Rewriting the Rules of Midlife, Hormone by Hormone
When CJ, founder of FemCo, hit her lowest point, she was no stranger to hormones, health, or hard work. A certified menopause coach, a champion of women’s wellness, and an educated professional in fitness and nutrition — but all of that knowledge didn’t shield her from the storm of menopause.
“The last six months were some of the hardest I’ve ever faced,” CJ shares. “I experienced deep sadness, overwhelming anxiety, and moments of self-doubt that made me question everything — my work, my worth, and my place in the world.”
At 47, CJ was healthy, strong, and supported — but menopause didn’t care. The symptoms weren’t just physical — they chipped away at her confidence, joy, and identity.
“I lost my drive. I lost my passion. The things that once lit me up felt heavy and far away.”
The most terrifying part? The silence.
“Menopause depression is real. It’s not spoken about enough, but it’s the second leading cause of death for women in menopause. That’s terrifying — and unacceptable.”
Through those dark months, CJ leaned into support: her husband, family, therapist, a menopause-trained doctor, and her bodybuilding coach — the same one she almost walked away from.
“There was a moment I nearly quit my Sports Nutrition studies. I thought, How can I help other women when I feel so broken myself? But my support team reminded me that sometimes, our greatest work is born from our deepest healing.”
That healing began with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), carefully monitored by her doctor.
“My hormone levels were so depleted — they were basically empty. And when your body finally receives what it’s been missing, even a little shift can feel huge.”
“To be really honest, I used to wake every morning thinking, Is it back? What will today be like? That was my daily fear.”
Now, just eight weeks into her hormone journey, she says it’s like stepping into a new body.
“Calm. Clarity. Freshness. That’s how I’d describe it. Every day just keeps getting better.”
But CJ didn’t stop at healing — she turned her experience into action. With the help of ChatGPT as her writing partner, she created the FemCo 5-Step Hormone Reset Guide — a practical, personal resource for women navigating perimenopause and menopause.
“We need more than motivation — we need real, evidence-based support. That’s why I created the guide. It wasn’t just written for women — it was written with women in mind, and built from everything I personally walked through.”
Through FemCo, CJ is rewriting what midlife looks and feels like for women — one body, one story, and one hormone at a time. She’s also shining a light on the very real cost of an unsupported menopause journey:
“One in ten women leave the workforce due to unmanaged menopause symptoms. Suicide peaks in women aged 45–49. Stroke and cardiovascular disease are the leading causes of death in midlife women. And still, we’re told we’re just tired or hormonal.”
For CJ, empowerment means education, advocacy, and a fierce belief in women’s right to thrive — not just survive.
“This isn’t just about me. It’s about the reality millions of women are facing every day — often silently.”
“You are not broken. You are transforming. And I’m here, walking it with you.”
Where to Begin: CJ 5 Steps to Reset Your Hormones
If you’re struggling with your hormones or feel like something is off, here’s where to begin:
Educate yourself — you can’t fix what you don’t understand.
Learn to listen to your body — it’s speaking to you, not betraying you.
Find a qualified menopause doctor — someone who understands hormonal changes and can guide you with proper testing and support.
Support your hormones with what suits your body — whether that’s therapeutic strategies, lifestyle changes, or BHRT, guided by a professional.
Focus on nutrition, movement, and foundational lifestyle habits — like sleep, walking, nervous system regulation, and reducing life load.
And just as importantly: find yourself a qualified menopause coach to guide and support you — someone like me, who’s walked this path and is here to help you through it.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Work Matters
For CJ this isn’t about her it’s about the reality millions of women are facing every day — often silently:
1 in 10 women leave the workforce due to unmanaged menopause symptoms.
73% of women say menopause contributed to their divorce or relationship breakdown.
Suicide rates peak in women aged 45–49 — the midlife menopause transition.
Up to 40% of women in perimenopause report depression or anxiety.
Stroke and cardiovascular disease are the leading causes of death in midlife women — and risk increases significantly during and after menopause.