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Services (4)
- DISCOVERY CALL
If you’re navigating perimenopause or menopause and feeling frustrated by unexplained weight gain, mood swings, brain fog, or fatigue—this call is for you. During this free 20-minute discovery call, we’ll talk about what you’re experiencing, what you’ve already tried, and what your body might actually be asking for. You’ll get personalized insight into what’s going on hormonally and naturally—and see if one of my coaching programs could be a good fit to support you. This is a zero-pressure space to get clarity, ask questions, and start feeling seen and supported in a season that so many women are left to figure out on their own. You don’t need another diet. You need a plan that works with your changing body—not against it. Let’s connect and map out your next step toward energy, confidence, and real relief—naturally.
- Intake/Goal Setting
This is where your reset truly begins. During this 60-minute private session, we’ll dive into your personal health history, current symptoms, and the areas of life that feel out of balance — whether it’s energy, mood, sleep, weight, or stress. Together, we’ll uncover what’s really going on beneath the surface and start to connect the dots between your hormones, habits, and how you're feeling day to day. You’ll walk away with: Clear, realistic goals tailored to your season of life A simplified path forward based on your unique body and lifestyle Confidence that you’re not in this alone — you’ve got guidance, support, and a personalized plan This session sets the tone for your entire 8-week Reset journey. It’s not about perfection — it’s about progress, clarity, and reclaiming your power.
- Clarity Call
This Clarity Call is a relaxed, heart-centered conversation where we explore your goals, questions, and what’s possible for your next chapter. There’s no script, no pressure, and no time constraints — just real talk about whether this opportunity and supportive team could be the right fit for you. Come as you are. Bring your questions. Let’s talk about what’s on your heart and see where it leads.
Blog Posts (20)
- 10 Surprising Symptoms of Perimenopause that Most Women Don't Recoginize
Many women expect hot flashes or night sweats when they think about menopause. But what surprises many women is that the hormonal shifts that begin during perimenopause can influence many different systems in the body — including metabolism, mood, sleep, digestion, and even how clearly we think. Because of this, symptoms often appear gradually and in ways that don’t immediately seem connected to hormones. Many women spend months or even years wondering why their body suddenly feels different. If you’ve been noticing changes like brain fog, increased anxiety, unexplained fatigue, or weight gain around the midsection, you’re not imagining it. Hormonal shifts during midlife can influence many aspects of physical and emotional health. Understanding these changes is often the first step toward supporting your body in a way that helps you feel better. 1. Brain Fog Many women describe brain fog as one of the most frustrating symptoms of perimenopause. You may notice difficulty concentrating, forgetting words mid-sentence, or feeling mentally slower than you used to. Hormones such as estrogen influence neurotransmitters and blood flow in the brain. When hormone levels fluctuate, cognitive clarity can temporarily be affected. While brain fog can feel alarming, it is actually a common experience for many women navigating hormonal transitions. 2. Increased Anxiety Some women experience anxiety for the first time during perimenopause. Hormone fluctuations can influence neurotransmitters such as serotonin and GABA, which play an important role in regulating mood and emotional balance. This can lead to feelings of restlessness, irritability, or increased worry that may seem to appear without an obvious cause. 3. Sleep Disruption Sleep issues are another common but often misunderstood symptom. Many women find themselves waking between 2–4 a.m. or experiencing lighter, more restless sleep. Hormone shifts, stress hormones like cortisol, and changes in body temperature regulation can all influence sleep patterns. Poor sleep can then contribute to other symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and increased cravings. 4. Sudden Weight Gain Around the Midsection Many women notice that weight begins to accumulate differently during perimenopause. Even when eating the same way and exercising regularly, the body may begin storing more fat around the abdomen. Hormone shifts, insulin sensitivity changes, and increased cortisol can all play a role in these metabolic changes. 5. Joint Pain and Stiffness Joint discomfort can appear surprisingly during midlife. Estrogen plays a role in supporting joint lubrication and reducing inflammation. When estrogen levels fluctuate, some women begin experiencing stiffness in the knees, hips, or hands. 6. Digestive Changes Hormones influence the gut microbiome and digestive function. Some women notice increased bloating, slower digestion, or new sensitivities to foods that previously caused no issues. Stress and cortisol can also influence gut health during this stage of life. 7. Fatigue and Low Energy Many women feel exhausted during perimenopause even when they are getting adequate sleep. Hormonal fluctuations, disrupted sleep, blood sugar changes, and chronic stress can all contribute to persistent fatigue. Understanding the root causes can help women make supportive lifestyle adjustments. 8. Heart Palpitations Heart palpitations can feel alarming when they appear unexpectedly. Hormonal shifts can influence the autonomic nervous system and heart rhythm regulation. For many women these episodes are temporary, but they can still feel unsettling if you don’t know what may be causing them. 9. Dry Skin or Hair Changes Hormones influence collagen production, hydration, and skin elasticity. During perimenopause some women notice their skin becoming drier or their hair texture changing. These changes are often related to shifts in estrogen levels. 10. Mood Swings Hormonal fluctuations can influence emotional sensitivity and mood regulation. Some women notice increased irritability or emotional swings that feel out of character. Again, these shifts are often connected to changes in neurotransmitter activity influenced by hormones. In Summary The transition into menopause can feel confusing when symptoms appear without clear explanation. But when you begin to understand how hormonal shifts influence different systems in the body, many of these changes start to make sense. With the right information and supportive lifestyle choices, many women discover that midlife can become a time of deeper understanding and empowerment when it comes to their health. Want to Understand These Symptoms More Clearly? Download the free guide: The Menopause Symptom Decoder to learn what these symptoms may mean and how to begin supporting your body naturally during perimenopause and menopause.
- Why You’re Craving Sugar (and Snapping at Your Partner) in Perimenopause
You swore you’d cut back on sugar. You promised yourself you wouldn’t yell over the dishwasher being loaded “wrong.” But here you are… standing in the kitchen with a fistful of chocolate and tears in your eyes because the dog is barking again . If you’ve been wondering what the heck is happening to your body—and your mood—during perimenopause, you’re not alone. This isn't just a lack of willpower. It’s your hormones trying to send you a message. Let’s break it down. 1. Your Blood Sugar is on a Hormonal Rollercoaster During perimenopause, estrogen and progesterone aren’t just declining—they’re fluctuating wildly . These swings affect how your body processes insulin (the hormone that regulates blood sugar). This means: You feel hungrier more often. You crave quick hits of energy (hello, sugar and carbs). You crash hard after that sweet fix. And because your body is more sensitive to stress in this phase, those crashes can turn into tears, anxiety, or irritability in a matter of minutes. 2. Cortisol is Running the Show Cortisol is your main stress hormone. And during midlife, it tends to get… bossy. If you’re constantly in go-go-go mode (like most of us midlife women juggling work, family, and trying to take care of ourselves), your cortisol may be spiking throughout the day. And guess what cortisol LOVES to trigger? Sugar cravings. Emotional outbursts. That wired-but-tired feeling that keeps you up at night and exhausted by 2 PM. 3. Your Brain Chemistry is Shifting Too When estrogen drops, so does serotonin—that feel-good neurotransmitter that keeps your mood stable and your cravings in check. So when you reach for that sugary snack or glass of wine, it’s often your brain trying to self-soothe and get a quick serotonin boost. It's biology, not weakness. 4. You’re Not Crazy. You’re in Transition. Midlife doesn’t have to mean misery, but we’ve got to stop pretending this is “just aging” or something we need to push through silently. Your body is asking for support. Not restriction. Not guilt. It’s time to nourish your hormones, your mind, and your gut—because yes, your gut health plays a huge role in your mood and cravings too. So what can you do about it? Here are a few gentle, holistic ways to calm the cravings and mood swings: Eat more often and more intentionally . Balance every meal with protein, healthy fats, and fiber to keep blood sugar steady. Drink more water than you think you need . Dehydration can mimic hunger (and worsen mood). Support your stress response . Deep breathing, walking in nature, adaptogenic herbs, and gut-brain axis supplements (like Happy Juice!) can help reset your cortisol. Cut sugar gradually—not cold turkey . Your body needs nourishment, not punishment. Track your symptoms . Notice patterns between your cycle (even if it's irregular), cravings, moods, and sleep. Here’s the good news: You’re not broken. You’re not weak. And you’re definitely not alone. You’re just navigating the beautiful mess that is perimenopause—and when you learn to listen to what your body is asking for, it does get easier. BONUS: Grab My Free Guide “The Craving & Mood Fix: Natural Strategies to Calm the Rollercoaster of Perimenopause” In this free PDF, you’ll discover: The top 5 foods that naturally balance blood sugar and mood A simple “mood map” to help you track your triggers My favorite natural remedies for emotional overwhelm A sample one-day hormone-friendly menu And the #1 supplement I use to reset my cravings and stress This guide is designed for high-achieving, heart-centered women who are ready to feel like themselves again. You’ve got this—and I’m right here with you. XO, Coach Shannon
- The Forgotten Symptom: Joint Pain and Stiffness in Menopause
When we think of menopause, most people picture hot flashes, mood swings, or maybe even weight gain. But joint pain? That one often catches women by surprise. It's one of those "forgotten symptoms"—something that creeps in slowly, often chalked up to aging or overdoing it at the gym. But if you're waking up stiff, achy, or feeling like your body is suddenly betraying you, you’re not alone. And you’re not just getting old—you’re going through a hormone shift that’s impacting your joints. Let’s talk about what’s really going on—and how you can feel better. Why Joint Pain Happens in Menopause The culprit behind those creaky knees and stiff fingers? Estrogen —or rather, the drop in estrogen that happens as you move through perimenopause and menopause. Estrogen is known for its role in reproductive health, but it also plays a big part in: Reducing inflammation Supporting collagen production Maintaining joint and muscle flexibility Protecting bone health As estrogen levels decline, inflammation can increase, cartilage may begin to break down, and your body loses the natural “lubrication” that helped your joints feel fluid and pain-free. What It Feels Like (And Why It’s Often Misdiagnosed) Many women report: Morning stiffness that takes longer to shake off Swollen fingers, knees, or ankles Aches after sitting or standing too long Sharp or dull pain in joints that weren’t an issue before Trouble with grip strength or coordination Unfortunately, joint pain often gets brushed off—either by medical professionals or by ourselves—as "just getting older" or early signs of arthritis. But if it’s coming on in your 40s or early 50s and you’re noticing other hormone-related symptoms, chances are your joints are crying out for hormonal support , not just ibuprofen. Natural Ways to Support Your Joints Through Menopause There’s good news—you can support your body naturally and get relief. Here are my favorite strategies that I use myself and recommend to clients: 1. Anti-Inflammatory Foods Are Your Friend Eating foods that reduce inflammation can help ease joint pain and protect tissues. Focus on: wild salmon, leafy greens, berries, turmeric, olive oil, flaxseed, ginger Avoid or reduce: processed foods, sugar, refined carbs, alcohol 2. Hydrate Like It’s Your Job Joints need hydration to stay cushioned and move smoothly. Aim for half your body weight in ounces of water each day. 3. Move—But Don’t Overdo It Low-impact exercise keeps joints mobile and supports muscle strength around them. Think: Walking Swimming Yoga or Pilates Light resistance training Rest is important, but too much rest can lead to more stiffness. 4. Consider Collagen & Other Supplements Collagen peptides support joint tissue and skin elasticity. Omega-3s help reduce inflammation. Magnesium supports muscle function and reduces cramps and tension. And yes, I have a few natural go-to’s I recommend for my clients based on their full symptom picture. 5. Prioritize Sleep & Stress Relief Chronic stress = chronic inflammation. Get serious about your wind-down routine, prioritize quality sleep, and explore natural mood and hormone support. You Don’t Have to “Just Live With It” If you’re struggling with joint pain, please know: this is not just aging, and you’re not stuck with it forever. Supporting your body through menopause naturally is about tuning in, taking action, and giving your body what it needs to function the way it was designed to. You're not broken—you're transitioning. And there’s so much you can do to feel like you again. Free PDF: “The Menopause Joint Relief Guide” Want a printable cheat sheet with: The best foods for inflammation A 5-day sample anti-inflammatory meal plan My favorite supplements for joint relief Daily stretches to improve mobility Click here to grab your free Menopause Joint Relief Guide. Let’s get you moving freely again—without pain.
Other Pages (63)
- Why You’re Doing Everything ‘Right’ and Still Feel Like a Hot Mess
Feeling off despite doing everything “right”? Perimenopause may be the reason. Hidden hormone disruptors like stress, over-exercising, and gut issues can throw your system off balance. It’s not about doing more — it’s about doing things differently. ✨ Reset your hormones naturally. 📥 Download The Midlife Reset Map today. Sign up to download your freebie now! JOIN
- Menopause Relief Guide | Life After Heels
download your freebie Thanks for stopping by! Download the FREE Menopause Relief Guide. If you're struggling with hot flashes, brain fog, mood swings, and fatigue, this guide is for you! Discover simple, natural strategies to ease your symptoms and feel like yourself again. Enter your details to grab your Menopause Relief Guide
- CONTACT | Life After Heels
Get in Touch Do you have a question? There's a lot of information here to take in, right! If you haven't already, check out the FAQ's to see if what you're looking for has already been answered. And if it's not there, you can do a SEARCH of the site. But of course I'm always here to answer any questions you might have, so if you have searched to no avail, fill in the form below and I'll get back to you as soon as possible - usually within 2-3 business days. Thanks for stopping by! Thanks for your question. I'll be in touch soon! SUBMIT
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