Navigating the Changes of Life: Menopause, Brain Fog, and Body Weirdness

A personal journey of hormonal shifts, midlife surprises, and finding my way back to balance.

Welcome to the Midlife Funhouse

If you’ve landed here, chances are you’re wondering…

“What fresh hell is this?!”

Why do I suddenly feel like I’ve been hit by a truck? Why is my brain full of fog? Why does my body smell weird sometimes — even though I shower every day? Why am I exhausted… but can’t sleep? Why does everything feel overwhelming, and why does my own skin feel like it doesn’t fit right anymore?

If that’s you… I get it. You are not alone.

This page has been a bit of an ongoing personal journal — part story, part support hub — as I navigate my own journey through perimenopause, menopause, hormone imbalance, and adrenal burnout.

I’m not here to preach or play doctor. I’m here as someone who’s living it, figuring it out, and learning how to work with my body — not fight against it.

It’s Not Just You. This Is Real

Perimenopause and menopause don’t just mean hot flashes and the end of periods. For many of us, it’s a total system reboot. A full-body recalibration. An uninvited visitor bringing a mixed bag of surprise symptoms.

For me, it hasn’t just been hormone shifts — it’s also been the fallout from years of chronic stress, caregiving, grief, trauma, and pushing through when my body was begging me to slow down.

✔️ When cortisol stays high for too long, the body can eventually reach a state of adrenal exhaustion and burnout.
✔️ When progesterone tanks… estrogen becomes dominant.
✔️ When stress gets chronic… everything gets wobbly — sleep, mood, digestion, immune system, memory… even how your body smells. Yep.

The Delightful Side Effects Nobody Warned Us About

• Brain fog
  • Fatigue that naps and caffeine won’t fix
  • Random aches, pains, or inflamed joints
  • Weight that refuses to budge (especially belly, hips, thighs)
  • Body odor changes (even with your usual hygiene routine)
  • Dry skin, dry eyes, dry… well, you know
  • Itchy skin — including charming spots like ear canals or underboob
  • Mood swings, anxiety, overwhelm, or just plain “meh”
  • Sensitivity to smells, sounds, stress, foods, and… people

Hormone Chaos + Nervous System Meltdown = The Perfect Storm

My pattern hasn’t been the typical “high cortisol, low estrogen” you hear about. Nope. My story is one of:
✔️ Estrogen dominance (because progesterone got hijacked by years of stress)
✔️ Low cortisol (adrenals officially threw in the towel)
✔️ Total nervous system exhaustion

I sometimes joke that my body basically staged a coup: “Oh, you won’t slow down? Cool. We’ll shut the whole system down until you do.”

It’s been humbling. Frustrating. Eye-opening. And… healing.

One of the most important things I’ve learned recently: Even though I did that Tucson webinar on balancing hormones and can energetically balance them enough to shut off symptoms, getting saliva testing done was the biggest game changer.

I had kept up with regular medical blood tests, and those were always ‘within range.’ But saliva testing through my naturopath revealed the missing puzzle pieces. Medical and naturopathic testing each have their place — they simply measure different things. Both are valuable. Together, they finally got me back on track.

What’s Helping Me (And Might Help You Too)

This is NOT a magic pill story. This is a layered, ongoing, deeply personal process of learning how to listen to my body — sometimes for the first time ever.

Here’s what’s helping in my world:
✔️ Nervous system resets: Black Pearl, tapping, energy clearing, and vagus nerve support.
✔️ Adrenal support: Magnesium, Ortho Adapt, protein-first breakfasts, trace minerals, rest, and boundaries.
✔️ Hormone balancing: Working with my practitioner to monitor and support progesterone, cortisol, and liver function.
✔️ Lifestyle shifts: More cotton, less caffeine, more rest.
✔️ Energetic hygiene: Clearing out emotional baggage, setting boundaries, and choosing peace.

Helpful Resources

I’ve created some handouts and checklists based on my own learning — and what I share with clients — to help navigate this wild ride.

✨ Menopause Funk & Body Weirdness Survival Guide – Practical tips for things like body odor shifts, liver support, nervous system care, and more.
✨ Hormone Wellness Checklists and Nervous System Reset Tools, found in the Resources page here: https://ladybugwellness.ca/lbw-resources/

✨ Or… just book a session if you need energetic support, emotional clearing, or help finding your balance again.

Final Thoughts

You are not broken. You are not crazy. You are not alone.

This isn’t just about hormones — it’s about a lifetime of being strong, holding it all together, and now realizing… it’s time to let go of what’s not yours to carry.

Perimenopause, menopause, burnout — they aren’t punishments. They’re invitations. A sacred pause. A cosmic time-out demanding that we rest, reset, and rebuild.

There is healing here. There is wisdom here. And there is life on the other side of the fog.

I’m still on the journey. If you are too, know that you’ve got a ladybug in your corner.

Sending lots of Ladybug Love and Hugs,
Jackie 🐞
Ladybug Wellness

More reading: Jackie’s Menopause Journey: https://ladybugwellness.ca/jackies-menopause-journey/

🌿 PSA from My Personal Health Journey: Why I Chose Saliva Testing 🌿
Okay friends — real talk for anyone who’s been quietly wrestling with unexplained fatigue, stubborn weight, mood swings, erratic sleep, or just that nagging sense of feeling “off” for way too long.
For over a year (okay… maybe longer 😬), I was completely drained. My mid-back ached constantly. I was short-tempered. Sleep was hit-or-miss. And despite all my usual go-to tools — energy healing, emotional release work, chiropractic care, and even standard bloodwork — I just wasn’t feeling like me.
I finally decided to try something different: saliva hormone testing through Whole Health Pharmacy in Prince George. I worked with Berdine, the holistic pharmacist there, and while the process included a very thorough intake form (seriously, it’s like a novel), the entire experience was 100% worth it.

Here’s what I did:
• Hormone saliva test: $275
• One-on-one consult with Berdine: $125
• Additional cortisol/adrenal panel: $50
• Total: $450 out of pocket — and some of the best money I’ve ever spent on my health.

They gave me a saliva collection kit (yes, you spit in little tubes 😅), which gets shipped to a specialty lab in Oregon. Unlike traditional blood tests, saliva testing reflects hormonal fluctuations throughout the day, making it much more accurate for uncovering issues like adrenal fatigue or estrogen dominance.
Turns out I had the opposite of what I assumed. I thought I had low estrogen and high cortisol… but in reality, I was dealing with estrogen dominance and tanked-out adrenals. That explained everything.
With Berdine’s guidance and a targeted natural protocol — including Ortho Adapt adrenal support, doctor-prescribed hormone-balancing medication, and a protein-focused nutrition plan — I finally started feeling like myself again. For the first time in years. 🙌🏻
This isn’t just about me — I’m sharing this in case it helps someone else. If your doctor tells you your labs are “normal” but your body says otherwise, listen to your intuition. Energy healing is powerful, yes, but sometimes our bodies need more grounded, physical support too.

💡 Disclaimer: This was my personal experience and results. Your journey may be different. Fees, recommendations, and testing details may vary depending on location, provider, or health history. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized advice.
You are allowed to invest in your health. You are allowed to dig deeper. You are allowed to feel good again.
With love, balance, and a bit more bounce in my step these days,
~ Jackie 🐞

About Hormone Saliva Testing
The saliva test I used was provided through my local holistic pharmacy, which included both the test kit and a professional consultation to review results and recommend support options.
These tests are not typically sold directly to the public — most labs require ordering through a practitioner or pharmacy that offers guidance. Please do not just go ask to purchase the kits because you read my story. 
I recommend checking your local holistic or compounding pharmacy to see what they offer and to find practitioners who use these kits.
(Please note: I can’t process or interpret hormone tests for others — this info is shared for awareness only.)

Update – May 2026

The past year since my adrenal crash diagnosis has been quite a journey of learning, healing, experimenting, and listening more closely to my body. As always, I share my experiences in hopes that others may find ideas or inspiration for their own healing journey.
Like many people, I have gone through phases of buying supplements with great intentions… only to have bottles pile up on the shelf untouched. Sound familiar?
In mid-2025, I asked “Dotty” (my personalized ChatGPT assistant) to help me better understand the supplements I already owned — what they were for, how they worked, and when they were typically taken. Helpful information… but I still wasn’t consistent.

Later in 2025, I had another idea: create a simple daily protocol with suggested timing for everything. That made a huge difference. Instead of randomly grabbing supplements, I finally had structure and consistency — and I began noticing significant improvements in my energy, sleep, focus, and overall resilience.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that healing requires rest and proper sleep.
As many of you know, I dealt with extremely disruptive transient tenants next door for several months, which severely affected my sleep and nervous system. Looking back, I honestly don’t think my body could fully settle into healing mode until those tenants moved out in November 2025 and I was finally able to sleep more soundly again.

Hormones, Adrenals & Saliva Testing
Through this process, I learned much more about the connection between hormones, stress, and adrenal function during menopause. What I have learned is that when you go through menopause, estrogen is supposed to drop, and the adrenals assume regulating your hormones.
I originally assumed I had low estrogen and high cortisol because I constantly felt exhausted, overwhelmed, inflamed, and stuck in “fight or flight.” However, despite years of medical bloodwork showing results “within normal range,” saliva testing revealed something very different for me personally:

• extremely low cortisol (adrenal crash/burnout)
• estrogen dominance
• difficulty regulating stress and energy

My naturopath recommended progesterone support along with Ortho Adapt (an ashwagandha-based adaptogen blend), which I began taking consistently in June 2025.
Over time, I continued experimenting carefully and started learning which supplements genuinely seemed to help my own body the most.

Important disclaimer:
I am not a doctor, naturopath, or licensed supplement specialist. I am simply sharing my personal experiences and observations. Please do your own research, testing, and consult qualified professionals regarding your own health needs.
I have also saved several helpful videos and resources in a public YouTube playlist for those interested in learning more:
Hormone & Wellness Playlist

Some Things That Have Helped Me Personally

Dandy Blend (Dandelion “Coffee”)
I was never much of a coffee drinker until the past 15 years, when cappuccinos and regular coffee became a daily habit — around the same time I also gained weight and experienced worsening hormone symptoms.
In October 2025, I switched to Dandy Blend, a dandelion-based coffee alternative. It definitely has an acquired taste, but I’ve grown to enjoy it. My friend Beth, however, absolutely hated it and made sure I knew it. 😄
For me, it has been a gentler option without the caffeine jitters, while also supporting liver health.

Protein First Thing in the Morning
One recommendation from my lab results was to eat protein within 30 minutes of waking. I’ve found this makes a noticeable difference in my energy and nervous system stability throughout the day.
LeanFit protein powder has become my easy backup option when I don’t feel like preparing a full meal.

Magnesium Bisglycinate
Helpful for muscle aches, sleep, stress regulation, and staying regular.

Lion’s Mane
I initially heard about Lion’s Mane from a friend recovering from a brain injury who swore by it for cognitive support. I personally find it helpful for focus and reducing brain fog.

Rhodiola vs. Ashwagandha
After learning more about adaptogens, I realized ashwagandha is often better suited for evening use because it can promote relaxation and sleep.
I later switched from Ortho Adapt to straight Rhodiola in the mornings, which I personally find more energizing and supportive for daytime function.

B12 Support
In late 2025, bloodwork showed my B12 levels were low. After researching B12 deficiency symptoms, I realized I seemed to have nearly every sign listed.
I completed a B-complex protocol and later switched to sublingual B12 tablets. The difference in energy and mental clarity has been significant enough that I now pay much closer attention to maintaining healthy B12 levels.

Bone Broth
Bone broth has become one of my favorite gentle healing supports for digestion and nourishment, especially during stressful or depleted periods. Sometimes I add an egg for extra protein.
I prefer the brand “BEST BONE BROTH Premium Beef Bone Broth Concentrate Garlic Herb Flavour” on Amazon.

Ovaltine
I learned years ago from being so anemic that Ovaltine is a great way to boost your iron levels naturally. I prefer chocolate flavor of this malt drink.

Castor Oil Packs
I frequently use castor oil packs over my abdomen while sleeping and occasionally across my lower back when my adrenals feel stressed or inflamed. For me, they’ve become a comforting part of my self-care routine.
Helps with feeling regular and castor oil apparently breaks down any lumps, bumps, and blemishes as one of the oldest self care products out there. I also have wraps for throat, feet, and breasts. Mainly use the belly one.

Whole Cloves
I originally started using cloves in tea with bay leaves, but eventually began chewing a few whole cloves before bed. I’ve personally noticed benefits related to digestion, oral health, and overall wellness support.

Beet Root
Definitely cleansing and supportive for circulation and energy.

Methylene Blue
This is one people should thoroughly research for themselves, as it can be controversial and is not appropriate for everyone.
Personally, I describe it as feeling like “energetic jumper cables.” However, I’ve also learned I need to use it sparingly and carefully rather than daily long-term.

The Importance of Rest
One line from my naturopath has stayed with me ever since my diagnosis:
“Take naps as needed.”
At first I laughed… but now I fully understand.
I’ve learned that sometimes a 20-minute “defrag nap” can completely reset my nervous system and allow me to function for the rest of the day. Also NAPs are Necessary Adult Pauses.

Other Things I’ve Learned Along the Way
One of the biggest shifts for me has been realizing that healing is not usually about finding one magical supplement. It’s about supporting the body consistently in small ways that help the nervous system feel safe enough to heal.

Some additional things that have made a noticeable difference for me personally:

• prioritizing hydration and electrolytes
• eating more protein and balancing blood sugar
• reducing overstimulation and stress overload
• allowing myself proper rest without guilt
• gentle movement instead of pushing my body too hard
• recognizing how grief, stress, trauma, and chronic hypervigilance affect physical health

For years, I thought I simply needed to “push through” exhaustion. What I’ve learned instead is that my body was asking for regulation, nourishment, recovery, and support.

I was also gifted a rebounder (mini trampoline) for my birthday and have been learning more about lymphatic support and movement. Even simple movement — gentle bouncing, walking, stretching, or lightly bouncing your heels for a minute or two — may help stimulate lymphatic flow and circulation without overwhelming the body.

I think many of us have been conditioned to believe healing only counts if it is hard, intense, or exhausting. I’m learning that sometimes small consistent habits are what truly create change.
Healing is not laziness.
Rest is not failure.
Sometimes the body simply needs space to repair.

If there’s one thing menopause, adrenal fatigue, and nervous system burnout have taught me, it’s this:
You cannot bully your body into healing.
You have to learn to work with it instead of constantly pushing against it.

**************************************

I asked Dotty, my AI assistant some advice on how long I should keep taking the full dose of Ortho Adapt. She delivered a sharable funny!

Adrenal Check-In: Do I Still Need 4… Or Am I Becoming a Squirrel on Jet Fuel?

Step 1: Daily Self-Assessment

Check all that apply:

Energy Level 🐿️

⬜ Feel pretty good. Who am I? Functional??
⬜ Meh. Dragging the carcass but still crawling.
⬜ Roadkill. Send help or snacks.

Salt Craving 🧂

⬜ Nope. I’m fine.
⬜ Normal salty-snacky vibes.
⬜ Eyeing the Himalayan salt lamp like it’s a popsicle.

Sleep Quality 💤

⬜ Slept decent. Small miracle.
⬜ Meh, broken but not fatal.
⬜ Full-blown dumpster fire.

Mood Check 💗

⬜ Relatively stable. Not biting anyone.
⬜ Irritable gremlin, but manageable.
⬜ Crying, raging, or both. All bets off.

Brain Function 🧠

⬜ I can think straight. What is this sorcery?
⬜ Somewhat foggy.
⬜ Can’t brain. Send chocolate.

Recommendations 🚥

• If You Check Mostly Top Rows: → Consider lowering to 3 capsules for a week and see how you feel.
  • If You’re Middle Row Vibes: → Stay at 4 for now. You’re still in the trenches, friend
  .• If You’re Bottom Row Hot Mess Express: → Stay at 4. Hydrate. Eat protein. Nap if possible. Maybe consider adding adaptogen reinforcements or talk with your wellness team. 

Golden Rule 🏁

✔️ Do not stop cold turkey.
✔️ Adjust slowly — your adrenals hate surprises.

Bonus Affirmation 🐞⚡

“I am not lazy. I am healing. My mitochondria are unionized and currently on strike. But negotiations are in progress.”