Preparing for Menopause with Confidence and Connection

Dr. Diane: Welcome to the Libido Lounge, where we focus on all things love, lust, and libido. We believe that fabulous sex is as important to health as exercise and good food.

Fabulous women, welcome back to another episode of the Lounge! Today we’re going to talk about libido, body image, self-confidence—especially as we go through hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause.

Why Preparing Early Matters

Dr. Diane: I feel like one of the best times to prepare for menopause is about 10 years prior. So if you’re listening and you’re in your late 30s, even if menopause feels far away, now is the time to start preparing.

When we hit menopause, our ovaries largely stop working, and the adrenal glands take over producing sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. If your adrenals are burnt out from chronic stress and aren’t functioning well, this transition can be really rough.

The Role of the Brain-Adrenal Connection

Dr. Diane: What’s really happening in cases of “adrenal fatigue” isn’t that your adrenal glands are tired—it’s that the brain isn’t sending the correct signals to them. When that brain-adrenal connection breaks down, and we then rely on adrenals during menopause, they can’t do the job properly. So the more we can fix brain-adrenal dysfunction now, the easier the transition can be later.

Menopause: The Second Puberty?

Dr. Diane: Menopause and perimenopause are, in many ways, the adult version of puberty. Remember those teenage years? The mood swings, the body changes, the bad hair days? That whole whirlwind?

Hormones changing again can trigger similar shifts in mood, confidence, and body image. It’s not uncommon to feel like you’re reliving some of those teenage emotions—just with more wisdom this time around.

The Power of Support and Community

Dr. Diane: One of the best things you can do is find a support group. That’s one of the reasons I created my Libido Lounge monthly membership—it’s a place where women can connect, normalize their experiences, and build each other up.

Whether it’s my group or your own circle of close friends, surround yourself with people who remind you that you’re beautiful and strong.

Libido, Body Image, and Hormonal Changes

Dr. Diane: There’s a strong relationship between how we feel about our bodies and our libido. If you’re feeling off about your appearance, your sex drive can tank too.

Working on physical health—hormones, root causes, and energy levels—helps, but so does mindset and self-care. Check out my free libido quiz at mylibidodoc.com to dig deeper into those physical root causes.

Feel Good Inside and Out

Dr. Diane: Consider doing something for yourself externally. Maybe a wardrobe revamp. If it fits your budget, hire a fashion stylist. What clothes make you feel beautiful? Would a new hairstyle lift your spirits?

Small changes like these can have a big impact on your confidence and inner beauty.

Confidence-Boosting Activities

Dr. Diane: Ask yourself: What activities make you feel more beautiful? What words help you feel more confident?

And then, tell your loved ones what you need. “If I’m feeling down, here’s what I need to hear.” It’s not ingenuine—it’s empowering them to show up for you.

Affirmations and Mindfulness

Dr. Diane: This is where mindfulness comes in. Affirmations like “I am beautiful,” “I am confident,” “I am sexy”—these can really work when you feel them as you say them.

Don’t just repeat the words. Close your eyes, tap into the feeling, even if you have to fake it a bit at first. What would it feel like to believe it?

Pole Dancing and Sensual Movement

Dr. Diane: Pole dancing and sensual movement classes—like S Factor—are incredible for rebuilding confidence. I’ve taken classes with women of all ages, sizes, and shapes, and let me tell you: what makes a woman sexy is her confidence, not her waistline.

To be observed and celebrated in those spaces is transformative. You learn to be confident exactly as you are. It’s one of the most empowering things you can do.

Reclaiming Confidence Through Movement

Dr. Diane: Whether it’s pole dancing, sensual dance, or salsa—movement helps you reconnect with your body. It builds confidence and strength.

Even posture affects how we feel about ourselves. So stand tall, own your space, and fake it until it becomes real.

Owning the Wise Woman Within

Dr. Diane: This stage of life isn’t just about declining hormones—it’s also about rising wisdom. You’ve earned every bit of knowledge and strength you carry.

So get the support you need. Try new things. Move your body. Practice confidence. Because what’s on the other side of this hormonal shift is powerful and beautiful.

You are beautiful. You are sexy. You’ve got this.

Please share this episode with your friends and family. You can find me on YouTube, on Instagram, and check out our Modern Libido Club for so much more!