Paris Women’s Talk: Navigating Perimenopause & Beyond

The transition from perimenopause to menopause is undoubtedly a profound journey that can leave some of us feeling like we are navigating uncharted waters. I can empathize because I am right there, in the midst of these transformative waves, as my body and mind continue to adjust.

Despite the many changes and the overflow of information regarding this topic, I have found that with the right tools, community and support, perimenopause (and beyond) can be a time for renewal, appreciation for life, and access to the inner resources that we’ve been accumulating throughout previous decades.

Imagine if you could shift your perspective to view the habits that you cultivate today as investments in your future well-being.

What if you could feel more at ease in your body (and mind) during your 50s than you ever did in Your 30s?

These questions crossed my mind recently as I was running the 10km Odysséa race in Bois de Vincennes. I was so aware of my pace each time that my feet were bouncing off the ground, my breathing was flowing with ease, and my body was feeling strong. I felt a deep sense of ease that I never believed was accessible to me before.

More than 12 years have elapsed since I began running races in Paris and, during this time, I’ve transformed into a more mindful runner. My body may have undergone changes, but what is particularly different now is the level of care and attention with which I approach running. I’ve crafted a sustainable plan for incorporating cross-training, regular early weekly workouts outdoors (at 6am!), and using resistance bands. I’ve recently joined a running group, and I now protect my hours of sleep like never before simply because I don’t want to miss my morning practice.

I am sharing this because it is only when we are very clear on what is important that we can create specific goals and an action plan to make them happen. I have found that community and accountability have been key elements in building and sustaining these essential habits that help me keep my mind sharp and my body strong on a daily basis.

Read more on Tania Del Rio Albrechtsen’s insights about perimenopause here.

I think that our beliefs about perimenopause, menopause and aging, as well as understanding the physiology of our changing bodies, can significantly shape our experiences. For instance, when I turned 50 years old, a yoga student who is a couple of decades older than me shared her perspective that the 50s is a great decade filled with creativity and purpose. It’s an age one should anticipate in life. Her words were deeply inspiring. Another woman recently told me that this life stage of perimenopause and beyond can feel liberating and beautiful. I find this so uplifting.

What if we could create spaces to meet with other women to learn together, exchange and celebrate the collective wisdom that we can share?

An excellent example of the power of women learning together occurred last May at the American Library in Paris during the talk entitled “Breaking The Silence of Menopause”. Fortuitously, I was sitting in the audience next to Dr. Jocelyn McGinnis, an exceptional OB/GYN whom I‘ve been fortunate to know for almost 15 years. I met Dr. McGinnis for the first time when I was five months pregnant and relatively new to France. I was unsure of where I was going to give birth and I spoke very little French. I still remember that feeling of ease, relief and gratitude after talking to her that day. Throughout the years, every conversation with Dr. McGinnis has ignited my curiosity, fueled my desire to learn, and left me feeling energized.

I am honored to be able to collaborate with Dr. McGinnis for a talk on Navigating Perimenopause & Beyond on Oct. 18 at the beautiful Free Persephone Spa in Paris. At this special gathering, Dr. McGinnis will help us gain a better understanding of our own physiology and changing bodies. I’ll share how you can choose to celebrate the perimenopause and menopause experience. This is an extremely important time to be approaching this topic.