My Conversation with Meah Robertson
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Meah Robertson, a passionate naturopath and the founder of Fem21. Her insights into women’s health, particularly the role of hormones in our daily lives, left me with a whole new perspective on the menstrual cycle. Like many of us, I was familiar with some of the effects of hormonal fluctuations, but I hadn’t fully appreciated just how powerful and intricate our cycles really are. Meah’s knowledge, grounded in years of clinical experience, was both empowering and eye-opening.
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One of the things that really stuck with me from our conversation was how Meah described each phase of our menstrual cycle as a different “season.” Just as we adapt our lifestyles to changing weather, she explained that we can take cues from each phase of our cycle to support our bodies in unique ways.
The Four Phases of the Menstrual Cycle
According to Meah, day one of our period is the start of our menstrual “winter.” This is when our hormones are at their lowest, and our bodies naturally crave rest and self-care. “Think of it as a time to go inward and hibernate,” she said, encouraging me to be gentler with myself during this phase. Instead of pushing through, it’s okay to lean into the need for extra rest and introspection.
After menstruation, we enter the follicular phase or “spring.” Estrogen levels start to rise, and with it comes an increase in energy and motivation. “Our energy picks up, just like the buds blooming in spring,” Meah explained. It’s a great time to take on new goals and activities, and I found myself nodding as I thought about how this lines up with my own energy levels throughout the month.
Mid-cycle, around ovulation, is our “summer” phase. This is when estrogen peaks, and for many of us, it brings a natural glow to the skin and a surge of confidence and clarity. “Estrogen is like that outgoing friend who brings life to the party,” Meah joked. I love how she framed it; it made so much sense! I realized that during this time, I often feel more social and energized.
After ovulation, we move into the luteal phase, or “autumn.” Here, progesterone production helps balance estrogen, but we can experience PMS symptoms if this balance is disrupted. Meah pointed out, “This is when our bodies are dealing with the most hormones.” Energy slows down, and our mood and body start craving more grounding activities as we get closer to menstruation.
Learning to Support Our Cycles
Our chat reinforced the importance of maintaining hormonal balance. I often hear clients mention bloating, fatigue, and mood swings as part of their cycle, but Meah shared a perspective that hit home: “Just because it’s common doesn’t make it normal.” These symptoms often signal that our bodies need support, not that we should just accept them.
Fem21, the supplement Meah created, is a blend of herbs and nutrients designed to help women balance their hormones naturally. “Fem21 was really born out of my clinical experience of wanting to support women’s hormones in a holistic way,” she told me. Her product is rooted in the same philosophy as my skincare approach: providing simple, effective support for women’s health from the inside out.
Key Features and Benefits of Fem21
Fem21 is thoughtfully formulated to provide support on multiple levels, working to balance hormones, improve gut health, support the liver, and manage stress—all factors that can impact hormonal balance. It contains natural herbs like licorice and withania, known for their calming, anti-inflammatory, and adrenal-supporting properties, which help the body adapt to stress and balance cortisol. Fem21 also includes fiber for gut health, antioxidants, and a blend of ingredients aimed at detoxifying the liver, which is crucial for healthy hormone metabolism.
Some of the standout benefits of Fem21 include:
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Hormonal Balance: Fem21 helps regulate menstrual cycles and alleviates symptoms of PMS, providing support to balance estrogen and progesterone naturally.
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Gut and Liver Health: With ingredients that promote digestion and detoxification, Fem21 helps the liver efficiently process and eliminate excess hormones, reducing the likelihood of hormonal imbalances and acne breakouts.
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Improved Energy and Mood: Many users report more stable energy levels and mood improvements after using Fem21, likely due to its adaptogenic herbs that help the body manage stress.
- Clearer Skin: By addressing internal imbalances, Fem21 often leads to healthier, clearer skin, a benefit that many users see after consistent use.
What to Expect in the First 4-6 Weeks: The “Detox” Phase
For those starting Fem21, it’s helpful to be aware of the “detox” phase that often occurs in the first 4-6 weeks of use. During this phase, you may experience symptoms like mild skin breakouts, headaches, changes in digestion, and even fatigue. While it can be tempting to stop taking it, these effects are often a sign that your body is adjusting and starting to clear out built-up toxins.
Meah reassured me, saying, “The detox phase is the body’s way of rebalancing and recalibrating. It’s a positive sign that the herbs are doing their job.” For those with hormonal acne, this phase may feel like a step back, but it’s often necessary for long-term clarity and balance.
To help support your body through this adjustment, Meah suggests the following tips:
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Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush toxins and keeps your skin hydrated as it detoxifies.
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Nourish with Nutrient-Dense Foods: Focus on eating whole foods, especially vegetables, fruits, and high-quality proteins to give your body the fuel it needs for the detox process.
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Practice Gentle Movement: Light exercise, such as walking or yoga, can help stimulate lymphatic drainage and reduce any feelings of sluggishness.
- Get Plenty of Rest: Detoxing can be demanding, so make sure you’re allowing time for quality sleep.
After this initial phase, most users start noticing improvements in their energy levels, mood, and skin health, with the full benefits of balanced hormones becoming more apparent over the following months. As Meah explained, “Consistency is key. Hormonal changes don’t happen overnight, but when you give your body the time and support it needs, the benefits are well worth it.”
This conversation with Meah left me feeling even more passionate about supporting my clients on their skincare and wellness journeys. Our menstrual cycle is an incredible guide if we listen to it, and with natural tools like Fem21, we can nurture our bodies and achieve a sense of balance that radiates from the inside out.
