S3 Ep9: Reclaiming Herself: Lauren’s Journey Through Perimenopause
In this episode, I sit down with Lauren Margaritas to discuss a subject that is finally beginning to receive the attention it deserves: perimenopause.Lauren grew up in Melbourne, Australia, in a proud Greek family. Like many of us, she absorbed the beliefs, values and expectations of the people around her. She was naturally loud, expressive and full of life, but was often told to quieten down.Then, in her forties, things began to change.Lauren started experiencing brain fog and forgetfulness. Her confidence disappeared, anxiety and depression began to build, and she gradually lost her motivation to go out and enjoy life. She describes becoming a shell of the person she once was.She was exhausted, struggling with tinnitus and unable to sleep properly. She developed tennis elbow, followed by frozen shoulder, and was placed on high doses of medication. For around two years, her symptoms were dismissed as a midlife crisis, with doctors suggesting she simply take tablets and carry on.Eventually, Lauren reached rock bottom. She struggled to get out of bed and felt as though she had lost her will to live.On Christmas night, while sitting with her family, she realised she could not continue living this way. She had to make a choice.Lauren left her successful career in lending at one of Australia’s major banks—a decision that brought fear and guilt because so much of her self-worth had become connected to her income. For the first time in years, she allowed herself to slow down, spend meaningful time with her family and rediscover who she was.Podcasts played a huge role in changing her life. Instead of listening to music while driving, she began listening to conversations that helped her understand her body, challenge her beliefs and find a new sense of purpose.By learning to listen to the messages her body was sending her, Lauren began to transform her health naturally. Today, she is free from the pain and rheumatoid symptoms she once experienced, although she is honest that managing hormonal changes is still something she works on every day.We discuss the difference between menopause and perimenopause, the physical and emotional symptoms women may experience, and why so many women are still being dismissed or misunderstood.Lauren is now studying further certifications and coaching women one-to-one through their own transition into menopause. Her work also incorporates areas such as the law of attraction, human design and Mind Movies, helping women understand themselves and find practical ways to create change.Her message is clear: you do not have to suffer silently through perimenopause or menopause. Your body is communicating with you, and with the right support, understanding and action, there can be something much better on the other side.Lauren also shares why she contributed her story to the Start Over books and what it meant to speak at the Start Over Sydney live event. Her mission is to help women realise that they are not alone and to reach as many people as possible with her story.You can connect with Lauren on Instagram at @lauren_theperimenopausecoach or visit laurenmargaritas.com.