Episode 27 - Cycles, Strength & Menopause

Hi love, and welcome to another episode of Becoming Her.What if your emotions, energy levels, and strength weren’t unpredictable… but rhythmic?In this special episode, Jeanetta sits down with her mom, Doraine, for a tender and powerful intergenerational conversation about hormonal cycles, menopause, and the wisdom of listening to your body. Together, they explore how tracking your cycle—whether you’re menstruating or not—can completely transform how you move, plan, rest, and relate to yourself.You’ll hear raw stories, practical insights, and deeply personal reflections on aging, grief, strength training, and reclaiming your voice in a world that rarely teaches women how to honor their rhythms.For me, this episode hit home—and inspired the reflection below.A Love Letter to My Body (and to Every Woman Who’s Ever Wondered, “Is It Just Me?”)Learning about my cycle and how my hormones shift throughout the month is something I only discovered after meeting Jeanetta. She has a way of breaking complex concepts down in a way that’s easy to digest—and this knowledge has completely changed how I show up in the world.Now that I track my cycle, I can clearly see how my luteal phase brings a wave of self-doubt, low energy, and the urge to retreat. Before I had the awareness of what was happening in my body, I felt so much shame. I thought I was just “too emotional” or “not strong enough.” I hated that I couldn’t keep it together—but now I know: it wasn’t a flaw. It was my body asking me to slow down.This knowledge has given me something I never had before: confidence. I trust my body in a way I never did. I give myself grace. I allow myself to rest when I need it, and I no longer judge myself for needing space or stillness.It’s even shifted how I approach my workouts. I love dumbbell bench presses, but I used to feel like I was on a rollercoaster—some weeks I’d feel strong and powerful, and others I’d have to drop the weight by 10 pounds and wonder what was wrong with me. Now I get it. When I’m ovulating, I’m more energized and can lift heavier. In luteal, I move slower, lift lighter, and focus on control and form. It’s a completely different kind of strength—and it all counts.Honestly, it blows my mind that I’m only learning this at 44 years old. But now that I know, I want every woman to know. Because once you understand your cycle—once you really see yourself with compassion and clarity—life doesn’t just get easier. It gets more aligned, more embodied, and a whole lot more empowering.Much love,StephEpisode SummaryIn this deeply personal and empowering episode of Becoming Her, Jeanetta is joined by a very special guest—her mother, Doraine. Together, they open up a cross-generational conversation about the journey through menstruation, menopause, and everything in between. With warmth, honesty, and humor, they explore the unspoken challenges of womanhood, including hormonal rhythms, strength training later in life, and finding your voice after loss.From stories of first periods and pelvic floor health to osteopenia, grief, and the healing power of movement, this episode is a celebration of cyclical living, body awareness, and intergenerational wisdom. Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, postmenopause, or just starting your cycle journey, this conversation offers insight, validation, and encouragement to listen inward and move with intention.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:* Why strength training is essential in menopause—and how Doraine reversed bone loss* Charting energy levels with the moon to reclaim rhythm and plan your life* How yoga teaches proprioception (body awareness) that supports safe lifting* The importance of eccentric vs. concentric strength training across the cycle* Reflections on introversion, grief, and rediscovering your voice after loss* How yoga teacher training (even if you never teach) can be a profound tool for self-discovery and body literacy* The vision for Soma Moon’s 200-hour online training launching in JanuaryMentioned in the Episode:* Soma Moon Wellness – An online education company for cyclical living, movement, and leadership* Living Yoga – The upcoming first module of the online 200-hour teacher training* Strength Training for Women – How to match your workouts with your menstrual or moon cycle* Substack Newsletter – For updates, reflections, and resourcesResources Mentioned:* Questions or topic requests? Email Jeanetta at [email protected]* Subscribe on Substack* Be sure to check in for more of Did you know your MOM is in the room? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit somamoonwellness.substack.com/subscribe