Menopause Breakthrough for Professional Women: Your Path to Energy, Clarity, & Balance

Katina Smith

Menopause Breakthrough for Professional Women: Your Path to Energy, Clarity, & Balance helps professional women navigate the challenges of perimenopause, menopause, and post menopause. Hosted by Katina Smith, Certified Functional Nutrition Practitioner and Wellness Coach, each episode provides practical strategies, expert insights, and encouragement to reclaim your energy, clarity, and balance so you feel like yourself again. Disclaimer: As a Certified Functional Nutrition Practitioner and Wellness Coach, my goal is to educate, empower, and inspire you on your wellness journey. The information shared on this podcast is for educational and motivational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health, nutrition, or lifestyle plan. 

  1. 2D AGO

    #17: Hidden Remedies for Menopausal Women

    In this episode, we explore a gentle and empowering conversation around natural wellness and menopause. Many women walk through this season feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, and unsure of where to turn. This conversation offers a different perspective. One that invites curiosity, grace, and small intentional steps toward healing. Our guest shares her personal journey, which began with over 15 years of experiencing hot flashes. That long season led her to seek answers beyond conventional approaches and opened the door to a more holistic path rooted in natural wellness. One of the most powerful shifts she highlights is the importance of diet. Before adding anything new, what we put into our bodies daily creates the foundation for how we feel. Nourishment becomes a form of support rather than restriction. We also explore the role of essential oils. There is often confusion around what they can do. Essential oils do not replace hormones like estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone. However, they can support the glands and systems responsible for producing and distributing these hormones, offering a complementary layer of care. Many women come seeking support for hot flashes, sleep challenges, and emotional ups and downs. Oils such as clary sage, ylang ylang, and geranium are often used, along with carefully selected blends, to help bring a sense of balance and calm. Stress and emotional overwhelm are common during this season. Essential oils can support the nervous system and help regulate the body’s response to stress, allowing women to feel more grounded in their daily lives. Sleep is another area that often suffers. Simple practices like using oils throughout the day, applying them before bed, and diffusing them overnight can create a more restful environment and support deeper sleep. Beyond products, we are reminded that lifestyle matters deeply. Daily practices such as nourishing meals, proper hydration, prayer, meditation, time in nature, and moments of joy all contribute to overall well being. For women who feel disconnected from their bodies, this season can feel unfamiliar. Intentional self care, combined with the mindful use of oils, can help rebuild that connection. Addressing gut health, prioritizing restorative sleep, and creating space for joy are essential steps in that process. For those who feel hesitant or unsure about natural approaches, the invitation is simple. Start with education. Take one small step. When we understand what our bodies need, we can move forward with greater clarity and confidence. As we close, this message stands at the center of the conversation. You are not alone. There are tools, assessments, and natural options available to support your body. With the right support, balance is possible and your quality of life can improve. Key Takeaways: Your journey is valid, even if it has been long and frustrating Diet is a foundational first step in holistic wellness Essential oils support the body but do not replace hormones Stress, sleep, and emotional health requTo learn more about our program visit our website at https://www.happinessinyoucoach.com/menopause-elite-program/ Also, if you are a woman going through peri-menopause, menopause, or post menopause and would like to be a part of our mailing list to stay updated about programs, resources, and more, send a message to ksmith@happinessinyoucoach.com and type in the subject line, e-mail list. Don’t forget to download and share this podcast with other woman. This allows woman that need support to find this podcast more easily.

    51 min
  2. MAR 31

    #16: Navigating Menopause Without Losing Connection

    In this heartfelt and deeply practical episode of Menopause Breakthrough, Katina Smith, Host, sits down with Telishia Johnson (TJ), a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, to explore one of the most overlooked dimensions of menopause: its impact on our closest relationships. From the marital bond to the parent child connection, TJ offers compassionate guidance on how families can navigate hormonal transition together  with more grace, understanding, and closeness. What We Cover in This Episode TJ walks us through 10 powerful conversation areas: How menopause quietly begins affecting relationships before families even realize what is happeningThe way emotional and physical changes influence how a woman shows up as a partner and parentHow partners and co-parents can reduce the emotional weight so it does not fall on childrenWhat helps families maintain connection and trust when menopause creates tension or distancePracticing grace and compassion when menopause impacts communication and conflict toleranceHolding space for grief and irritability while still honoring your marriage covenantRedefining intimacy during menopause — an invitation rather than a lossThe role of prayer, spiritual practices, and shared rituals in keeping couples emotionally connectedHow faith, family values, and routines help children feel secure during a parent's transitionGuidance for families who want to move through menopause with resilience and closeness About Our Guest Telishia Johnson, known as TJ, is a Marriage & Family Therapist Associate with a passion for helping couples and families navigate life’s most challenging seasons with resilience and connection. Her work centers on healing relationships, strengthening family systems, and honoring the emotional complexity of the human experience. Telishia Johnson (TJ) Contact Information: https://couplerebuildtrust.com/https://zencare.co/provider/therapist/telishia-johnsonTo learn more about our program visit our website at https://www.happinessinyoucoach.com/menopause-elite-program/ Also, if you are a woman going through peri-menopause, menopause, or post menopause and would like to be a part of our mailing list to stay updated about programs, resources, and more, send a message to ksmith@happinessinyoucoach.com and type in the subject line, e-mail list. Don’t forget to download and share this podcast with other woman. This allows woman that need support to find this podcast more easily.

    58 min
  3. MAR 17

    #15: Midlife, Menopause, & Money Clarity

    In this episode, Katina sits down with Dr. Thembi Aquil to explore the connection between midlife transitions, menopause, and financial clarity. Many women reach this stage of life feeling called to make a career change, start a business, or pursue something more meaningful, yet financial fear often holds them back. Dr. Aquil shares practical insights on how women can evaluate whether they are experiencing burnout or a true desire to pivot, how to strengthen their financial foundation, and how to make thoughtful decisions about career and money during midlife. This conversation also explores how past money beliefs influence the choices women make and what steps can help create greater financial confidence and stability. If you are navigating midlife and thinking about your next chapter, this episode will encourage you to approach both your health and your finances with clarity and intention. To learn more about our program visit our website at https://www.happinessinyoucoach.com/menopause-elite-program/ Also, if you are a woman going through peri-menopause, menopause, or post menopause and would like to be a part of our mailing list to stay updated about programs, resources, and more, send a message to ksmith@happinessinyoucoach.com and type in the subject line, e-mail list. Don’t forget to download and share this podcast with other woman. This allows woman that need support to find this podcast more easily. Dr. Thembi Aquil Contact Information & Free Gift Website:https://www.sensiblelivingcoach.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensiblelivingcoach/  E-mail: Thembi@sensiblelivingcoach.com Free Midlife, Menopause, & Money Clarity Workbook https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sX_GJA80QO9QNFRZHLM3QNjH1Dd4HqWv/view?usp=sharing To learn more about our program visit our website at https://www.happinessinyoucoach.com/menopause-elite-program/ Also, if you are a woman going through peri-menopause, menopause, or post menopause and would like to be a part of our mailing list to stay updated about programs, resources, and more, send a message to ksmith@happinessinyoucoach.com and type in the subject line, e-mail list. Don’t forget to download and share this podcast with other woman. This allows woman that need support to find this podcast more easily.

    34 min
  4. MAR 3

    #14: Understanding Stress and the Menopause Connection

    Stress is often reduced to simply feeling overwhelmed. In this episode, we go much deeper. There are eight, sometimes nine, different types of stress, and each one impacts your hormones, nervous system, energy, mood, and overall health in unique ways. If you have been feeling tired, anxious, stuck, or not like yourself during perimenopause or menopause, understanding the type of stress your body is carrying can be transformative. In this episode, we explore: • Acute stress and how short bursts of pressure can build into something bigger • Episodic acute stress and the cost of living in constant urgency • Chronic stress and its long term impact on cortisol, weight, mood, and menopause symptoms • Psychological and emotional stress, including perfectionism, people pleasing, and negative self talk • Hidden internal stress such as inflammation, blood sugar imbalance, thyroid dysfunction, gut issues, and poor sleep • Environmental stress from toxins, clutter, noise, and sensory overload • Traumatic stress and how past experiences shape your nervous system • Social and relational stress from caregiving, work pressure, loneliness, and shifting relationships • Hormonal stress and why midlife changes can make stress feel more intense and unfamiliar This episode helps you understand that stress is layered. It is emotional, physical, environmental, relational, and hormonal. When you identify the type of stress affecting you most, you can begin to choose the right strategy to support your body instead of pushing through. If you are ready to understand your personal stress pattern and create a path toward healing, this episode is your starting point. Listen in and begin seeing stress through a new lens. To learn more about our program visit our website at https://www.happinessinyoucoach.com/menopause-elite-program/ Also, if you are a woman going through peri-menopause, menopause, or post menopause and would like to be a part of our mailing list to stay updated about programs, resources, and more, send a message to ksmith@happinessinyoucoach.com and type in the subject line, e-mail list. Don’t forget to download and share this podcast with other woman. This allows woman that need support to find this podcast more easily.

    24 min
  5. FEB 17

    #13: How to Experience Happiness and Joy During Menopause & Beyond

    This is one of my favorite topics to talk about because I learned about happiness many years ago. As I grew older, I began to understand that happiness and joy are not the same thing. So how do we define them? Both happiness and joy are states of mind. Happiness is often connected to what is happening around us. It usually requires action to change a situation. Joy also involves intention, but it is much deeper and more enduring. Happiness is often: Linked to external events such as good news, a compliment, or a pleasant experienceShort lived and changeable as circumstances shiftConnected to pleasant emotions and satisfaction when life feels like it is going the way we hopedJoy, on the other hand, is more internal. It is rooted in values, meaning, connection, and for many, spiritual faith. Joy can exist even in the middle of grief or difficulty. Someone can experience sorrow and still feel moments of deep joy. It is more stable over time because it comes from who you are and what truly matters to you, not just what is happening today. There have been seasons in my life when I was unhappy. Many years ago, I made a decision that if I found myself unhappy, I would take responsibility and change my situation. That belief shaped my life and is the reason I named my business Happiness In You Coaching and Consulting. Over the years, I observed many women who seemed deeply unhappy. As I began having conversations with them, I realized that many were not satisfied with their current state in life. This is one of the reasons I began life coaching. I wanted to support women in making meaningful changes. Over time, I also saw the connection between how women cared for their physical, mental, and emotional health and how that affected their happiness and how they showed up in life. I once worked with a client who shared that she was unhappy with her life. She had experienced a difficult childhood and felt stuck in a routine of waking up, going to work, coming home, eating dinner, and going to bed. That was her daily cycle. As we explored what once brought her happiness, we created a plan to reintroduce those activities into her life. She began playing tennis again, drawing, working with children, and taking evening walks. During the winter months, she even purchased a treadmill to maintain her walking routine. These changes did not happen overnight, but over time, she began to feel happier and more empowered. She also returned to church, which helped cultivate a deeper sense of joy. Personally, I experienced a profound understanding of joy during a difficult season after my mother passed away. I went through two to three years of deep grief. While I still miss her deeply, I learned to acknowledge my feelings, honor them, and move forward with gratitude for the memories we shared. Joy did not remove the grief, but it carried me through it. My faith has been foundational in sustaining my joy. Nehemiah 8:10 says, “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” During extremely difficult days, incl To learn more about our program visit our website at https://www.happinessinyoucoach.com/menopause-elite-program/ Also, if you are a woman going through peri-menopause, menopause, or post menopause and would like to be a part of our mailing list to stay updated about programs, resources, and more, send a message to ksmith@happinessinyoucoach.com and type in the subject line, e-mail list. Don’t forget to download and share this podcast with other woman. This allows woman that need support to find this podcast more easily.

    15 min
  6. FEB 3

    #12: How Our Thoughts Can Make Menopause Easier

    Menopause is often portrayed as a season of decline, with symptoms like hot flashes, weight gain, mood swings, and fatigue framed as inevitable. In this episode, we challenge that narrative. Menopause is not something that just happens to you—it’s a stage of life you can influence daily, starting with your mindset. How you think about this transition shapes your hormones, energy, stress levels, and overall experience. We explore how shifting from a mindset of “I’m losing control” to one of empowerment—“I can support my body”—can dramatically change how you feel physically, mentally, and emotionally. Drawing inspiration from Romans 12:2, we discuss the power of renewing your mind to create transformation and open new possibilities in this chapter of life. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 1. Why Mindset Matters in Menopause Thoughts communicate directly with your nervous system and hormones.Negative thinking increases cortisol and limits your body’s ability to adapt.Positive, supportive thoughts calm your nervous system and create space for healing.2. The 4 Pillars of a Healthy Menopause Mindset Movement is Medicine: Exercise isn’t about weight—it boosts energy, mood, sleep, and metabolism. Short, joyful, consistent movement is more powerful than grueling workouts.Sleep as Hormone Strategy: Menopause sleep challenges are biological, not personal failures. Build routines and habits to support restorative sleep.Nutrition is Nourishment: Focus on food that supports your hormones instead of restriction. Balanced meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats stabilize blood sugar, improve mood, and manage cravings.Stress Management is Hormonal Care: Stress affects estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol. Small daily practices—breathing, creating boundaries, morning calm—have a direct hormonal impact.3. Shifting Out of Old Narratives Replace limiting beliefs with empowering perspectives: “I’m getting old” → “I’m entering a wiser, stronger chapter.”“These symptoms are just menopause.” → “These symptoms are signals I can support.”“There’s nothing I can d.o” → “I have tools and influence over how I feel.”4. Practical Tools You Can Start Today Reframe one symptom: ask, “What is my body trying to tell me?”Pick one non-negotiable habit for the week: short walks, deep breathing, regular bedtime, hydration, or protein at breakfast. Small actions lead to significant transformation.Key Takeaway: Menopause doesn’t have to mean chaos, confusion, or decline. With intentional mindset shifts and supportive daily habits, you can meet this stage of life stronger, wiser, and more in control—mastering menopause instead of just surviving it. If you would like to join our email list, send an email to ksmith@happinessinyoucoach.com and type Email List in the subject line. To learn more about our program visit our website at https://www.happinessinyoucoach.com/menopause-elite-program/ Also, if you are a woman going through peri-menopause, menopause, or post menopause and would like to be a part of our mailing list to stay updated about programs, resources, and more, send a message to ksmith@happinessinyoucoach.com and type in the subject line, e-mail list. Don’t forget to download and share this podcast with other woman. This allows woman that need support to find this podcast more easily.

    17 min
  7. JAN 20

    #11: How Menopause Hormonal Changes Shape Our Relationships

    Many women quietly carry the weight of irritability, mood changes, emotional distance, and a loss of desire without fully understanding what is happening in their bodies. Their partners feel confused. Their children feel rejected. Coworkers feel the tension. And the woman herself often feels lost inside her own skin. In this episode, we explore why these conversations matter. As women move through perimenopause and menopause, hormonal shifts can affect mood, energy, memory, patience, and connection. These changes can strain marriages, parenting, leadership roles, and everyday interactions. Not because women are failing, but because their bodies are changing and no one prepared them for how deeply those changes could reach. Research shows that while overall divorce rates are declining, divorce among adults age 50 and older continues to rise. Studies from Bowling Green State University National Center for Family and Marriage Research highlight a sharp increase that coincides with the years many women experience perimenopause and menopause. Additional research from the United Kingdom shows that seven out of ten women attribute menopause related symptoms as a factor in marital breakdown. Menopause is rarely the sole cause of relationship challenges. More often, it acts as a spotlight. It brings existing cracks to the surface and intensifies what has already been present. Fatigue, irritability, low libido, anxiety, and brain fog can create a perfect storm that makes communication harder and connection feel distant. In this episode, we talk about how menopause can affect • Romantic relationships and intimacy • Relationships with children when patience feels thin • Leadership and workplace dynamics • Everyday social interactions where people begin to feel like they are walking on eggshells You may recognize signs such as • Pulling away socially • Avoiding conversations • Feeling overwhelmed mid sentence • Forgetting what you wanted to say • Shutting down instead of speaking up • Feeling easily annoyed or emotionally withdrawn I also share my personal experience of knowing something was different but not having the language to explain it. Journaling and prayer became anchors during a season when I was learning how to come back to myself. We discuss practical steps you can take, including how to advocate for yourself in a medical setting, what hormone and foundational labs to ask for, and why labs are only one piece of the picture. Your symptoms matter. Your lived experience matters. Healing is not about excuses. It is about understanding and intentional action. We also talk about counseling and support. Menopause is not a free pass to mistreat others, but it is a call to slow down, learn your body, and choose healthier ways to respond. You are not powerless in this season. With awareness, support, prayer, reflection, and the right care, you can lead your emotions instead of being led by them. Thank you for joining me for Episode 11. In Episode 12, we will explore how our thinking can make menopause easier. Unt To learn more about our program visit our website at https://www.happinessinyoucoach.com/menopause-elite-program/ Also, if you are a woman going through peri-menopause, menopause, or post menopause and would like to be a part of our mailing list to stay updated about programs, resources, and more, send a message to ksmith@happinessinyoucoach.com and type in the subject line, e-mail list. Don’t forget to download and share this podcast with other woman. This allows woman that need support to find this podcast more easily.

    11 min
  8. JAN 6

    #10: Simple Diet Eliminations During Menopause

    In episode 10 of Menopause Breakthrough, we explore something that sounds simple, yet can be deeply transformative during menopause. Diet eliminations. This conversation is not about restriction, punishment, or taking away everything you enjoy. It is about understanding how a few strategic food shifts can calm inflammation, support your hormones, and help your body feel safer, steadier, and more supported during this season. Menopause is not just a hormone transition. It affects how your body processes stress, food, and toxins. Certain foods can either soothe your system or quietly intensify symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, mood changes, fatigue, and stubborn weight. Food is not the enemy. But some foods may be increasing your symptoms right now. And that does not mean forever. Sometimes it simply means for a season. Common Foods to Consider Eliminating or Reducing Sugar, caffeine, alcohol, processed foods and refined carbohydrates, and dairy How to Do This Without Overwhelm This is not about eliminating everything at once. Start with one food. Remove it for two to three weeks and pay attention to changes in your symptoms, sleep, mood, digestion, and energy. Keeping a simple symptom journal can reveal patterns you may not expect. What to Add Instead Using Food as Medicine Hydration with water and electrolytes supports temperature regulation and energy. Fiber and leafy greens help your body clear excess hormones and support digestion. Protein stabilizes blood sugar and protects muscle, which becomes increasingly important in midlife. Healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocado, and nuts, help calm inflammation and support brain health. Herbal teas such as chamomile, peppermint, and rooibos offer comfort without caffeine. Encouragement and Real Talk This is not about perfection. It is about giving your body less of what may be harming it and more of what helps it heal. Even one small shift can make a meaningful difference. The goal is progress, not restriction. Challenge and Call to Action This week, choose just one food to experiment with. Notice how your body responds. Pay attention to your sleep, energy levels, mood, and any symptoms you may be experiencing. To learn more about our program visit our website at https://www.happinessinyoucoach.com/menopause-elite-program/ Also, if you are a woman going through peri-menopause, menopause, or post menopause and would like to be a part of our mailing list to stay updated about programs, resources, and more, send a message to ksmith@happinessinyoucoach.com and type in the subject line, e-mail list. Don’t forget to download and share this podcast with other woman. This allows woman that need support to find this podcast more easily.

    11 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Menopause Breakthrough for Professional Women: Your Path to Energy, Clarity, & Balance helps professional women navigate the challenges of perimenopause, menopause, and post menopause. Hosted by Katina Smith, Certified Functional Nutrition Practitioner and Wellness Coach, each episode provides practical strategies, expert insights, and encouragement to reclaim your energy, clarity, and balance so you feel like yourself again. Disclaimer: As a Certified Functional Nutrition Practitioner and Wellness Coach, my goal is to educate, empower, and inspire you on your wellness journey. The information shared on this podcast is for educational and motivational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health, nutrition, or lifestyle plan. 

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