Month: May 2025

Menopause at 40? Understanding Early Onset Symptoms

Hot flashes at 40? Mood swings you can’t explain? Your period ghosting you for months at a time? If your body feels off but you’re too young to be “menopausal,” it might be time to talk about something most women don’t see coming: early onset menopause.

Yes — menopause can start in your 30s or early 40s, and no, it’s not just something that happens in your 50s.

Whether you’re experiencing weird hormonal shifts or just want to stay informed, here’s the ultimate guide to understanding early menopause — and what to do if it happens to you.

What Is Early Menopause?

Early menopause refers to when a woman’s ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone before the age of 45.

There are two main types:

• Early Menopause: Occurs between ages 40–45

• Premature Menopause: Happens before age 40

And yes — it’s menopause for real. That means no more periods and the end of fertility.

Why Does Early Menopause Happen?

There are several reasons women enter menopause earlier than expected:

1. Genetics

If your mother or older sisters experienced menopause early, you might, too.

2. Medical Conditions

Autoimmune diseases, endometriosis, thyroid disorders, and PCOS can play a role in ovarian decline.

3. Surgeries

A hysterectomy or removal of the ovaries will trigger surgical menopause.

4. Chemotherapy or Radiation

Cancer treatments can damage ovarian function and bring on early menopause.

5. Unknown Causes

In many cases, there’s no clear reason. This is called Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI).

What Are the Symptoms of Early Menopause?

Many of the symptoms mirror those of “typical” menopause — they’re just happening way earlier than expected.

Watch for:

• Irregular or missed periods

• Night sweats and hot flashes

• Vaginal dryness or discomfort

• Mood swings and irritability

• Brain fog or memory lapses

• Decreased libido

• Sleep disturbances

• Fatigue

• Thinning hair or dry skin

If you’re under 45 and experiencing several of these, it’s time to speak with a health professional.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Your doctor may recommend:

• Hormone blood tests — including FSH, LH, and estrogen

• Thyroid function tests to rule out other causes

• Pelvic ultrasound to assess ovarian size or follicle count

• A review of your menstrual history and symptoms

Diagnosis tip: If you’ve gone 12 months without a period, you’re considered officially menopausal.

Is There Any Treatment?

Yes — and early diagnosis matters. Because estrogen is involved in so much more than fertility, early menopause can raise your risk for:

• Osteoporosis

• Heart disease

• Anxiety and depression

• Cognitive decline

Most Common Treatments Include:

1. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Helps manage symptoms and protect long-term health — especially bone and heart function.

2. Non-Hormonal Medications

Used for women who can’t take estrogen, such as those with a history of certain cancers.

3. Lifestyle Adjustments

• Regular weight-bearing exercise

• Calcium and vitamin D

• Stress management and sleep hygiene

• Limiting caffeine and alcohol

4. Fertility Support (If Needed)

Women diagnosed with early menopause can no longer conceive naturally, but donor eggs, IVF, or embryo adoption are possible options.

How to Emotionally Cope with Early Menopause

The emotional impact can be just as intense as the physical one. You might feel:

• Shock

• Grief over fertility loss

• Anxiety about aging

• Isolation (because it feels “too early” to talk about it)

Here’s what helps:

• Join menopause or POI support groups

• Talk to a therapist (especially if fertility loss is triggering)

• Speak openly with your partner or close friends

• Reframe menopause as a powerful transition, not an ending

Real Talk: You’re Not Too Young for This

If your doctor dismisses your symptoms because of your age — keep pushing. Early menopause is underdiagnosed, and too many women suffer in silence or are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety alone.

You deserve answers. And you deserve care that takes your body seriously, no matter your age.

What Early Menopause Is NOT

Let’s bust a few myths:

• It’s not a reflection of your health or lifestyle “failing”

• It doesn’t mean you’re aging prematurely

• It’s not something you just have to “deal with” without support

• It doesn’t define your womanhood, beauty, or strength

Final Thoughts

Menopause at 40 isn’t a failure. It’s biology — sometimes unpredictable, often unexplained, but absolutely manageable.

If you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t wait. Talk to a doctor, track your cycle, explore your options, and get support.

This is your body — and you get to own every phase of it, on your own terms.

Single Mother by Choice: Rewriting the Fertility Timeline

Once upon a time, the idea of having a baby “on your own” came wrapped in stigma, whispers, and raised eyebrows. But times have changed — and fast. Today, an increasing number of women are intentionally choosing to become single mothers, flipping the script on the traditional fertility timeline.

They’re not waiting for the perfect partner. They’re prioritizing biological timing, personal agency, and a deep desire to parent — solo.

This movement has a name: Single Mother by Choice. And it’s rewriting what modern motherhood looks like.

Who Is a Single Mother by Choice?

A Single Mother by Choice (SMBC) is a woman who decides to become a parent on her own, often using fertility treatments like IUI or IVF, or donor embryos or adoption, without a romantic partner involved in the parenting decision.

This choice is not rooted in failure or desperation — it’s rooted in empowerment.

These women may be:

• Career-driven and financially secure

• Done with dating disappointment

• Experiencing fertility time pressure

• Deeply maternal, regardless of relationship status

They aren’t “settling” for solo motherhood. They’re choosing it, boldly.

Why More Women Are Choosing Solo Motherhood

We’re in the middle of a cultural shift — and the numbers back it up. Fertility clinics worldwide have seen a steady rise in single women seeking treatment.

Here’s why:

1. Biology Doesn’t Wait

Fertility starts declining around age 35. Many women want children but haven’t met a compatible partner — and they’re unwilling to risk missing their window.

2. Tech & Treatment Have Evolved

With access to donor sperm, IVF, IUI, and egg freezing, women no longer need a partner to conceive.

3. Cultural Norms Are Shifting

Being unmarried no longer equals being unfit to parent. Representation in media, books, and podcasts is normalizing non-traditional families.

4. Women Want Fulfillment, Not Permission

For many, motherhood is part of their identity — and they won’t wait for someone else to validate it.

The Fertility Journey for Single Mothers by Choice

Every SMBC’s journey is unique, but here are the most common pathways:

1. Egg Freezing (Fertility Preservation)

Some women freeze eggs in their 30s as a backup plan — a way to buy time without rushing into motherhood.

2. IUI with Donor Sperm

Intrauterine insemination is often the first step — it’s less invasive and more affordable than IVF.

3. IVF with Donor Sperm

For women with fertility challenges, IVF offers higher success rates. Some may also use donor eggs.

4. Embryo Donation or Adoption

Others explore embryo donation (frozen embryos donated by other families) or domestic/international adoption.

What About the Cost?

It’s not cheap — but it’s possible with planning.

Average costs in Australia and the U.S.:

• IUI: $1,000–$4,000 per cycle

• IVF: $10,000–$20,000 per cycle

• Donor sperm: $1,000–$2,000 per vial

• Egg freezing: $5,000–$10,000 (plus storage)

• Adoption: $10,000–$50,000 depending on the path

Many women budget, save, take out loans, or crowdfund. Some use fertility grants or workplace fertility benefits if available.

The Emotional Side of Choosing Solo Motherhood

It’s not all spreadsheets and sperm donors — this choice is emotional, brave, and sometimes scary.

Common experiences include:

• Grieving the “traditional” family vision

• Navigating judgment from family or friends

• Feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility

• Worrying about future dating while parenting

• Deep joy in choosing motherhood on your own terms

Support groups like Single Mothers by Choice, online communities, and fertility clinics often offer peer support and counseling.

What About the Child?

A key concern for many women is, “Will my child feel like something is missing?”

Here’s what experts say:

• Kids thrive with love, stability, and honesty — not a perfect nuclear family

• Studies show children of SMBCs do just as well emotionally and academically as peers

• Open conversations about donor conception or adoption help build trust from a young age

• The stigma is decreasing — kids in modern classrooms have all types of family structures

You’re not creating a broken family — you’re creating a whole one, rooted in intention.

Dating After Becoming a Single Mother by Choice

This is a whole vibe shift. You’re not dating to build a family — you’ve already done that.

Many SMBCs report:

• Clearer standards when dating

• Less pressure to “settle”

• A sense of pride in their strength

• Attracting more emotionally available partners later on

It’s a different journey — but one that starts from a place of self-trust and empowerment.

Final Thoughts

Being a Single Mother by Choice isn’t plan B. For many women, it’s the ultimate plan A.

You don’t need a partner to be a phenomenal parent. You don’t need permission to start a family. And you don’t need to justify your choice to create life, love, and legacy on your own terms.

You are not alone. You are not behind. You are rewriting the rules — and raising the future.

How to Prep for Breastfeeding Before Baby Arrives

Breastfeeding seems so natural — until you realize it doesn’t always come naturally. Truth bomb? Most new moms face challenges in the early days of nursing, but prepping before your baby arrives can make all the difference.

If you’re expecting and wondering how to get ready for breastfeeding, this guide is for you. From body prep to mindset shifts to practical tools, here’s how to walk into motherhood feeling empowered, informed, and way less overwhelmed.

Why Preparing for Breastfeeding Matters

You’re prepping for the birth — now prep for the feeding. Because let’s face it: once baby arrives, you’re running on little sleep, big emotions, and even bigger learning curves.

Breastfeeding prep helps:

• Reduce stress in the first weeks

• Boost milk supply confidence

• Prevent common pitfalls (like latch pain or low output)

• Increase the chances of sticking with it long term

Think of it like training for a marathon — only this one involves nipples and newborns.

1. Learn the Basics of How Breastfeeding Works

Before a baby comes, get familiar with:

• How milk is made — your body starts producing colostrum in late pregnancy, then transitions to mature milk around day 3–5 postpartum

• Supply & demand — the more baby nurses, the more milk your body produces

• What a good latch looks like — baby’s mouth should cover the areola, not just the nipple

Consider taking a prenatal breastfeeding class (online or in-person) and watching videos that show real latch technique.

2. Meet with a Lactation Consultant (Yes, Before Birth)

This is a game-changer.

Book a prenatal lactation consult to:

• Review your health history and breast anatomy

• Flag potential challenges (e.g., flat nipples, past surgeries)

• Learn positioning techniques ahead of time

• Get recommendations for pumps, pillows, and tools

Bonus: You’ll already have a contact in case things get tough later.

3. Prep Your Body for Breastfeeding

No, you don’t need to “toughen up” your nipples (please don’t rub them with a towel — that’s outdated advice). But there are ways to support your body:

• Moisturize with a gentle nipple balm to keep skin healthy

• Hydrate well in late pregnancy to prep for fluid loss post-birth

• Practice hand expression in the last weeks of pregnancy if approved by your doctor — it can help stimulate milk production and collect colostrum

4. Create a Breastfeeding-Friendly Home Setup

Set up a dedicated nursing station in your bedroom or living space with:

• Water bottle

• Healthy snacks

• Nipple cream

• Burp cloths

• Extra breast pads

• Phone charger

• Nursing pillow or support cushion

Trust — when baby’s cluster feeding at 2 a.m., having everything within arm’s reach is everything.

5. Get Your Breastfeeding Gear Ready

You don’t need to go overboard, but having a few essentials helps:

• A double electric breast pump (check if your insurance or hospital provides one)

• Nursing bras and tanks for easy access

• Reusable breast pads for leaks

• A Haakaa pump to catch letdown from the opposite side while nursing

• Storage bags for pumped milk if you plan to build a stash

6. Learn About Newborn Feeding Patterns

Newborns eat often — as in, every 2–3 hours, around the clock.

Knowing that:

• Frequent feeding is normal, not a sign of low supply

• Cluster feeding (short feeds every 20–40 minutes) can happen in the evening

• Wet and dirty diaper counts are the best way to know if baby’s getting enough

Prepping your mind now = less panic later.

7. Build a Support Network

Breastfeeding isn’t just physical — it’s deeply emotional. Having support in place can make or break your experience.

Line up:

• A partner or friend who understands your goals

• Access to lactation support (IBCLC, midwife, doula)

• A local or online breastfeeding group (like La Leche League or private Facebook groups)

Don’t wait until there’s a problem. Put your tribe in place before baby arrives.

8. Set Flexible Expectations

You might love breastfeeding. You might hate it. You might combo-feed, pump exclusively, or formula-feed after all. And all of that is okay.

Instead of rigid goals, try:

“I’ll take it one feed at a time.”

Success is defined by what works for you and your baby — not by anyone else’s Instagram post.

9. Ask About Breastfeeding-Friendly Birth Practices

When writing your birth plan, include:

• Immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth

• Delayed cord clamping

• Rooming-in with your baby

• Avoiding bottles or pacifiers in the early days (unless needed medically)

These small steps can have a big impact on how breastfeeding begins.

10. Trust Your Body (Even When It Feels Awkward)

Your body grew this baby — it can feed it, too. The early days are messy, emotional, and full of learning. But trust that your instincts, your baby’s cues, and your bond will guide you.

And when in doubt, ask for help. No one is meant to do this alone.

Final Thoughts

Prepping for breastfeeding doesn’t guarantee a smooth ride — but it gives you a head start. The more informed, resourced, and supported you are, the more confident you’ll feel when those first latches happen.

Motherhood begins before birth. So does the magic of feeding.

You’ve got this, mama.

Postpartum Hair Loss is Real: Here’s How to Deal with It

You’re finally catching your breath after giving birth. You’ve survived the sleepless nights, diaper blowouts, and those early “what day is it?” moments. Then one morning, you look in the mirror — and your hair is everywhere. The brush is full, the shower drain is clogged, and your once-glorious mane suddenly feels thin and flat.

Welcome to the very real (and very annoying) world of postpartum hair loss.

Wait—Why Is My Hair Falling Out After Having a Baby?

Here’s the deal: It’s totally normal. And it’s not just you.

During pregnancy, high estrogen levels keep your hair in the growth phase longer. This means less daily shedding and often thicker, shinier strands — that “pregnancy glow” is real. But after delivery, hormone levels crash, especially estrogen, and all that hair your body held onto? It starts to shed. A lot.

This condition is called telogen effluvium, and it’s basically your body hitting reset.

When Does Postpartum Hair Loss Start?

Postpartum shedding usually starts between 8 to 16 weeks after birth — just when you think you’re finally starting to feel like yourself again.

It may peak around the 3- to 4-month mark and gradually slow down by your baby’s first birthday.

How Much Hair Loss Is Too Much?

It can feel dramatic, but losing up to 300 hairs a day in the postpartum phase is considered within the normal range.

Signs it’s part of normal postpartum shedding:

• It’s diffuse (spread evenly across the scalp)

• There are no bald patches

• Your scalp isn’t irritated or inflamed

But if your hair isn’t recovering by 12 months postpartum, or you’re seeing bald spots or thinning eyebrows/lashes, it’s time to chat with a health provider. Thyroid dysfunction, iron deficiency, or other hormonal issues could be at play.

Can I Prevent Postpartum Hair Loss?

Short answer: Not entirely. It’s hormonal, and in most cases, you can’t stop it — but you can support regrowth and reduce the damage.

Here’s what actually helps:

1. Be Gentle With Your Hair

Your strands are in recovery mode. Treat them like they’ve just had a baby, too:

• Avoid tight ponytails or buns

• Ditch the heat tools for a bit (or use on low settings)

• Use a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush

• Skip harsh dyes or chemical treatments for now

2. Nourish From Within

Your body is healing — and hair regrowth starts with nutrition.

Focus on:

• Protein (eggs, chicken, tofu, legumes)

• Iron-rich foods (spinach, red meat, lentils)

• Zinc and biotin (oats, nuts, seeds)

• Omega-3s (salmon, chia seeds, walnuts)

And yes — keep taking your prenatal or postnatal vitamins. They support more than just your uterus.

3. Try Scalp Massage

A daily 5-minute scalp massage can help stimulate blood flow and promote hair growth. Use your fingertips or a soft scalp brush in circular motions — or bring in a nourishing oil like:

• Jojoba oil

• Rosemary oil (a natural growth stimulator)

• Coconut oil (anti-inflammatory and nourishing)

4. Check Your Ponytail Mentality

You might think your hair loss is worse than it really is. The postpartum ponytail “shrink” is real — but it doesn’t mean your hair won’t recover. Most women regain fullness by the 12-month mark.

5. Accept the Baby Hairs

You’ll start to see short, wispy baby hairs around your hairline or temples — often sticking straight up or out. These are signs of new growth, not more fallout. Embrace them! Use a light gel or headband and celebrate the regrowth phase.

6. Talk to a Professional If It’s Not Improving

Still shedding heavily past the 12-month mark? You may be dealing with:

• Postpartum thyroiditis (very common!)

• Anemia or low ferritin levels

• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

• Chronic stress or nutrient deficiency

Bloodwork with your GP or a women’s health specialist can help get to the root (literally) of what’s going on.

Real Talk: Emotional Toll Is Real Too

Let’s not sugarcoat it — postpartum hair loss messes with your confidence. Your body’s already changed, and now your hair feels like one more thing out of your control.

Here’s the truth: You are still beautiful. You are still powerful. And this season is temporary.

Try this affirmation:

“My hair is not my worth. I trust my body to rebalance and renew.”

Because it will.

Trending Mom-Approved Products for Hair Regrowth

While nothing works overnight, these options are worth exploring (after baby-safe research, of course):

• Nutrafol Postpartum — clinically tested, designed for postpartum needs

• Vegamour GRO Serum — plant-based and hormone-free

• Castor Oil Masks — OG regrowth remedy with anti-inflammatory benefits

Always check with your provider if you’re breastfeeding before starting any supplements or topicals.

Final Thoughts

Postpartum hair loss isn’t pretty — but it is powerful. It’s a sign your body is shifting, evolving, and healing from one of life’s biggest events.

Give it time. Give it grace. And give yourself the same nourishment you give your baby.

Because mama, you are regrowing — in more ways than one.