The Versalie Ambassadors are a group of everyday people who are currently experiencing the ups and downs of the menopausal transition. They’ve been working with us to help build Versalie. Their experience and insights help us test our ideas, learn, and improve what we’re creating. Their stories have the power to create real change.
We hope you see yourself in their stories — their symptoms, their highs and lows — and find that you’re not alone in this beautiful (but sometimes chaotic) phase of life.
Versalie Ambassador – JenMarie, 46
Premenopausal
When do you think you’ll know you’re in perimenopause?
I'm fairly certain I'm at the cusp of perimenopause, but I wouldn’t say I’m experiencing the full intensity of its symptoms just yet.
I have noticed subtle changes, particularly with my skin — more fine lines around my eyes. I can see myself aging in small ways: more gray hairs, gradual shifts in my appearance. But overall, I don’t feel significantly affected. Perhaps there are symptoms I’m unaware of, but nothing stands out.
I haven't had any hot flashes, and while some of my friends describe feeling persistently irritable, I haven't noticed anything out of the ordinary. I've always been an emotional person, so any mood shifts still feel within my natural range. So far, nothing has felt distinctly perimenopausal.
You know you’ll be entering perimenopause soon. What are ways you take care of yourself to stay healthy for entering this new stage of life?
Nutrition
I find nutrition fascinating and have learned a great deal working with a nutritionist.
One of the most eye-opening insights was that many women — including me — don't get enough protein. I had assumed my intake was sufficient, but she encouraged me to increase it. She also emphasized the importance of slow-burning carbs, like potatoes and sweet potatoes, especially given how active I am. I never avoided carbs, but it was surprising to learn that I actually needed more.
At the same time, I try to maintain a relaxed approach to nutrition. Balance is key. If I crave a cookie or tortilla chips — foods labeled as “bad” — I trust my body and enjoy them in moderation.
“Our bodies are archives of our experience, and they hold incredible wisdom.”
And ultimately, everyone's nutritional needs are unique.
Talk to your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet or exercise routine.
Physical activity
Movement has been a core part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a lifelong dancer and movement teacher, I integrate mindfulness and meditation into my practice, ensuring that I embody the very principles I teach. For me, movement isn’t just an activity — it’s what makes me feel whole, complete, and truly alive.
I grew up studying ballet but transitioned to flamenco around the age of 18 or 19, a dance form that has remained a part of my life ever since. I see movement as an evolving practice, shifting with the seasons of my life. While flamenco isn’t my current focus, I now study Afro-Brazilian and Samba Reggae dance, alongside yoga, Pilates, and hiking. Nearly every day, I make sure to move in some way.
During the pandemic, I relied on online movement classes as much as possible. After a couple years of that, I found myself longing for something offline — something that could be practiced outdoors yet still resonated with my love for movement. That’s when I discovered aerial. I tried it, fell in love with it, and now aerial has become a regular part of my practice.
Building a mind-body connection
I feel fortunate to have a deep and varied toolbox to support my well-being. Meditation has been a cornerstone of my practice — I’ve had formal training and meditate at least once a day. I also keep a journaling practice, not daily but consistently enough to be a valuable reflection tool. And of course, movement is one of my most essential resources.
Recently, I discovered NSDR, non-sleep deep rest. These guided sessions, which range from 5 minutes to an hour, incorporate breathing and visualization, allowing the body and mind to enter a deeply restorative state. Sometimes you may fall asleep, but the real purpose is profound rest. Emerging from NSDR often feels like a full night’s sleep. It has been a game changer for me.
Beyond structured practices, meaningful relationships are vital. Have close, supportive friendships has been nothing short of lifesaving. Nature is another refuge — whether it's the ocean's rhythmic pull or a hiking trail, it soothes me.
I also practice walking meditation and breathwork, drawing on different tools depending on what each day calls for. Many of these resources are simple, accessible, and free, and for that, I’m deeply grateful.
“Honestly, there are some days when I feel anxious, like none of my tools help me, but that's life. You have to ride the wave.”
I'm deeply grateful for all these tools, and that gratitude is part of why I love teaching them — because they truly have the power to change lives.
I think we process emotions through our bodies and our experiences. Our emotions are often reactions to what we go through, and when those experiences — especially trauma, abuse, or other intense moments — aren’t fully processed, they can become stuck in the body. Ignoring or distracting myself doesn’t make them disappear. But when I move, I can fully feel and work through those emotions, allowing them to dissipate rather than remain trapped.
Beyond the emotional benefits, movement also has a profound impact on brain health. It’s not just about releasing endorphins — it’s about integration. Mind, body, spirit, and emotions are all connected, and movement helps bring them into harmony.
How do you think about your health and healthcare?
I'm inclined to a holistic approach. I support western medicine and have participated in the western medical system my whole life. But in my adult years, when I could make more of my own choices about my care, I wanted to incorporate other, more holistic or perhaps more eastern approaches and types of medicine and care as well.
Therefore, for the past 10-20 years, I've done both. And the beauty is, a lot of medical establishments are embracing that. When I lived in San Francisco, I would go to the integrated medicine unit. I would see a western doctor who might prescribe me antibiotics, and then they'd also prescribe me to get acupuncture treatment. Their philosophy fits my outlook and values.
Have you talked to a medical professional about your perimenopause symptoms?
I've not spoken to them about it yet. Although I'm in a somewhat unique position, because I've changed healthcare providers a lot over the past 3 years because I've been very nomadic.
Prior to living this nomadic life, I had the same healthcare provider for many years, and maybe it would have come up more naturally. I went to a gynecologist a month ago. It was the first time I've ever seen her. We didn't talk about menopause.
Did anyone talk about menopause growing up?
My mom didn't have much to share about menopause since she had a hysterectomy, but she comes from a large family with many sisters. I've thought about asking them about their experiences — the symptoms they had, how they navigated the transition, and what support they found helpful. I feel comfortable reaching out, but I haven’t done it yet.
I suspect that hesitation comes from a bit of fear. Since I haven’t experienced significant symptoms myself, there’s an underlying anxiety about the unknown. But I know these conversations would be valuable, not just with my aunts, but also with my older friends, many of whom would likely welcome the chance to talk openly about it.
There’s a heavy cultural silence around women's health in general, and menopause in particular. In the environment I was raised in, it simply wasn’t discussed. In many ways, that reflects the broader reality of living in a patriarchal society, where women's health is often overlooked or dismissed. But the more we talk about it, the more we can change that.
Who do you talk about perimenopause and menopause with now?
One of my best friends, who’s 51, is navigating menopause, and I've learned a lot from her. She mentioned that her sex drive dropped significantly, which is something I haven’t experienced yet — especially since I’m recently divorced, and my sex drive feels higher than ever. She's also starting to skip periods some months.
Another close friend, who's the same age as me, and I talk about menopause often, though more theoretically, since she hasn’t exhibited any symptoms either. We’re both staying aware and learning as we go.
"We're only getting older, and this is going to happen."
We talk about it a lot and try to share articles. There's a lot of silence around it, so in general it’s not a big topic of conversation.
What I wish I knew: What would you tell your younger self about menopause if you could go back in time?
If I could go back in time, I would tell myself something to make it feel less intimidating. Like, if menopause were more celebrated, normalized, or openly discussed, it might feel less daunting. I think the fear often comes from the unknown, and standing on the edge of it is always a bit unsettling.
“If there were more conversations, more understanding, and more support, it could shift the narrative and make it feel less like an uncertain, intimidating transition. Instead, it could become an empowering part of life.”
I wish I knew of a more holistic view of care from my doctors as well, including having conversations about things to think about before I’m in menopause.
Are there any misconceptions, myths, or stigmas about menopause that you want to debunk or clarify?
Women grapple with a lot of mixed messages. It’s hard to know which experience to expect when the stories are so different. The reality is that menopause is a unique journey for every woman, and symptoms, including changes in sex drive, can vary widely.
That’s why it’s so important to gather as much information as possible from different sources. What works for one person might not work for another and there’s no one-size-first-all answer. It can be frustrating not knowing what to expect, but it also opens up space for discovery and personalized support.
"Maybe everything is normal because everyone has their personal experience. But can we talk about this so we understand?"
What advice would you give to other who are in the same phase of life?
Speak up! Ask questions! You are not alone. Also, share what you are going through with those who are closest to you, so they know how to support you. Especially the men in your life. Men need to be educated as well.
Why did you want to become a Versalie Ambassador?
For far too long, medical research has been largely male-dominated — both in terms of subjects and researchers — despite the fact that women make up half the world’s population. Women's health has been chronically underfunded and overlooked, and conditions that affect only women, like menopause and endometriosis, still aren’t a priority in research. Where’s the justice in that? How can something so vital to the health of half the world’s population remain so under-studied? For me, becoming an Ambassador was a clear choice — because this is, at its core, a gender equity and health justice issue.
What’s your favorite part about being an Ambassador?
Becoming more educated about menopause, and I have also enjoyed the community when we have had opportunities to connect.
What’s the biggest change you’ve made since joining as an Ambassador? What’s one thing you’ve learned about menopause that you think is critical to share with others?
The most significant change I’ve made is becoming more informed, including working with my new doctor to understand my hormones. This education also involves learning about potential treatments for any symptoms I will experience in the future. Taking this step is critical — it eases fears and empowers women to feel more prepared and supported.
