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Grooming Through the Fog. The Untold Story of Menopause in the Dog Grooming Industry

Updated: May 27


Behind every groomer is a story of strength, softness, and staying power.
Behind every groomer is a story of strength, softness, and staying power.


The Hidden Struggles Behind the Salon Smiles

There was a moment, somewhere between juggling clients, running two businesses, raising a family, and trying to be everything for everyone, when I looked in the mirror and didn’t recognise the woman staring back. She looked tired. Not just the kind of tired a good sleep could fix, but a soul-deep, bone-heavy kind of exhaustion, and she felt confused, foggy, off-balance like someone had quietly turned the volume down on her spark.


That woman was me…

And if you’ve ever felt that too, this blog is for you.


Still Me — Not Lost — Evolving
Still Me — Not Lost — Evolving


For so many of us in the grooming industry, an industry where women make up the overwhelming majority, perimenopause and menopause creeps in like an uninvited guest. It doesn’t kick the door down all at once. It slowly blurs your brain, messes with your sleep, saps your energy, adds new aches in places you didn’t know could ache, steals your libido, makes your confidence feel slippery, and then…  just for fun… cranks up the internal thermostat without warning, all while sneaking in a short fuse and a sudden urge to teleport someone to another galaxy for breathing too loudly, chewing near you, or simply existing in your general direction.


This blog is based on personal experience and shared research, it’s not medical advice, and I’m not a doctor, just a fellow groomer sharing what I’ve learned (and am still learning), in the hope it helps others feel less alone. What really shocked me, though, was how little I actually knew about what was happening.


So this blog is a love letter to every woman who’s felt like she was falling apart while trying to hold everything else together. I want you to know you’re not broken. You’re not alone. You’re not lazy or losing your mind — your body is shifting gears in ways the world rarely explains.


The Changes that Menopause can bring
The Changes that Menopause can bring

Understanding Menopause in the Dog Grooming Industry

What is Menopause —The Basics 

For something that happens to half the population, menopause remains one of the most misunderstood and under-discussed life transitions. Menopause is defined as the point in time when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. But the more turbulent time often begins years before that, in a stage called perimenopause.


Perimenopause can begin as early as your late 30s to early 40s and can last anywhere from 4 to 10 years. During this time, levels of key hormones — estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone begin to fluctuate unpredictably. These hormonal changes can affect almost every system in the body, often in ways we don’t expect or immediately connect to hormones.

Some of the symptoms women may experience include:


  • 🔹 Cognitive & Emotional Changes

    • Brain fog, forgetfulness, or trouble focusing

    • Mood swings, increased irritability, or anxiety

    • Panic attacks (even if you’ve never had them before)

    • Sleep disturbances or insomnia

    • Fatigue that feels disproportionate to your workload

    • Loss of motivation or sense of identity


    🔹 Physical Shifts

    • Hot flushes (and cold ones too!)

    • Night sweats

    • Irregular periods — heavier, lighter, or closer together

    • Heart palpitations

    • Joint and muscle aches or stiffness

    • Tingling in hands or feet

    • Headaches or migraines

    • Changes in metabolism or unexplained weight gain

    • Hair thinning or loss (especially at the crown)

    • Skin changes — dryness, sensitivity, or adult acne

    • Digestive changes or bloating

    • Increased body odour or sensitivity to smells

    • Breast tenderness

    • Vaginal dryness or discomfort

    • Lower tolerence to Alcohol


    🔹 Pelvic Health

    • Bladder urgency or leaking (especially when sneezing/laughing)

    • Weakened pelvic floor muscles

    • Changes in libido — from loss of desire to a shift in how your body responds


    🔹 Sensory Changes

    • Dry eyes or visual changes

    • Burning mouth or altered taste sensations

    • Sensitivity to temperature

    • Heightened emotional response to stress or overwhelm


This list might seem long — and that’s part of the problem. Most women aren’t told that perimenopause can look and feel this layered. You might only experience a handful of these symptoms, or you might feel like your whole system is glitching.


Dr. Mary Claire Haver, a board-certified OB-GYN and menopause specialist, often refers to this as a “neuroendocrine transition” — a hormonal shift that deeply affects the brain as much as the body.[Source: Dr. Mary Claire Haver, The New Menopause, 2024]


One of the most powerful stories Dr. Mary Claire Haver shares is from her time working in a hospital earlier in her career, where she began noticing a pattern: women in their 40s and 50s showing up with vague but distressing symptoms  anxiety, weight gain, joint pain, insomnia, low libido — and leaving without answers. On many of their charts, she saw the same two letters: “WW.” It stood for “Whining Woman.”


These weren’t difficult patients,  they were women in the throes of perimenopause and menopause, misdiagnosed or completely dismissed. Even Dr. Haver, realised she hadn’t been taught enough to truly help them. That moment lit a fire, and she’s spent her career since working to change how we understand and talk about menopause.

[Paraphrased from: The New Menopause, Dr. Mary Claire Haver, 2024]


The Silence Around Women's Health

What Menopause Means for Dog Groomers


Historically, women’s health has been vastly understudied and underfunded. In fact, until 1993, women were routinely excluded from clinical trials in the U.S. because their hormonal fluctuations were seen as too variable. This exclusion left serious gaps in how we understand women’s responses to medications, diseases, and even basic health markers. For decades, the medical world was essentially working with only half the picture.

[Source: National Institutes of Health Revitalization Act, 1993; The Lancet, “Sex and gender in health research,” 2020]


Menopause, in particular, was treated as a footnote — something “natural” that didn’t require much discussion or support. Women were expected to endure it quietly, to push through, to “toughen up.”



She shaped the rhythm — now I write the next verse.
She shaped the rhythm — now I write the next verse.

The Cost of Not Knowing


When women don’t know what’s happening to their bodies, they often blame themselves.“Why can’t I focus?”“Why am I gaining weight when I haven’t changed anything?”“Why do I feel so angry, or sad, or numb?”

Worse, many women are told “it’s just stress” or “it’s all in your head,” when in reality, their estrogen is plummeting, their serotonin is dropping, and their cortisol is rising , the perfect storm for burnout, depression, and physical discomfort.


Dr. Haver’s work focuses on validating women’s experiences and offering actionable, evidence-based solutions. She speaks often about:

  • The role of inflammation in menopause symptoms

  • The importance of strength training and muscle preservation

  • How diet, sleep, and stress management can drastically improve quality of life

[Source: Dr. Mary Claire Haver, The Galveston Diet and The New Menopause]


Why This Must Change — Especially in Our Industry


As groomers, we work in high-demand, we’re often on our feet all day, lifting dogs, navigating client expectations, and pushing through physical pain without complaint. But menopause changes that. We can’t just push through.And we shouldn’t have to without support or understanding. I’ve also listened to the quiet struggles of my friends, incredible women running grooming businesses while dealing with perimenopause or menopause behind the scenes. Their exhaustion, frustration, and emotional load is real. And too often, it’s invisible.


This is why education real, science-backed education matters. It’s not about complaining. It’s about reclaiming control. The more we understand what’s happening in our bodies, the better we can adapt our lives, our salons, and our expectations.

And most importantly: the better we can support each other.


Stay Connected!
Stay Connected!

🔹 Physical Realities

During perimenopause and menopause, levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone fluctuate dramatically. These hormones don’t just influence your cycle — they drive your motivation, mood, memory, energy, and even how your body uses food and stores fat.


Fluctuating estrogen levels can impact muscle and joint health, often triggering aches, stiffness, and inflammation especially in the neck, back, hips, and hands.

[Source: The North American Menopause Society, 2023]


Decreasing estrogen also means less collagen production, which contributes to joint discomfort, dry skin, and a feeling of overall physical fragility. And let’s not forget the loss of muscle mass — something that affects both energy levels and injury recovery. Even balance can be impacted due to hormonal effects on the inner ear and nervous system.


Then for many of us, comes the weight gain especially around the midsection. It’s not about eating more. It’s about cortisol, the stress hormone. During menopause, cortisol levels can stay elevated due to poor sleep, hormone imbalance, and ongoing stress especially in high-pressure jobs like grooming. Elevated cortisol promotes abdominal fat storage and leaves you feeling exhausted, anxious, and inflamed.

[Source: Dr. Mary Claire Haver, The New Menopause, 2024][Source: Cleveland Clinic Menopause Resources, 2023]


🍷 And then there's wine...

For some of us, a glass of wine can feel like the go-to fix after a long day in the salon — a little "liquid exhale" to take the edge off. But in perimenopause and menopause, alcohol can actually turn up the heat (literally).It’s been linked to worse hot flushes, night sweats, disrupted sleep, mood swings, and increased anxiety. Why? Because alcohol affects your already-sensitive hormone levels, spikes cortisol, and messes with your blood sugar — all things your body is trying to balance like a tightrope walker in a windstorm.

So if you notice that cheeky glass leaves you feeling less chill than you hoped, you’re not imagining it. And no sadly, it’s not the wine that changed. It’s us.


🔹 The Triple Threat: Hormones, Stress & Sleep Deprivation

It’s not just estrogen that’s shifting. According to studies, Perimenopause and menopause disrupt the delicate balance of hormones involved in stress response, metabolism, and sleep — a recipe for burnout.


  • Estrogen and progesterone both influence serotonin and GABA, which help regulate mood and calm the nervous system. Their decline can trigger anxiety, depression, and irritability.

  • Cortisol, as mentioned, becomes harder to regulate — leading to wired-but-tired energy crashes.

  • Melatonin production also drops, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.


Now layer that on top of grooming’s irregular hours, constant physical demands, and emotional labour — and you’ve got women running on fumes.


🔹 You’re Not Alone 💛


Studies show that over 80% of women experience menopausal symptoms that interfere with daily life, yet many receive little support, especially in hands-on, small business-driven industries like grooming.

[Source: British Menopause Society, 2022]

And because our profession demands so much — speed, patience, physical strength, emotional presence — it’s easy to misinterpret these natural, hormone-driven changes as personal failure.


But they’re not. They’re biological. They’re valid and they deserve recognition and support not silence.


You’re Not Losing It — Your Body’s Just Changing


One of the hardest things about menopause isn’t the hot flushes or the brain fog  it’s the guilt. The quiet, creeping guilt that whispers, “Why can’t I keep up anymore?” or “Where did my drive go?”


But here’s the truth: You’re not unmotivated — you’re navigating a major biological transition.


The grooming industry thrives on “go, go, go.” But midlife isn’t a breakdown, it’s a signal to adjust, not abandon. It’s a call to rest, to recover, to rethink how we work not a reason to feel ashamed its a time to feel reborn!


So if you’re feeling slower, softer, more tired than usual that’s not failure. It’s feedback, and it deserves compassion, not criticism.


Kindness begins with you
Kindness begins with you


Science-Based Solutions: Dr. Haver’s Core Ideas


By the time most women realise they’re in perimenopause or menopause, they’re already exhausted, frustrated, and trying to Google their way to sanity. What makes Dr. Mary Claire Haver’s work stand out is that she not only names the problem — she also provides practical, science-backed ways to take back control.


Her approach focuses on addressing the root causes of symptoms, not just masking them — and it starts with understanding that menopause is a whole-body transition, not just a hormonal one.

Here are three core pillars she recommends:


🔹 1. Anti-Inflammatory Eating


Hormonal shifts during menopause trigger inflammation, which contributes to everything from joint pain to brain fog. Dr. Haver advocates for an anti-inflammatory diet that supports hormone balance, gut health, and long-term disease prevention.

Core principles include:

  • Prioritising whole, unprocessed foods

  • Eating lean protein (especially plant-based and fish) at every meal

  • Emphasising omega-3s (like chia seeds, flaxseed, salmon)

  • Adding lots of colourful veg and leafy greens

  • Reducing refined carbs, sugars, and alcohol

  • Incorporating high-fibre foods to support estrogen detox and gut health

📚 This approach is outlined in Dr. Haver’s book The Galveston Diet, as well as her latest release, The New Menopause (2024).


🔹 2. Strength Training for Longevity


It’s not about getting ripped — it’s about protecting muscle, bones, and metabolism.

From your 40s onward, muscle mass naturally declines, and this accelerates during menopause. That affects everything: energy levels, balance, joint stability, and how your body handles blood sugar and fat. Regular resistance training, even just a few times per week, is a powerful antidote to:

  • Fatigue

  • Insulin resistance

  • Osteoporosis

  • Mood fluctuations

And for groomers? It’s an essential form of injury prevention and postural support.


🔹 3. Advocating for HRT (If It’s Right for You)


Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) used to carry a cloud of fear around it  but modern research shows it’s a safe and effective option for many women, especially those under 60 or within 10 years of menopause onset.

Dr. Haver encourages women to speak to a menopause-informed doctor, and to advocate for themselves if their symptoms are affecting their quality of life.


HRT may help with:

  • Hot flushes and night sweats

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Mood swings and anxiety

  • Vaginal dryness and sexual health

  • Bone and heart health


It’s not for everyone , but it is a valid, evidence-based tool that many women are being denied due to outdated thinking. If your doctor dismisses your symptoms or concerns, its ok to then get a second opinion. You deserve informed care.


The Emotional Toll (and Triumph)


If there’s one thing menopause has taught me, it’s this: you don’t get through it by pretending it’s not happening.


You get through it by talking, by asking for help, and by realising you are not alone.


At Groomer Nation, we believe these conversations matter and one of the most powerful shifts for me was learning to be honest with my friends, family, work colleagues, and clients. Not a dramatic announcement — just real conversations, when needed, about needing a break, or explaining a pause in my usual pace. And you know what? The response was human. Supportive. Kind. Because when you show vulnerability, it gives others permission to respond with care.

We need more of that in our industry.


Be Kind to You!
Be Kind to You!

If you're showing up to work every day while your body is throwing hormonal chaos at you, let me tell you — that's not weakness. That’s resilience and you deserve to be celebrated !


Resources & What’s Next


If this blog has struck a chord with you — if you’ve read it nodding, tearing up, or just feeling seen please know: you’re not alone.

There’s still so much we’re learning about menopause, and every woman’s experience is unique. But what’s universal is the need for more information, more compassion, and more community — especially in industries like ours, where we give so much of ourselves to others.


If you’re struggling, start by talking. With your doctor. A Professional. Your team. Your partner. Your Family. Your friends. 


And if you ever need a space to feel heard or understood, Groomer Nation is here. We’re not doctors — just fellow groomers who care deeply, listen fully, and believe in lifting each other up.


My Final Words


Perimenopause and Menopause isn’t a closing door. It’s a shift in rhythm. A chance to pause, reflect, and meet a new version of yourself — one with more depth, more clarity, and a stronger sense of what truly matters.

It’s not something to fear or fight. It’s something to step into, with softness and pride. Because caring for yourself isn’t a luxury, it’s wisdom. Setting boundaries isn’t rude, it’s necessary. And who you are becoming now? She’s still you… just more rooted, more radiant, and more whole than ever before!


And if this blog touched you, please share it — and spread the love.


Copy, paste, and pass it on to someone who might need to hear: “You’re not alone.” www.groomernation.com.au/post/menopause-in-dog-grooming


At Groomer Nation, we care deeply about the people behind the grooming tables. We want more honest conversations, more support, and more space to just be human in this industry.

Start a conversation in your salon, your friend circle, your online community or with us!  You never know who’s been quietly carrying the same weight and how much it might help them to feel seen.


We’re in this together 💛 


With Love and Warm Hugs from me to you,

Vanessa Parsons ( Fellow Groomer and Co -Founder Groomer Nation ) 💛


🔹 Some Recommended Reading


🔹 Helpful Podcasts

The #1 Menopause Doctor: How to Lose Belly Fat, Sleep Better, & Stop Suffering Now with Dr. Mary Claire Haver, MD


🔹 Further Learning

           💡 Australasian Menopause Society (AMS)

Find a menopause-informed doctor near you in Australia


           💡 Mary Claire Wellness (Dr. Mary Claire Haver’s official site)

Courses, programs, and detailed support on nutrition, hormones, and menopause health:



Where Strength Meets Grace
Where Strength Meets Grace

 
 
 

1 Comment

Karen B
Karen B
May 26

Thankyou for the education on a subject that is seriously not talked about. For some reason we act like men about this where we don't talk too much about it I guess it's embarrassing to admit all the changes you can feel and see but it's sometimes easier to keep it to yourself for fear of judgement and also our own egos telling us " we are fine " and there's nothing going on, we will feel better tomorrow.

I going to see if I can get this book by Dr Haver on my kindle.

Would have been important information for me a few years ago when I was in the thick of it and I really needed help but…

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