Menopause affects every woman differently. For some, the transition is gradual and predictable. For others—especially those experiencing early, surgical, or treatment-induced menopause—the changes can feel sudden and overwhelming.

As an occupational therapist and menopause coach, there is one pattern I see far too often.

January tends to bring a lot of conversations about Dry January. For many women in perimenopause and menopause, it is a time of reflection and reassessment. Hormonal changes often make alcohol feel very different than it once did. What used to feel relaxing can suddenly lead to poor sleep, intense anxiety, hot flashes, and next day regret.

If you’re in perimenopause or menopause, chances are you’ve done a lot of research.

Brain fog is one of the most frustrating and misunderstood symptoms of menopause. For many women, it is not the hot flashes or night sweats that feel most disruptive. It is the unsettling sense that your brain is no longer working the way it used to.

One of the most important lessons my 22-year career in healthcare has taught me is this: the human body is incredibly complex, and there are countless ways that health challenges can arise. I have worked in adult inpatient rehabilitation for more than two decades as an occupational therapist, and now as a menopause coach as well. Almost every day, I am reminded of just how intricate and resilient the body truly is. Just when I think I have seen it all, a patient presents with a condition I have never encountered before, sometimes something so rare I may only see it once in my entire career.

If you live in Philadelphia, this is a milestone worth celebrating. The city has officially added menstruation, perimenopause, and menopause to workplace anti-discrimination protections. This means menopause is now recognized similarly to pregnancy, and employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations when symptoms affect someone’s ability to work.

This week marks a historic moment in women’s health.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to discuss a topic that’s often overlooked: how menopause affects blood sugar and insulin resistance.

You’ve worked hard to get where you are. You’ve built your career, cared for your family, and managed a million responsibilities. And yet, suddenly, your body doesn’t feel like yours anymore.

Let’s talk about surgical menopause.

Let’s talk about the double standard in women’s health — specifically, menopause and hormone therapy. Because the hypocrisy is glaring, and quite frankly, it’s time we call it out.