The 'M' Word

History Was Made Yesterday 👇

November 10, 2025 — History was made. The FDA officially removed the misleading black box warning on all hormone replacement therapy products.

This is a monumental advancement in women’s health — and a long-overdue step toward women finally receiving the care, respect, and honesty they deserve.

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Finding My Voice in the “M Word” 🗣️

Three years ago, I could barely say what I then called the “M word” to my (male) business partner.

Yes, we were starting a company focused on health, wellness, and vitality — helping people strengthen their physical, emotional, and mental well-being through movement, energy, and mindset. Our mission was to support individuals in moving into their “second half” of life with eyes wide open, embracing the possibilities of this new stage.

Yet, I found myself unable to even say the word that I knew we had to talk about — the one I was personally experiencing in a deep way and felt ashamed of, even though I knew I shouldn’t be.

Menopause.

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How Far We’ve Come 🛣️

It’s incredible how much has changed in just three years.

Back then, I was mortified to bring it up — to admit I wanted to start talking about menopause in our business and with our clients. Now, it’s becoming more accepted, more visible, and finally, more real.

I knew there was a fresh, empowering way to think about this stage of life — one that could feel exciting, invigorating, even freeing. I envisioned helping women navigate what can be a very challenging time, because I knew what it felt like to face it alone.

At first, I questioned myself:

Who am I to talk about this?

Who am I to think I can make a difference?

But then again — how could I not?

Knowing what I know now, I couldn’t stay silent. I wanted to reassure other women that there is a bright light at the end of that dark, confusing tunnel that can feel like hopelessness.

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The Confusion Before the Clarity 🤔

Five years ago, I had no idea what was happening to my body, my brain, my emotions — my everything.

I didn’t feel like “me” anymore. My body hurt when I got out of bed. The mirror reflected someone I barely recognized. At work, I couldn’t think clearly, my energy was gone, and I was gaining weight without changing a thing.

At one point, I even told my boss I didn’t think I could do my job anymore — a job that wasn’t just work for me, but a calling. I had no idea that menopause was the culprit.

Thankfully, I’ve made it through to the other side — but I’ll never forget how hard it was to begin the conversation, to say the word, to admit I was in this stage of life. Not just to my business partner, friends, or family, but to myself.

It made me feel old, unwanted, undesirable — and, in some moments, worthless. In a culture so obsessed with how women look, act, and age, this felt like the ultimate loss of identity.

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The Light on the Other Side 💡

But here’s what I now know:

It’s absolutely possible to feel better than ever before.

Today, I feel more connected, more in control, more alive — and deeply grateful for the journey through the “muck” that brought me this clarity and self-understanding.

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Gratitude for the Voices Lighting the Way 🎙️

That transformation wouldn’t have happened without the support of incredible people — doctors, healers, practitioners, and inspiring women who’ve brought light and awareness to this topic.

What a relief it’s been to hear voices like Naomi Watts, Oprah Winfrey, Maria Shriver, Halle Berry, and Gwyneth Paltrow speaking up. Finally, we can breathe a collective sigh of relief.

And now, more experts are stepping forward — Dr. Mary Claire Haver, Dr. Avrum Bluming, Dr. Lisa Mosconi, and many others — sharing real science, real stories, and real hope.

Journalist Tamsen Fadal has even produced a new PBS documentary, The M Factor, interviewing these thought leaders about menopause and beyond. You can learn more here.

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Let’s Keep the Conversation Alive ✨

Let’s recognize and celebrate this incredible progress — that we’re finally talking openly about the “M word.”

A conversation that, just a few years ago, felt lonely, scary, and full of shame.

Let’s keep it alive — supporting one another as we move through this phase of life with grace, dignity, wisdom, and deep love for our bodies, our minds, and our spirits.

Please share your story in the comments below. Let’s continue to remind each other:

You’re not alone.

We’re in this together. 👥

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Live by design... with love 💜

Heather

Co-Founder of Moov2Heal