Carla Pontes, PhD
Driven by Curiosity Dedicated to Wellbeing
I'm a health coach, researcher, educator & speaker with a PhD
and a background in academia & dentistry.
My mission is to help women embrace perimenopause and menopause as a powerful new chapter—one marked by vitality, self-discovery,
resilience and wellbeing.
History
Born in Brazil, I relocated to Denmark in my 20s and later settled in South Africa, where I found a place to call home. These experiences exposed me to different cultures, systems and perspectives on wellbeing, shaping my personal and professional journey.
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Throughout my life, I've been drawn to the intersection of physical, emotional and mental health, particularly during my perimenopause and now postmenopausal journey. Nature, movement, creativity and spirituality continue to influence my approach to life and work, reinforcing my belief that health extends beyond the physical and encompasses the whole person.
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Today, these experiences inform my work as a researcher, educator and speaker, helping me bridge science with the realities of everyday life.
The foundation of vibrant health is the integration of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a human being.
My family inspiration for healthy living
My parents were my original inspiration. Throughout my upbringing, their sensitivity to the artificial colourants in processed foods led them to craft meals from scratch, using natural ingredients.
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My mother often spoke about the nutritional value of food. Admittedly, I enjoyed junk food during my teenage years, rebelling against my mother's homemade creations. As I transitioned into young adulthood, I rediscovered the path to nourishing my body.
My father was a Latin professor and avid beekeeper. Growing up, I relished raw honey and other bee treasures. His knowledge of the remarkable health benefits of bee products later became a cornerstone of my health journey.
My grandfather was another source of inspiration, a living example of healthy ageing. He ate primarily organic, never smoked, and drank rarely. As a farmer, his life was filled with physically active days spent in nature. He also loved dancing and laughter, always sharing a good joke. Remarkably, he departed this world peacefully at 101, without chronic illnesses.
The true fountain of youth is a happy heart, healthy mitochondria, a balanced microbiome, strong muscles, and a sense of gratitude, purpose, community, and belonging.
My passion, mission & vision
The ups and downs in my personal journey made me realize that true well-being can only be attained and sustained when we nurture our lives emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual aspects. When those are balanced, we not just survive but thrive.
My passion for a healthy lifestyle and its impact on longevity led me to become a certified health coach, allowing me to officially enter the space of well-being promotion.
I firmly believe everyone is one choice away from a happier and healthier life.
My professional experience spans academia, healthcare, research and writing.
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After navigating a challenging perimenopause journey of my own, I became increasingly interested in natural approaches to hormonal health, including the role of phytohormones and lifestyle interventions. What began as a personal search for more energy gradually evolved into a passion for supporting other women through this important life transition.
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Today, I blend lived experience, scientific knowledge and practical strategies to empower women to navigate perimenopause and menopause with greater confidence, resilience and wellbeing. My goal is to help women make informed decisions about their health.
My vision is to contribute to a future in which women feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout midlife and beyond. A future where menopause is understood as a natural transition that can serve as a catalyst for growth, vitality, and renewed purpose.
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