At 37, I was juggling a toddler (my fourth child), an IUD, and a high-pressure corporate career. Menopause wasn’t even on my radar. Looking back, the signs were there. I’d sit in meetings, suddenly overcome by a hot flush, peeling off my cardigan only to put it back on minutes later. Insomnia? I blamed motherhood. Mood swings? Just part of the working mum juggle, I thought.
By the time I realised I’d been in perimenopause, it was all but over. Menopause had quietly arrived before I turned 45. And I’m not alone. Research shows more than half of women aged 30 to 35 experience moderate to severe perimenopausal symptoms, challenging the myth that it only affects women in their forties and beyond.
The Power of Perspective
What I didn’t realise then was that menopause would spark more than physical changes. It marked a turning point emotionally, spiritually, and financially. As the kids became more independent, I began to see life with fresh eyes. I cared less about what others thought and felt a deeper connection to who I really was. For the first time in years, I had space to ask: What do I want next?
Redefining Wealth in Midlife
For many of us, me included, true wealth in midlife is less about money alone and more about a creating a life that feels good on the inside, not just one that looks good on the outside. It’s about growing confidence, aligning our time and energy with what and who matter most, supporting our health, and making empowered financial decisions. Above all, it’s about freedom — the freedom to say yes to what lights us up and no to what doesn’t. When these elements align, midlife becomes a time of expansion, not contraction.
Reconnecting with Purpose
As careers evolve and children gain independence, many women also find themselves caring for ageing parents, part of the so-called sandwich generation. While the responsibilities are real, there is often more autonomy in how we use our time. With fewer hands-on demands, this season offers a powerful opportunity to reflect on what brings us joy, pursue the legacy we want to leave, and realign our lives with what truly matters. This is the time to carve out space to pursue what matters most to you.
Thriving, Not Just Surviving
Thankfully, support for women in this phase of life is improving. The Australian Government recently added new menopausal hormone therapies to the PBS, the first update in more than 20 years, reducing costs for around 150,000 women annually. Still, medication is just one piece of the puzzle. Thriving also means prioritising self-care. Gentle movement like walks, yoga or Pilates can balance stress. Strength training helps prevent muscle loss and supports metabolic health. Quality sleep boosts hormones and mood. Mindfulness, whether through journaling, meditation or daily gratitude, keeps us grounded. And perhaps most powerful of all is connection: surrounding ourselves with people who see and support us.
Financial Empowerment: It’s Not Too Late
As menopause often prompts reflection on our stage of life, many of us begin to think more seriously about our finances. Questions like do I have enough? Can I still build wealth? Is it too late to start again? They are incredibly common. The truth is, it’s never too late to take control. Whether it’s learning to invest, reassessing your super, starting a side project, or simply being more intentional with money by creating a clear budget, every step counts. With longer lifespans, most of us have decades ahead to build financial stability and create a life that’s both secure and fulfilling.
Perimenopause and menopause are more than biological milestones. They’re invitations to pause, reflect, and consciously choose how we want to live from here. This is your time to redefine success, embrace your worth, and step confidently into your next chapter. As for me, I truly have written a new one. In 2021, I left a 25-year career in finance and marketing to become a wealth and mindset coach. I launched a podcast and published my first book. I believe menopause gave me the clarity and courage to create a life that is, in every way, truly wealthy. If it’s possible for me, I know it’s possible for you too.
Emma Lagerlow is a wealth and mindset coach dedicated to helping women thrive in midlife by redefining wealth, aligning with their purpose, and creating lives of abundance. She is the author of Worthy & Wealthy: Discovering Abundance and Fulfilment Beyond Money and the host of the It’s a Mindset podcast. Learn more at www.emmalagerlow.com.
