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You're not imagining it. Your body is changing, and you deserve answers. Whether you're experiencing primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), early menopause, surgical menopause, perimenopause, or menopause, this transition represents a profound rite of passage—one that's uniquely yours. Your pathway is unique to you AND you deserve education and care tailored to your specific needs.

The symptoms you're noticing (or the ones you haven't recognized yet) can range from silent to subtle to completely disruptive. By arming yourself with knowledge about what to anticipate, you can catch symptoms early and make informed decisions that enhance your quality of life and wellbeing as you navigate this powerful transition.

Note: "Peri~Menopause" is my inclusive term for all reproductive transitions, encompassing POI, early menopause, surgical menopause, perimenopause, menopause, and related experiences.

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There are over 100 symptoms associated with this phase of life…

Silent symptoms include, but are not limited to, changes in:

  • Blood pressure

  • Bone density

  • Cardiovascular health

  • Cholesterol levels

Subtle symptoms include, but are not limited to, changes in:

  • Your menstrual cycle (this can also become disruptive)

  • Skin tone

  • Collagen in and elasticity of skin

  • How your body responds to insulin

  • Hair breakage/increased shedding

Disruptive/more noticeable symptoms include, but are not limited to:

  • Brain fog/Mental fatigue

  • Changes in memory

  • Hot flashes/flushes

  • Irritability

  • Joint pain

  • Less effective in career

  • Night sweats

  • Not feeling like yourself

  • Reduced interest in social connection

  • Sleep disruption

  • Weight gain

What they all have in common is that they're often overlooked, dismissed, or misunderstood—even by healthcare providers.

When your hormones shift from predictable patterns to an unpredictable roller coaster, your body undergoes changes that can range from subtle to disruptive. Many providers do not naturally connect these symptoms to perimenopause or related reproductive experiences, which is exactly why you need to be equipped with knowledge to guide your own care.

But here's what's remarkable about this phase: while these changes might challenge everything you thought you knew about yourself, they also present a beautiful opportunity to redefine who you are today and how you want to show up in the world. This transition invites you to be intentional in your pursuit of knowledge about this understudied yet vitally important phase of life.

When you embrace this learning journey, something powerful happens—you don't just adapt, you evolve. You MPower yourself to advocate for both your needs and your wants, transforming what could feel like loss of control into an opportunity for profound self-advocacy and growth.

References:

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/introduction-to-menopause

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/perimenopause

https://www.menopause.org/for-women

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  • It can begin approximately 7 to 10 years prior to menopause. There are a variety of methods to identify whether you are in perimenopause. As such, it is important to know some of the symptoms so that you can discuss the possibility of this with your qualified healthcare provider.

  • There are a variety of options to approach management of this complex phase of life. It depends on your unique set of circumstances. However, broadly stated it is helpful to think of things from a holistic vantage point. For example:

    • Good sleep hygiene

    • Balanced nutrition

    • Fitness

    • Social support

    • Care providers that you trust

    • Care providers who are willing to have a discussion about menopause hormone therapy (MHT) including the risks and benefits for your specific circumstance

    • Care providers who will not pathologize your symptoms of depression or anxiety and will consider the role of peri~menopause. Lifestyle changes and MHT can possibly reduce and/or eliminate some symptoms.

  • It depends. For some, there is a surgically or medically induced reason. In those instances, you are ideally given some education that allows you to get your resultant care needs met. In other cases, menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without menstruation.

  • Not necessarily. It might be more helpful to think about it as a rite of passage, a midlife awakening, or even an opportunity to intentionally pursue midlife MPowerment. Caveat, this life change can occur prior to midlife and we can be MPowered at any phase of life. Afterall, the process of becoming MPowered is a journey, not a destination.

    Please know that what you are experiencing is not your fault. It is not because of something you did or did not do. Our bodies just change. Sometimes it is gentle/subtle. Sometimes it is not. You do not, I repeat… You do not have to lose yourself during this process. Please consider using resources to your advantage and build a coping toolkit that will allow you to become MPowered in this sacred journey.

  • You might work with a(n):

    • OBGYN

    • Integrative Medicine Physician/practitioner

    • Nurse Practitioner

    • Endocrinologist

    • Functional Medicine Physician or Nutritionist

    • Registered Dietician Nutritionist

    • Cardiologist

    • A Menopause Society Practitioner

    • Massage Therapist

    • Acupuncturist

    • Physical therapist

    • Occupational Therapist

  • How I Work With Clients

    • 1:1 Personalized Coaching - Individual support for those entering or navigating peri~menopause, as well as partners seeking to better understand and support their loved ones

    • Small Group Sessions - Intimate groups of up to 8 participants to build community, share experiences, and learn together in a supportive environment

    • Custom Solutions - Have other needs related to peri~menopause support? Feel free to reach out to discuss how I can help

  • As your coach, I provide both practical guidance and emotional support to help you navigate this significant life transition with confidence. Here's how I can help:

    Personalized Support & Understanding

    1. Meet you where you are and see things through your lens to address your unique challenges

    2. Create a safe space for you to show up authentically and be heard accurately

    3. Help you honor all aspects of your identity as you navigate this journey (as a mother, professional, partner, and more)

    Practical Healthcare Navigation

    1. Identify the types of providers who would be essential to your support team

    2. Prepare you for doctor's appointments with the right questions and teach you how to advocate effectively for your needs

    3. Help you explore treatment options specifically suited to your circumstances, including curated referral options

    Education & Empowerment

    1. Provide evidence-based information tailored to your specific experience

    2. Develop personalized strategies for lifestyle changes and self-care that support whole-person wellness

    3. Guide you toward achieving better life balance while managing your many responsibilities

    Moving Forward with Confidence

    1. Support you in making decisions aligned with your values rather than fear as you navigate your empowered perimenopause journey

    Ready to take control of your Peri~Menopause experience? Contact me to schedule a consultation and discover how we can work together.

  • That is a great question. There’s a few considerations on this front.

    Understanding My Approach: Coaching vs. Therapy

    As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who also provides coaching services, I'm often asked why I offer peri~menopause support through coaching rather than therapy. Here's my perspective:

    My Coaching Philosophy

    1. Focus on empowerment, not diagnosis - As your MPowerment Health Coach + Consultant, I focus on honoring your experience and meeting you where you are, without the constraints of clinical diagnosis frameworks.

    2. Centering your lived experience - My primary interest is understanding the symptoms affecting your quality of life and wellbeing, rather than categorizing your experience into clinical terms.

    3. Non-pathologizing approach - I don't view peri~menopause symptoms as something to be "fixed" or pathologized. This is especially important when symptoms relate to natural reproductive transitions or medical conditions.

    Peri~menopause and Mental Health

    Peri~menopause is a natural transition that can sometimes manifest with symptoms resembling depression or anxiety. Hormonal fluctuations can create health-related challenges you've never experienced before, even when nothing else in your lifestyle has changed.

    When Therapy Might Be Appropriate

    If it becomes clear that your symptoms would benefit from clinical mental health care:

    • I will openly discuss this with you and provide appropriate referrals

    • In many cases, you can continue working with me as your MPowerment Health Coach + Consultant alongside therapy

    Options for Working Together

    If you feel you would prefer working with me as a psychologist rather than as a coach, I welcome you to explore my clinical practice. For more information about therapy services, please visit my clinical practice website: Mindfully Balancing Wellness.

    My goal is to support you in the way that best serves your needs, whether that's through coaching, therapy, or a thoughtful referral to another provider.

  • Fill out this contact form and let's connect! If it seems like we could be a good match, we will have a 15-minute consultation where we can talk about what you're hoping to achieve, address any questions you have, and and determine if we're the right fit for each other.

    My goal is to support you in the way that best serves your needs, whether that's with me or via a thoughtful referral.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/doctors-departments/ddc-20353403

https://www.menopause.org/for-women

PMID: 37648988

Note: "Peri~Menopause" is my inclusive term for all reproductive transitions, encompassing POI, early menopause, surgical menopause, perimenopause, menopause, and related experiences.

Also, it is important to know that engaging with this content does not establish you as a client, nor should this be considered clinical or medical advice. Rather, it is purely being supplied for educational purposes. It is good practice to meet with your respective qualified health professionals when attempting to make the most informed decisions regarding your healthcare needs.

MPowered coaching + consulting disclaimer…

My coaching and consulting services are separate from my clinical psychology practice. In this space, healthcare and therapy will not occur. I can be your therapist OR your coach—but not both.

If coaching reveals that therapy might be helpful, we'll talk about it openly. In some cases, you might be able to continue coaching with me alongside therapy with someone else. If therapy would be beneficial for you, thoughtful referrals will be made to help you connect with that support.

More information about my therapy practice: Mindfully Balancing Wellness

Endorsements…

  • “I WOULD REFER CLIENTS TO DR. HAWES' CARE WITH GREAT CONFIDENCE THAT THEY WILL BE IN SKILLED AND COMPASSIONATE HANDS.” Dr. Hawes is the rare clinician who combines expert and evidence-based care with a keen appreciation for the humanistic and patient-centered facets of care. In addition to being well-versed in treatment of depression and anxiety, she has advanced skills in treating patients coping with injury/illness, adjustment to life transitions, health care provider work efficiency/stress/burnout, managing uncertainty, and grief/existential issues. As a female provider of color, she is especially attuned to the needs of clients from underrepresented and diverse backgrounds whose mental health concerns are often compounded by a multitude of complex psychosocial and relational stressors. I would refer clients to Dr. Hawes' care with great confidence that they will be in skilled and compassionate hands."

    -Yasmin A., PhD

    Licensed Clinical Psychologist; Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Supportive Oncology Program

  • “DR. HAWES IS ONE OF THE MOST THOUGHTFUL AND INSIGHTFUL CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS I HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORKING WITH.” In addition to being highly technically skilled in evidence-based clinical practice, Dr. Hawes is very sensitive to her clients’ needs and tailors her approach to meet people wherever they are at. Dr. Hawes is one of the colleagues I turn to first to learn about the latest developments in clinical practice in Washington State and how to best advocate for our clients and the communities we serve."

    - Susan C., PhD

    Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Harm Reduction and Community Based Participatory Research Specialist

  • “DR. HAWES IS A WOMAN OF GREAT CHARACTER AND MORAL FIBER. SHE HAS A DEEP REGARD FOR THE WHOLENESS AND HAPPINESS OF ALL INDIVIDUALS SHE TREATS.” I had the privilege of supervising Dr. Starlyn Hawes during her doctoral training at the University of Missouri Kansas City. Dr. Hawes has always been one of my best students. I am proud to see her continue to make positive strides in her community by bringing more options for overall health and wellness. Dr. Hawes is a woman of great character and moral fiber. She has a deep regard for the wholeness and happiness of all individuals she treats. She is someone who can definitely add to the psychological and behavioral health of anyone seeking to improve in these areas."

    -Ravidran S., PsyD

    Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Medical Staff Well-Being Director, Bariatric and Chronic Pain Specialist

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