World Menopause Day 2023 - My Menopause Journey

I’m embarrassed to admit that if someone had asked me about menopause two years ago, I wouldn’t have been able to tell them very much. In fact, it would have been fair to say that I was completely ignorant of the topic, with my knowledge only stretching as far as it involves hot sweats, your periods end, and it only happens to old women. I certainly didn’t think I had to worry about it at 47, I was far too young for all that nonsense.

Oh dear, was I in for a shock!

When I think about it now, with my newfound knowledge of all things menopause, I realise I had probably been experiencing perimenopause symptoms for a long time prior to what I am going to call ‘my awakening’. I just hadn't realised it.

I put my slight anxiety, tiredness, aching joints, and hair loss down to getting older and having a busy life.

The main symptom that presented itself to me, or certainly the one that forced me to seek some help, was anxiety. When I first started to suffer from it, I had no idea what the cause was, as there was no obvious reason. In the early stages, it seemed to come and go, I later learned this was due to it being linked to my monthly cycle. I would be totally fine one minute and then the next I would be having panic attacks, crying, or being so consumed by worry that I couldn’t function.  I now know that during perimenopause your oestrogen levels vary, and it’s when your levels are low that you are more likely to experience menopausal symptoms.

I was lucky because, by sheer coincidence, around the same time as I was experiencing all this stuff, I got an email advertising a program about menopause. I read it through, and I am truly thankful I did because it was from that I was able to understand some of what was going on with me!

I did a lot more research on menopause following this. It was a huge help, and it meant that when I went to see the GP, I was well-informed and able to discuss my symptoms and the treatment I thought was best.

It took a few trips to the doctors to get it right, but I was prescribed Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which has really helped. Then I applied for my HRT Prescription Prepayment Certificate (HRT PPC) to save some money. I’ve also been doing several other things that I believe have been equally as beneficial such as meditation, mindfulness, yoga, connecting with family, friends, and colleagues, researching lots about anxiety and depression, and becoming a Menopause Champion.

Have I succeeded in removing all anxiety from my life? Of course not -  but I am better prepared for it with a number of resources in my toolbox.

With celebrities sharing their own personal stories, documentaries about menopause and representation in Parliament, the conversations continue.
I work in a Henpicked Menopause Friendly workplace, and having that understanding makes a big difference. Henpicked is also a good place to go for more information on managing menopause.

To save money on prescription costs and  buy your own HRT PPC, visit: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/nhs-hormone-replacement-therapy-prescription-prepayment-certificate-hrt-ppc