The Menopausal Middle: Our Bodies Changed the Rules (and We Weren’t Ready) | Sanity Check

Episode Overview

In this episode of Sanity Check, Aileen and Julie dive into a frustrating yet deeply relatable topic—the stubborn menopausal middle. They share their personal experiences of how their bodies have completely changed the rules, making it harder than ever to maintain weight or fit into the clothes they’ve always worn. While they’ve done a lot of work on body image and self-worth, the disconnect between how they feel mentally and what’s happening physically is real. Together, they unpack the emotional, practical, and identity-based challenges that come with these changes—and explore how to navigate this transition with more self-compassion and less control.

Key Discussion Points:

• When the old rules stop working – The diets, workouts, and habits that once worked suddenly have no impact.
• The emotional impact – It’s not just about weight; it’s about identity, confidence, and feeling at home in your own body.
• The unpredictability factor – Weight fluctuations, fluid retention, and how stress and cortisol play a massive role.
• Reframing the focus – Shifting from trying to control your body to prioritizing health, strength, and feeling good.
• Finding what works for you – From mindful movement and stress management to adjusting styles and embracing change.

Listener Takeaways:

• You’re not alone. If your body is changing in ways you don’t recognize, you’re not imagining it—and you’re not the only one struggling.
• Self-compassion over control. Letting go of the need to ‘fix’ your body and instead focusing on what feels good.
• Trial and error is key. What works for one person might not work for another—it's about listening to your body.
• Keep the conversation going. Body changes in midlife aren’t widely discussed, but they should be.

Join the Conversation

Have you noticed changes in your body that feel completely foreign? What’s helped you navigate this transition? We’d love to hear your experiences. DM us or leave a comment—we’re in this together.

💬 Let’s talk about it.

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Hosts: Aileen Harvey & Julie Fahy

Editor: Allia Lenit Galos

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Disclaimer:

Remember, we’re two friends sharing our personal experiences and discussing everyday challenges. We’re not qualified coaches or therapists, and our content is for general information and supportive conversation only. If you need professional help, please seek advice from a licensed therapist.