Siobhan D. McKinley is the founder and owner of ORGANACHS Farm to Skin, Connecticut’s premier clean beauty store that provides in-store organic facials as well as a curated selection of over 20 natural, organic, and highly reviewed skincare and cosmetics brands.
Where are you in your hormonal health journey?
What’s one word or phrase that comes to mind when you think of menopause?
Uncomfortable. Most women I hear who talk about menopause complain about it.
“I feel that menopause is a second phase of a woman’s life, in the sense that she can take this time to focus on herself: her health, her spirit, her passions, her dreams, and her goals.”
Which menopause symptoms have you experienced?
I’ve been quite lucky in perimenopause, as I’ve experienced only a few symptoms on occasion, including night sweats and sleep disruptions. My mother did not experience a difficult menopause (if genetics has anything to do with it), so I hope that’s been passed down to me.
We know menopause can be challenging, but it can also be funny, enlightening, liberating, energizing, and more. Do you have an anecdote or reflection that shows another side of menopause, beyond what we’re conditioned to “fear” as women?
I feel that menopause is a second phase of a woman’s life, in the sense that she can take this time to focus on herself: her health, her spirit, her passions, her dreams, and her goals. A lot of things are put on hold for women because they are busy working, having children, and raising them. It’s a beautiful time period to focus on children, but as children grow up and become young adults, it gives us more time to refocus on ourselves. It’s an exciting time in a woman’s life with so many advantages and opportunities.
What routines helped you throughout your hormonal health journey?
I strive to live a balanced life. I eat as healthy as possible, but I don’t deprive myself of things I want to try or indulge in from time to time. I don’t believe in being so strict as long as I can do things in moderation. I drink warm lemon water each morning and eat a lot of vegetables throughout the day. I try to eat a healthy breakfast of oatmeal, fruit, and flaxseed each day.
Stretching and moving my body every morning has helped me, both physically and mentally. Just a 20-minute walk or run makes a big difference for me throughout the day.
“Embrace it, all of it! The good and not so good. It’s part of life and it means you are still here, living and experiencing what life brings you.
Were there any treatments that helped ease any menopause symptoms?
I’ve been taking a new supplement, Sea OR, which I sell at ORGANACHS, for my hair, skin, and nails. The natural products from my store that I’ve been using on my skin over the past 5 years have transformed my skin and allow me to age a little more gracefully.
Is there anything you wish your younger self would have known? Or do you have words of advice for women starting their journey?
Embrace it, all of it! The good and not so good. It’s part of life and it means you are still here, living and experiencing what life brings you. I believe aging is a privilege. Yes, I would love to hold on to youthful skin, but I feel that we as women don’t embrace and celebrate the beauty of older women. I don’t think skin has to be perfect to look beautiful, but if it’s radiant and you are happy then it shows up as beauty.
