From Meetings to Meltdowns: My Most Embarrassing Menopause Moment (and How I Took Back Control)
- Shannon Wade

- Mar 28
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 14
Let me paint the picture...
Corporate office.
Important client meeting.
All eyes are on me as I begin presenting the quarterly financials.
I’m feeling confident, polished, and totally prepared.
And then it hits.
That unmistakable surge of heat creeps up from my chest to my cheeks.
Sweat pooling under my blazer.
Hairline soaked.
And worst of all—my mind suddenly goes blank. I forgot what I was saying mid-sentence.
I tried to laugh it off. Blamed the thermostat. Took a sip of water. But inside, I was mortified.
I remember thinking, “What is happening to me?”
Was I stressed? Sleep-deprived? Just losing my edge?
As it turns out, it wasn’t stress.
It wasn’t just age.
It was perimenopause.

The Silent Struggle of Professional Women
If you’ve had your own “meltdown in a meeting” moment, I see you.
I’ve connected with so many women who’ve had to white-knuckle their way through presentations, client calls, and leadership roles while quietly dealing with:
Hot flashes
Brain fog
Exhaustion
Mood swings
A constant sense of “what’s wrong with me?”
Here’s the truth:
There’s nothing wrong with you.
You’re simply navigating a powerful season of hormonal change, and the sad reality is that most of us are doing it without the guidance we need.
The Moment Everything Changed
After that meeting, I booked an appointment with my doctor.
She listened for a few minutes, then said, “Sounds like menopause. It’s just part of getting older.”
That was it.
No real solutions. No discussion of options. Just a shrug and a reminder to stay hydrated.
I left feeling dismissed, frustrated, and more determined than ever to figure this out on my own.
Over time, I tried everything—HRT, supplements, lifestyle changes. I even had a full hysterectomy when symptoms worsened.
Some things helped. Some didn’t. But the real turning point came when I decided to stop trying to “fix” myself and instead understand what my body was going through.
That’s when I discovered a more natural, holistic approach. And everything changed.

How I Took Back Control
Once I started diving deep into hormone health and holistic wellness, the pieces started falling into place.
I realized I wasn’t broken.
I just needed a new way of caring for my body.
Here are a few things that helped me move from surviving to thriving:
1. I Rebuilt My Foundation
I stopped crash dieting and started focusing on real, whole foods that supported my hormones. I began practicing intuitive fasting—not deprivation, but a mindful rhythm of eating that helped me regain energy and reduce inflammation.
And I learned how essential gut health is for hormone balance, mental clarity, and overall wellness.
2. I Took My Stress Seriously
For years, I wore my stress like a badge of honor. But perimenopause and stress don’t mix well. I started walking my dog Ruby every day as a way to decompress and reconnect with myself. I said no to things that drained me.
And I started using natural tools to support my nervous system and calm my racing thoughts.
3. I Found My Natural Rhythm
Instead of fighting against my body, I started working with it.
I paid attention to my symptoms. I gave myself permission to slow down. I tracked what helped and what didn’t.
And I started treating myself with compassion, instead of frustration.
Why I Became a Coach
That meltdown moment in the boardroom could’ve broken me.
But instead, it lit a fire in me.
I realized that too many women were going through the same thing—alone, confused, and unsupported.
So I walked away from my 30-year career in corporate finance, became a certified integrative health coach, and dedicated my work to helping women thrive through perimenopause and menopause.
You shouldn’t have to choose between your health and your career.
You shouldn’t have to suffer in silence.
And you absolutely shouldn’t have to settle for “this is just part of aging.”
You Deserve Better
If you’re pushing through the symptoms, brushing them off, or being told there’s nothing you can do—I want you to know there is another way.
You can feel vibrant, focused, and strong again.
You can step into this season of life with confidence and support.
And you don’t have to figure it out alone.
If you’re ready to take that first step, I invite you to check out my free Menopause Relief Guide or reach out for a discovery call.
Let’s talk about what you’re experiencing and explore natural ways to support your body—together.
You’re not broken. You’re just in transition. And you can absolutely take your power back.
Download this free Menopause relief guide and explore natural ways to support your body.
Click the button below to get your copy and feel vibrant, focused, and strong again.







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