My Menopause journey

I was in perimenopause in my early 40s... but didn't know it

Turns out I was in perimenopause at 40 but had no idea.  I'd never hear of perimenopause and in my mind the infamous "menopause" happened to older women. So, I thought I was going crazy. 

I had crippling anxiety, brain fog, memory issues, poor sleep, lack of energy and focus. And I was scared. I didn't know what was happening in my usually health and energetic body.  I saw a bunch of doctors - from from my GP to a neurologist to alternative medicine practitioners. None of them once mentioned menopause. 

My ObGyn, who had given up catching babies to focus on menopause, said I was "too young" to be in menopause (no mention of peri-) and prescribed the birth control pill for my heavy and sporadic periods.

A therapist suggested anti-depressants.  I was struggling to cope with my job and young kids, so I went on a low dose of Sertraline (Zoloft). While my mood improved the other symptoms remained and were joined by weight gain. 

Coincidentally (not at all!) all of my friends started having the same symptoms or others that I now know to be classic perimenopause symptoms.  They all, like me, thought they were going crazy. 

Doctors downplayed or ignored their symptoms. Most had no point of reference from their mothers who had suffered in silence. So they chalked up their fatigue, join pain, thinning hair, vaginal irritation, low libido, weight gain, anxiety, brain fog, poor sleep, etc...to busy modern life. They dutifully took the pill and/or anti-depressants and tried to follow the patronizing medical advice to get fresh air, eat better and exercise more. 

The frequency with which I was hearing these same stories made it impossible to ignore.  My kick-ass girl friends who were fit, motivated, intelligent super women were feeling like crap and were being blown off by their doctors. 

This led me to a deep dive into menopause, which had at last caught the attention of the media, in large part thanks to female doctors and journalists in the UK who were going through "the change" themselves. I read books and and listened to podcasts.  But I wanted to learn more and help my fellow woman.

So in early 2024, I began a 750 hour course to become a Menopause Wellness Coach.  I am still working on the course, which enables me to learn and begin coaching.  I have also started a Peri/Menopause group at work. I love hearing women's stories, affirming their experiences and empowering them to advocate for themselves.  

If you need an ear, some validation or some tips, reach out. I have 30 minute free consultations that you can book under Services.

Its a tough journey we are on but I have learned a lot that I hope will smooth the road for the women coming after me.