to stress and believed it was her fault for not managing it better. Looking back, she wishes she had known that these symptoms were linked to hormonal fluctuations and not personal failure. She also wishes she had realized the importance of self-advocacy, as most doctors lack sufficient training on perimenopause and menopause, and patients need to be proactive in seeking solutions. Understanding perimenopause and advocating for your health is essential, as relying solely on doctors may not be enough to get the care you need.

Mikelle shares her journey of seeking answers and solutions for her perimenopause symptoms, starting with online research and medical journals. She quickly found that while more information is available, there’s also a lot of misinformation to navigate. After a long search, she finally found practitioners who understood perimenopause and could provide the care she needed. However, the lack of education in the medical community, along with the limited number of specialized clinics, has made it a difficult road for many women. Mikelle points out that despite recent progress, women’s health—especially menopause-related care—has historically been underfunded and overlooked, with women often treated as smaller versions of men in medical studies. Women must advocate for themselves and push for better education, research, and care in order to get the support they truly deserve.

Mikelle discusses the slow progress in addressing women’s health, particularly perimenopause and menopause, despite growing awareness. She emphasizes the real-world implications of this delay, noting that women experiencing unmanaged menopause symptoms are often forced to leave the workforce or scale back their careers. A study by the Menopause Foundation of Canada revealed a staggering $3.5 billion annual loss in productivity due to unmanaged symptoms. These women bring a wealth of experience and skills that society is losing because of stigma and silence around the topic. Addressing women’s health, especially during menopause, is not just a matter of personal well-being—it’s an economic and societal issue that affects us all.

Perimenopause brings a range of symptoms—like migraines, anxiety, and sleep issues—that often collide with life’s existing stressors, such as career pressures, raising children, and caring for aging parents. These symptoms are easily dismissed as stress, but the truth is that fluctuating hormones are often at the root of the problem, making everything feel more intense. Women experiencing perimenopause may also struggle with emotional outbursts or feelings of anger that seem out of character, affecting their relationships and daily responsibilities. Perimenopause is not just a personal struggle—it affects every aspect of life, and it’s crucial to seek the right information and support to navigate this challenging phase.

Mikelle shares the resources her platform offers to support those navigating perimenopause, including a blog, podcast, and evidence-based information. She highlights the importance of providing not only reliable research but also forward-thinking solutions, like hormone therapy for symptoms such as depression, even if it’s not yet widely prescribed. Mikelle also emphasizes the value of self-advocacy, encouraging people to approach doctors with clear, specific information to guide their conversations.

Additionally, she introduces a collaboration with Loom, a women’s clinic in Toronto, where medical providers answer listener questions in bite-sized segments, helping individuals prepare for more informed and productive doctor visits. Mikelle stresses the importance of community and reflects on how many struggle with confidence in a doctor’s office, often trying to please the doctor rather than advocating for their own needs. Having access to reliable information, a supportive community, and the confidence to advocate for yourself is crucial when navigating perimenopause. 

Mikelle shares that many people, especially spouses or partners, seek guidance on how to better understand and support their loved ones going through perimenopause or menopause. She suggests that it’s essential to meet the partner where they are, whether that’s through podcasts, blogs, or other resources. She highlights the work of Shirley Weir from Menopause Chicks and emphasizes that the same materials shared with women are valuable for men as well. Mikelle also points to several informative episodes and blog posts that break down symptoms like hot flashes, providing a starting point for anyone looking to learn more. She notes that many men are eager to understand what their partners are experiencing and find ways to help. Educating loved ones about perimenopause can strengthen relationships and provide the support needed to navigate this life stage together.

Mikelle emphasizes that there is no magic bullet or quick fix for perimenopause. Instead, she stresses the importance of consistent, sustainable lifestyle changes, like exercise and healthy eating, to manage symptoms and prevent long-term health risks like cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and dementia. She highlights the significance of fueling the body properly, not just dieting, and addressing issues like weight management in a healthy, lasting way. Mikelle also points out that while medications, including hormone therapy, can be helpful, they are just one tool in the toolbox. It’s important to also consider factors like alcohol consumption and its impact on sleep and overall health. She encourages people to make gradual changes that feel achievable, rather than overwhelming, focusing on consistency over time. Sustainable lifestyle changes, small consistent steps, and a focus on long-term health can make a big difference in managing perimenopause.

Mikelle reflects on the impactful teachers she’s had throughout her life, noting that while many have influenced her, they all shared two key qualities: they encouraged critical thinking and genuinely wanted to know her perspective, even when it differed from their own. More importantly, these teachers created a safe, authentic space for her to express herself and explore ideas freely. Mikelle believes that when teachers provide this opportunity, real growth and magic happen, leaving a lasting impact. Great teachers foster critical thinking and create space for authenticity, empowering students to thrive.

Mikelle reflects on her journey and the shift in her career trajectory, sharing that what she’s most proud of is the work she’s doing now. Both she and her co-founder Michelle once believed menopause marked the end of their most accomplished years, thinking they’d be winding down by 50. But through their experiences, they’ve discovered that this phase can be a time of personal and professional growth. Despite the challenges, Mikelle now feels empowered to contribute on her own terms, doing work that she believes in rather than following others’ expectations. Age and life changes can open up new possibilities, allowing us to contribute more meaningfully and on our own terms.

Mikelle reflects on the power of shifting perspective, moving away from the pressure to always have the right answer or meet others’ expectations. She shares how choosing curiosity over certainty, bringing her authentic self to each situation, and practicing compassion—especially in difficult moments—have been transformational. Extending kindness not just to others but also to herself has made challenges feel more manageable and opened up new possibilities. Let go of perfection, stay curious, and approach both yourself and others with compassion—doing so can change everything.

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Today’s episode is produced by VOLT Productions, a full-service podcast production agency helping creators and entrepreneurs launch, grow and monetize their shows. You can learn more about the agency’s founder Simona, their work and their team by going to www.voltproductions.co.