My perimenopause journey began with a hot flash in an ice cream joint.

I suppose if you are going to be anywhere the moment you feel your body catch fire, being surrounded by ice cream isn't a bad deal.

All too quickly, that hot flash turned into multiple hot flashes every day and night plus weight gain, unexplained pain, depression, anxiety, and absolute and utter exhaustion.

I was 38 years old and I was not prepared to begin my "menopause journey" (though, is anyone ever really ready?).

It turns out my doctor was not prepared either because she sent me to a lot of specialists to be tested for a lot of things - none of which included peri/menopause.

So by the time it was determined that I was indeed well into my perimenopause journey, I had earned frequent flyer status at the medical center (I can confirm this is not nearly as fun as the frequent flyer status that gets you champagne and warm nuts!).

In all seriousness, eventually, my discomfort, my fatigue, and my declining mental health had reached a point where I found it almost impossible to function day-to-day.

Finally, several years, a few antidepressants, and a new state later, I found myself in front of a doctor who recommended I try some supplements for my mood swings and brain fog.

Suddenly I was immersed in a whole new world of natural, science-backed strategies that could take me closer and closer to my ultimate goal - of feeling better so I could function better and reclaim the vitality I needed to live my life to the fullest.

I sometimes wish I could go back and tell 38-year-old Amanda that she doesn't need to suffer, that she's not alone and there are things she can do to take control of her health and feel better. But I cannot go back so now, it is my honor and passion to try to help women avoid my long and windy (and exhausting) journey.