The following article is a guest post for Emsee by our long-time community member and contributor Gina Mitchell. Gina is the the founder and CEO of Midlife Coaching for Women and best-selling author who helps women thrive through menopause and midlife, drawing on her 35+ years of experience as a scientist and educator.
Menopause is a major turning point in a woman’s life. As estrogen and progesterone levels decline, the hormonal veil that once kept past traumas at bay is lifted. Long-buried emotions and memories can surface, sometimes manifesting as anxiety, mood swings, or even physical pain. Many women find themselves reflecting on childhood experiences that shaped who they are today.
Often, these traumas are unconscious or repressed but still affect self-worth, relationships, and well-being. Women raised under societal expectations to be the ‘good girl’—obedient, self-sacrificing, and always putting others first—may have suppressed their natural emotions and boundaries. These learned behaviours, now deeply ingrained, can resurface as menopause removes the hormonal suppression, creating an opportunity for healing.
The good news? It’s never too late to heal. In fact, post-menopause can be the perfect time to process and release past wounds, making space for a more fulfilling and authentic life.
How Childhood Trauma Stays with Us
Childhood trauma isn’t just about extreme events; it can stem from emotional neglect, lack of validation, or constantly striving to earn love. These experiences shape our nervous system and coping mechanisms, often leading to chronic stress, anxiety, and even physical illnesses like autoimmune disorders and heart disease (Felitti et al., 1998).
If you’ve struggled with self-doubt, people-pleasing, or difficulty expressing emotions, unresolved childhood trauma may be at the root. These patterns can persist into adulthood until we consciously choose to heal them.
Why Menopause Brings Trauma to the Surface
Menopause is a time of deep introspection. As hormones fluctuate, emotions that were once repressed can come forward. The body holds onto trauma, and its release can show up in unexpected ways—emotional sensitivity, fatigue, or even chronic pain (van der Kolk, 2014).
However, this phase also offers an incredible opportunity. With the clarity menopause brings, women can finally process their childhood wounds and step into the next stage of life with renewed confidence and emotional freedom.
The Benefits of Healing Trauma After Menopause
1. Letting Go of Emotional Baggage
Healing past trauma allows women to release guilt, shame, and limiting beliefs that have weighed them down for years. Processing these emotions creates space for self-compassion and inner peace.
2. Building Healthier Relationships
Unresolved trauma can lead to trust issues, co-dependency, or emotional walls. By healing, women can cultivate deeper, more authentic relationships with partners, friends, and family.
3. Improving Physical Well-Being
Trauma isn’t just emotional—it affects the body. Studies link past trauma to conditions like high blood pressure and digestive disorders (Felitti et al., 1998). Healing can reduce stress-related illnesses and improve overall health.
4. Rediscovering Passion and Purpose
For many women, menopause marks a transition from living for others to asking: What do I truly want? Healing childhood wounds clears away past conditioning, allowing for authentic self-expression and new beginnings.
How to Start Healing
1. Therapy and Inner Work
Working with a therapist, especially in trauma-focused modalities like EMDR, somatic therapy, NLP, or Matrix Therapy, can be life-changing. These methods help reprogram old patterns and release stored emotional pain.
2. Mind-Body Practices
Yoga, breathwork, and meditation help release trauma stored in the body. Menopause signals a need for deeper self-care—listening to that call through mindfulness practices can create lasting change.
3. Journaling and Self-Reflection
Writing about childhood experiences, emotional patterns, and limiting beliefs can be deeply therapeutic. Journaling helps bring clarity and empowers women to take control of their healing.
4. Finding a Supportive Community
Healing is easier when shared. Whether through a support group, retreat, or connecting with like-minded women, sharing experiences fosters growth and transformation.
Final Thoughts
Healing childhood trauma isn’t about reliving the past—it’s about breaking free from it. Menopause can be a gateway to a beautiful new chapter, one defined by self-care, emotional liberation, and personal fulfillment. By prioritising healing, women can enter this phase with confidence, joy, and a sense of inner peace.
It’s never too late to heal. The best years of your life are still ahead of you.
If this resonates with you, take it as a sign—it’s time to heal and step into your most powerful, authentic self. If you would like more information about how you can heal your childhood traumas, book in a FREE 45-minute Soulful Connection Session with me using this calendar link.
Bibliography
- Felitti, V. J., Anda, R. F., Nordenberg, D., Williamson, D. F., Spitz, A. M., Edwards, V., & Koss, M. P. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14(4), 245-258.
- van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viking.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare provider for any specific symptoms or issues you might be experiencing.
