I never thought menopause would hit me like a freight train, but that’s exactly what happened. I’m Stephanie Casale—grew up in Santa Monica, UCLA grad, lawyer, Employee Benefits consultant, business owner, and for most of my life, someone who thought I could handle just about anything thrown my way.

But nothing prepared me for this menopause journey.

I remember sitting in meetings—sometimes with colleagues, sometimes with clients—trying to look calm and collected in my suit, while, inside, I was absolutely melting. Ten hot flashes a day. Sometimes more. My face would flush, sweat would pour down my back, and all I could think about was how much I wanted to rip off every layer of clothing and dive into a tub of ice cubes. But, of course, I couldn’t. I sat there, pretending everything was fine, too embarrassed to explain what was really happening. I worried people would see me as “too old” or “not sharp enough” for the job. I felt alone, and honestly, a little scared.

And it wasn’t just during the day. Night after night, I’d lie awake, staring at the ceiling, lucky if I got three hours of sleep. I’d drag myself into work, running on fumes, doing my best to function at full capacity while my body and emotions were totally out of whack. The exhaustion was unreal—my mind felt foggy, my patience was thin, and every small setback felt overwhelming.

On the personal side, things weren’t any easier. My libido vanished. I didn’t want to talk about it, and honestly, I didn’t even know what was happening to me. My husband was confused and hurt—he’d ask if I wasn’t attracted to him anymore, and I’d have no idea how to explain that it wasn’t about him at all. I just didn’t have any sex drive, and I felt guilty and frustrated at my kids and the smallest issue would feel like an insurmountable problem. No one prepares you for how menopause can affect your relationship, and it’s so easy for both partners to feel lost and alone.

I tried to find help. I talked to my doctor, but got the same answer so many women hear: “It’s just a normal part of aging. You’ll get through it.” No one mentioned hormone therapy. No solutions, no support—just “deal with it.” At work, there was yet no policy or menopause resource, I would have longed for  even a quiet place to cool down or take a break. I was working hard and trying to hold it all together, but inside, I was falling apart. Eventually, the symptoms got so bad that I left my corporate job. I couldn’t find help at work, in the medical system, or even among friends—until I started talking and realized I wasn’t alone.

That’s when I got together with three of my closest friends—women who were also struggling through perimenopause and menopause and were willing to share their challenges with me and others. The four of us decided that enough was enough. If we couldn’t find the support we needed, we’d build it ourselves. That’s how TeltraCare was born: out of frustration, out of necessity, and out of a deep desire to make sure no woman ever has to go through this alone.

At TeltraCare, we’re not just about expert telehealth and workplace accommodations—we’re about community. We created Hushbreakers as a safe space for women to share what they’re going through, and we also welcome spouses and partners into the conversation. Because menopause doesn’t just affect women—it affects relationships, families, and workplaces too. We want everyone—spouses, colleagues, friends—to have a place to learn, support each other, and realize they’re not alone in this either.

If you’re reading this and nodding along, know that you’re not alone. Your story matters and sharing it can help change the conversation for all of us.

If you have a story like mine, I hope you’ll share it. Together, we can make menopause something no woman—or partner—ever has to hide from again.