When Perimenopause Collides with Business

When Perimenopause Collides with Business

I want to share something deeply personal with you about my own hormonal journey
through perimenopause — one that impacted not only my health, but also my career.
For the longest time, I didn’t realise how much perimenopause was affecting me.
That became clear only recently, during a conversation with an acquaintance at a
business function. I explained that I coach women going through perimenopause,
and she bravely confided something that broke my heart:
“We wouldn’t have gotten divorced if I hadn’t been struggling so much hormonally.
I was a real mess. We always worked through things no matter how tough they got,
but I just couldn’t at that time. I guess that’s why we’re such good friends now.”
Her story shook me. Not just because divorce rates are at their highest for people
aged 40–59 in both Australia and the US, but because in that moment, I realised I
had been through my own “divorce” too — not from my husband, but from my
business, Terrific Fitness.

My Breaking Point

In 2022 and 2023, business was incredibly tough. Post-lockdowns, client and staff
needs had changed, revenue dropped, and keeping up with expectations felt
impossible. I told myself my declining mental state, mood swings, anxiety, and lack
of drive were all because of business stress.

I trained less. I poured everything into work. My weight piled on, hot flushes and
sweats hit me day and night, and I hardly recognised myself anymore.
In June 2023, my husband and I took our kids to Greece for five weeks to rest and
recharge. It was incredible — yet despite the sunshine, the activity, and the joy of
family time, my symptoms didn’t ease. I may have left my business behind, but I took
perimenopause with me.

Two days before we flew home, we were sitting at lunch in Mykonos when I broke
down in tears. Through sobs, I admitted I was dreading going back to work.
This was foreign to me. For 13 years, I had loved coaching, building a business, and
leading a team. And yet, I decided right there to close it down. Not sell it. Close it.
At the time, I blamed the business. But looking back, I see it clearly: it wasn’t the
business at all. It was my hormones. The chaos in my body and mind had consumed
me.

It was like being stuck in a maze with no exit. Now, standing outside of it, I can see
the way through.

Sad, But Not Regretful

I feel sad when I look back — for myself, for my family, for my staff, and for the loss
of something I loved. But I don’t feel regret.

Because if I hadn’t gone through that pain, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
If I hadn’t lived it, I wouldn’t be able to truly empathise with the women I now support.
Yes, I studied hormones for years. But studying them and living them are two very
different things. Now, I get it — because I lived it.

Closing the business gave me time to focus on my health and discover the right
roadmap for me.

Today, I help women — especially busy, ambitious business women
— create their own roadmap so they can calm the chaos, reclaim their bodies, and
keep thriving in both work and life.

Why I’m Sharing This With You

I don’t want to see any more women “divorced” from their marriage, their
careers/business, or their passions simply because of perimenopause.

This stage of life should be one of power:

• Strong, not fatigued
• Empowered, not lost
• Clear, not foggy
• Confident, not rage-filled

But too many women are running companies, leading teams, or growing careers
while silently battling chaos, exhaustion, and confusion.

If this resonates with you, know this: you’re not alone. Support is out there, and small
changes can make a huge difference. Sometimes even just sharing what you’re going through with someone who understands can be the first step to clarity.

♥ If this spoke to you, save it, share it with a colleague, or simply take it as a
reminder that your health matters as much as your business.
Because your hormones might be shifting — but you are still capable of leading,
thriving, and living fully.