My story so far…
My journey through peri/menopause was a rollercoaster of both physical and mental symptoms. I had always been confident, outgoing with a zest for life, at the age of 45 all of that changed and I didn’t understand what was happening to me. Physically, I began to notice changes to my body, my sleep patterns and feelings of anxiety started to creep in.
Things that I had always enjoyed, I no longer felt like doing. I experienced anxiety, social anxiety, muscle and joint aches and pains, insomnia, fatigue and I gained weight. I just didn’t recognise myself, I felt lost in the fog, the things that brought me joy… just didn’t anymore. I felt flat and had an overwhelming feeling of loss and this began to affect my relationships and all areas of my life.
I was told by one GP that I, most likely had ME. When all the tests came back normal, I felt both relieved and anxious. However, I knew something felt very different and not quite right. This developed into an anxiety around my health which became all consuming. I was previously a runner, however the achey joints forced me to quit. I felt like I just didn’t have the energy to do anything other than manage to go to work, come home, eat and go to bed. I thought “is this it?” I felt like I had gotten old overnight, and so I struggled on…
When I look back on those 8 years of my life I only existed. I became a 1 in 10 statistic
In March 2020, I left my place of work, I felt completely burnt out and no longer recognised myself. It was then I started to research all things ‘midlife’. That summer, I started to go on daily walks where I would listen to podcasts. I can remember listening to one particular episode where a lady discussed her menopause symptoms and it literally stopped me in my tracks… it could have been me speaking of my own experience! It was a real ‘lightbulb’ moment. From that point I immersed myself in all things menopause and questioned “why has no one talked about this?” I researched and made an appointment with a menopause specialist with help to balance my hormones. I started to look at other areas of my lifestyle that could also help to ease my symptoms and gradually I rediscovered myself again.
Fast forward to the present day, I am in better shape both physically and mentally that I have felt in years. This truly can be an empowering time of life… a true ‘second spring’. This journey has fired a passion in me to support women who deserve more, to deal with this transition in their lives with grace and dignity and without losing themselves along the way.
Life is precious and so are you, let me help and support you to re-find yourself once more, the best years are still to come!
A Little Bit About Me…
I am post-menopausal 57 year old.
I love walking outdoors and being in nature and often visit West Wales with my family. I love socialising with our friends, especially live music events.
I enjoy yoga, hiking and weight training and have recently been on my own fitness and mindset journey and know the power working with a coach can bring! Check out my fitness journey on Instagram @perfectly_imperfect_fit
I am a life-long learner with a passion to help other women thrive in midlife and find the best version of themselves.
My why… I want the best quality of life possible for my future self. I truly believe that maintaining a healthy lifestyle will give me, not only longevity, but a life where I can still do all the things that I am so passionate about! My mission is to stay healthy, and active, living until I am 100 years young! We are never too old and it’s never too late to start living your best life!