Title: Navigating the Rollercoaster of Perimenopause: A Journey from Chaos to Clarity
Brighton, UK—For many women, the transition through midlife can feel like an uncharted rollercoaster ride—full of unexpected twists and turns that leave you breathless. For Sally Garozzo, a 49-year-old clinical hypnotherapist, this ten-year journey through perimenopause has been no exception.
Reflecting on her experiences, Garozzo shares how the onset of perimenopause in her mid-thirties triggered a maelstrom of symptoms she initially struggled to comprehend. From memory lapses while performing on stage to distressing panic attacks, her daily life was upended. “I felt like I was in a constant state of free fall,” she recalls.
After experiencing insomnia while touring with a band at 42, Garozzo sought help from a functional medicine practitioner who introduced her to the term "perimenopause." This moment marked the beginning of her quest to understand the deeper connections between childhood experiences and menopausal symptoms—an endeavor that has since redefined her own narrative.
Research highlights a critical intersection between trauma and menopause: a startling study published in Maturitas revealed that women with a history of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are at a staggering risk of severe menopausal symptoms. “This blew my mind,” Garozzo states, reflecting on findings that revealed how past trauma can exacerbate perimenopausal struggles.
As the chaos of her symptoms intensified, Garozzo discovered a therapeutic modality called Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT). This method helped her confront emotional wounds, fostering deeper healing and personal growth. “Menopause isn’t just about hormonal shifts; it’s a comprehensive life transition that requires emotional resilience and self-awareness,” she explains.
Garozzo’s journey has uncovered layers of enmeshment trauma, stemming from a childhood marked by hyper-responsibility and parental emotional dependency. “I had no idea how my upbringing was affecting me until I delved deeper. It recalibrated my understanding of myself,” she reflects.
Eighteen months post-menopause, Garozzo has carved out a lifestyle centered on self-nurturing practices. “I learned to slow down and prioritize my well-being,” she emphasizes, advocating for gentle movement, mindfulness, and grounding techniques as tools for navigating midlife.
Her experiences are a testament not just to the struggles of menopause but also to the strength found in vulnerability and self-compassion. “These symptoms were love letters from my inner child,” she remarks, a beacon of hope for others traveling a similar path.
Sally Garozzo’s story serves as a rallying cry for women facing the tumult of midlife transitions. By sharing her journey, she hopes to illuminate the intricate connections between trauma, resilience, and the transformative power of self-care.
About Sally Garozzo: A clinical hypnotherapist and host of the podcast The Menopause Mindset, Garozzo is dedicated to guiding women through the complexities of menopause, helping them reclaim agency over their lives. For more insights and support, visit sallygarozzo.com.
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This empowering narrative encapsulates the often-ignored intersections of trauma and hormonal changes, fostering a community of understanding and healing among women navigating these critical life transitions.