I was blown away...perimenopause and menopause...

I spoke on the epidemic of loneliness and isolation at #StrongHEROrlando2025

At the end of March, we had the pleasure of partnering to present to the most phenomenal group of women during the #StrongHEROrlando2025 Women's Wellness Event. This event was hosted by the Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention (CMWP), in Orlando Florida. We knew that perimenopause and menopause was a topic that women requested we speak about (reminder, please complete your event evaluation if you have not already). What we did not know was that the topic would be the absolute buzz of the event! So many questions and comments. So many women trying to manage symptoms.

Here's a little background you may not know. I have a degree in Medical Assisting--yes, a degree. I was one of the people trained early in the profession and back then our scope of care was pretty intense and comparable to nursing education and their scope of care. I have worked extensively in areas such as Laboratory Technology, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Oncology and Hematology, Neurology, Gastroenterology, and so many other medical specialties. To add to that, I love learning and I have always excelled at every level of care I was permitted to work in. Many of the doctors I worked with also worked in areas of research. Importantly, every doctor I worked beside each day, trusted my decision-making skills to support them in caring for vulnerable people. I worked as autonomously as one can in a clinical setting and was trusted to do so. I was grateful for that trust and responsibility to keep safe the literal lives of our patients. I took it very seriously (as I do with all my work).

Still with me...? I'm getting there...

Fast forward to me earning a Bachelor's degree in Health Science with a focus on Public Health and then a Master's degree in Public Health. These degrees all focused heavily on statistics, biostatistics, and research methodology. I had to know the process for FDA approval backward and forward and all the tenets of Human Subjects research. Both degrees also required a hefty course load of sciences. I have taken them all! I loved it all. I dove headfirst into that world and public health and science is my love! I've been working in clinical settings and in public health for about 30 years now.

What does this have to do with perimenopause and menopause. Well, one more tidbit--I am also a self-taught herbalist. I've been studying herbal medicine for about 15 years. I was also raised to dabble in herbal medicine as part of my mother's practices. She wouldn't describe herself as an herbalist because she was just doing what had been passed down to her. I practice much more intensely than my mom but she planted the seed. By the way, food really is medicine.

After #StrongHEROrlando2025, I felt energized to continue doing something for women who are perimenopausal or menopausal. So, I put my clinical experience, my research experience, and my knowledge of herbal medicine to work. I am well into the typical age bracket for perimenopause. However, part of the reason I was shocked at the reactions at #StrongHEROrlando2025 was because I had yet to have a single menopausal symptom. I had not realized how lucky I was—in spite of my familiarity with the subject. I credit my lifestyle and my connections to herbal medicine. That is something personal, information that I often share freely but I also hold close to me. I'm thinking of putting together a small get-together to share my experiences but I am still mulling over the idea. I digress. Ironically, (or not) I trust in medical science just as much as traditional medicine. In my recent research, I came across a treatment that seems to understand and take into account the experience of women during this phase of life. After researching the product, I decided to be an affiliate for this product and promote it.

Winona is a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) used for perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. The therapy comes in four forms, body cream, vaginal cream, a skin patch, and tablets/capsule form. Just like with many herbal remedies, this evidence-based therapy (backed by good science) works better the longer you take it. This is not a quick fix. You’ll need to work with your medical provider to see if Winona is an option for you. Winona offers a safe and effective option for managing perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms for most healthy women, especially when monitored by a medical provider.

I wanted to give you an option. I am not a licensed medical professional (I am certified) and I do not give medical advice (that would be illegal) but ask me questions and I will respond with evidence-based and fact-based information whenever I can. By the way, CMWP does not promote Winona. This is strictly a Volcano Consulting, LLC Professional Development Center thing.

You can trust that I have done my research and will continue to do so. But, I do challenge you to do your own research. This is your life and livelihood on the line. I want you to live fully! So, eat right, move your body, and look into Winona if you are having perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms that prevent you from living your best life.

Thanks for reading. You survived this whole post.

Learn more about us at volcanoconsulting.com/pdc