When Menopause Hit — And How It Changed My Life and Career

The menopause hit me like a truck — no, a juggernaut travelling at 150mph. I was probably one of the last in my generation to reach menopause without really knowing what it involved. There wasn’t much conversation or education around it 2013, we just got on with things. But now, thankfully, we’re talking about it thanks to celebrities such as Davina McCall and experts such as Dr Louise Newson. As a health coach, I’m passionate about using my own experience to support other women navigating this challenging (and transformative) stage of life.

The First Signs

My first symptom was flooding, and it was mortifying. I became anaemic, exhausted, and yet I was still trying to juggle everything: family, work, home, and coaching my running group. Running became especially tough because I literally ran out of energy. Eventually, a Mirena coil stopped the flooding, and I carried on, none the wiser about what was really happening in my body and I was only 43. I had never heard of perimenopause before and I definitely didn't consider it.

The Slow Creep of Symptoms

Life moved on. I got promoted, the job became more stressful, the kids went off to university and I completed my PhD (what the hell was I thinking?!). Over the next five years, I started to notice little things: sneezing, a runny nose, aching joints, palpitations, digestive issues and that stubborn tummy weight that refused to shift. My main issues were absolute exhaustion, palpitations and breathlessness. I had thought that menopause was just hot flushes! I was conned. When my coil needed replacing, I asked to have it removed and finally questioned whether I might be menopausal. The response? A vague “what?” and then a test that confirmed I was “very menopausal” whatever that means! That was in 2018, and I was 48, which I thought was too early for menopause?!

Searching for Solutions

Because I’d previously had a pulmonary embolism (blood clots in my lungs), I was told I couldn’t take HRT. So, I did what many of us do I tried to manage it myself. I read every book I could find, ate soy, drank soya milk, took supplements… but nothing worked. I just kept getting more tired and struggled on. Eventually in 2021, I was referred to a menopause clinic and started HRT. This was mainly due to the exposure menopause was generating and claims that HRT was safe. Three months later, I developed a DVT and had to stop treatment again. It was crushing and I was back to square one.

Finding Balance

Four years later in 2025, with my doctor’s support, I went back on HRT, this time alongside blood thinners to prevent further clots. At the same time, I had the lingering "allergic to everything” feeling. I had a constant cough and monthly chest infections. Then, by chance, I heard a podcast (The Happy Menopause) about histamine intolerance and resonated with the symptoms listed. It was a lightbulb moment. Symptoms of histamine intolerance (HIT) include GI issues, skin reactions, headaches, respiratory symptoms, cardiovascular symptoms such as palpitations and fatigue. I could tick all of those. HIT is common in menopausal women (another secret) because fluctuating oestrogen can trigger mast cells to release histamine and HRT can make it worse! It did initially make it worse.

Reinventing Life After Menopause

I decided to completely overhaul my lifestyle. I didn’t do it overnight, but I crafted my exit strategy, I left my stressful job, and started my own business as a reflexologist, health coach, and consultant, work that truly aligns with who I am now.  I’m still a work in progress, gradually improving my health and fitness and shaping my new normal.

My Message to You

Menopause is not something to go through alone. Talk to someone, a friend, family member, partner, or coach. Don’t suffer in silence. And please, be cautious as there’s a lot of misinformation out there and plenty of people ready to profit from menopausal women’s struggles.  The young, male influencers promoting menopause fixes make my blood boil, alongside all the expensive supplements and potions.

You don’t need to go through it alone. There is support, there is understanding, and there is life on the other side of menopause.

If you would like a coaching session, please reach out.