Midlife Musings: Joints, Joys, and Everything in Between

This morning I woke up with joint pain. Nothing major, just another reminder that my body is shifting into a new phase—one that people like to call perimenopause.

I decided to go on HRT (hormone replacement therapy). It works for me, but I know it’s not for everyone. And even with it, the fun never fully stops—hello itchy skin, itchy scalp, and a parade of other mysteries that seem to pop up as we age. I’ve gone to dermatologists, I’ve tried countless things, and honestly? Relief is hit or miss. There’s so little clear information out there that I’ve had to experiment to figure out what works for me.

But this post isn’t about supplements or advice (I’m not a doctor, and I wouldn’t want to pretend to be). This is about something bigger: connection.

Midlife has a way of shaking you awake. Sure, there are aches and hot flashes and Google searches at 3 a.m., but there’s also this spark—this nudge that whispers: What’s next?

For me, that spark led me to shift my career path. I moved into roles in life sciences, and later renewable energy—fields where I felt I could make a difference. And yet…something in me still asks: Is this the phase where you finally do it, or just shut up about it? I don’t know the answer, but I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one asking.

So here’s what I do know: I don’t want this space to only be about the struggles. I want it to be about the joys, too. The wins. The moments where we support each other and laugh through the chaos.

This post is the start of that conversation. Maybe even the start of a series. Let’s talk about the real stuff—what works, what doesn’t, and how we can make midlife a little lighter (and maybe even exciting).

Until then, here we go.

P.S. If you’re curious, I’ve started putting together some midlife-inspired products—things that make me smile, or make the days a little cozier. You can check them out here.