I grew up in a time when talking about women's sexuality was taboo. I remember whispering with my girlfriends in the bathroom at school about getting our periods.  We were excited because we were finally “women”.  At the same time, we were also aware that we couldn’t talk about it out in the open.  Like in the cafeteria—for fear a boy might overhear and make fun of us.  The feeling there? Shame. Fast forward 40 years or so and we’re still whispering and still feeling ashamed.   Only this time the taboo subject is menopause.  We don’t talk about it—because it makes men, and even other women, uncomfortable.  And, of course, there’s the shame. We suffer in silence and try to figure it out all out on our own. This leads to fear because we don’t know what to expect or when to expect it. When it was my time to wonder about menopause, my mother had already passed, and I had no one to talk to.  So, I took to Dr. Google (because you know everything on the internet is true!) and mind-numbingly, complicated research.  From Dr. Google, I was led to believe that there was only one menopause journey that we all take—terrible hot flashes, brain fog, sleepless nights, thinning hair, and other terrible, horrible, no good, very bad things. Then there was PubMed!  They used terms like “genitourinary symptoms” and “vulvovaginal atrophy.” HUH!!??  I don’t even know what those things mean!  They shared that the “menopausal transition precedes menopause by several years”. WAIT! WHAT!!??  I’m going to have all these horrible symptoms for years?? It was terrifying.  No one should have to learn about menopause this way. After the shock and horror of THAT research, I finally found books by female doctors.  These strong women made the conscious decision to shake up the status quo and share the real deal about menopause. One of the most important lessons I learned is that every woman will experience a different menopausal journey.  It’s as unique as a snowflake.   Once you understand yours, it’s liberating! This is where I come in.   I’m Donna J!  I’m fiercely passionate about changing the conversation around menopause.  My experience as a personal chef and personal trainer, along with my background in functional nutrition led me to become an Integrative Health Coach. I will guide you through your unique menopausal journey.  With me you’ll have a safe space to talk, share your journey and get the support you need so you feel your best no matter what stage of menopause you’re in and no matter what symptoms you may have.  It’s time to dispel the myths and share the facts.  To stop suffering in silence. Together, let’s shatter the stigma and create a menopause revolution!