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EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH MENOPAUSE: MY JOURNEY AND MY MISSION 
I am now a woman in my mid-to-late 50s, but when I first started experiencing changes in my body in my early 40s, I had very little understanding of menopause beyond what I had been told—that my periods would stop, I’d get hot flushes, and that was it.

At the same time, I had just begun my nurse training as a mature student, completely unaware that my own body was already going through the early stages of this transition. Yet, even within my studies, menopause was never mentioned. It simply wasn’t part of my nurse training at all. So, like many women, I was left navigating these changes on my own, without clear guidance or support.
When I started experiencing changes in my periods, hot flushes, and disrupted sleep (which was unusual for me, as I had always been a great sleeper), I went to my GP for guidance. Their response?

“Well, yes, you’re at that age, so you probably are menopausal.”

That was it. No further discussion, no advice—just a vague confirmation that I was probably experiencing menopause.
At the time, I was a nursing student, deeply familiar with research and critical thinking. I thought, I must need to look into this myself. But as life often does, things got busy. Work, studies, and home life took over, and before I knew it, I was a qualified nurse, still struggling with symptoms, and still without answers.

I returned to my GP practice, hoping for more support. This time, I was offered antidepressants as the first line of treatment for menopause. But I wasn’t depressed—I was experiencing low moods and emotional changes, but I knew this wasn’t clinical depression. Being handed a prescription for something I didn’t need felt like a backward step rather than a solution.

So, I left, feeling lost. Where was the guidance? Where was the support?
More Than Just Hormones—Understanding the Aging Body

Through my own experience and training, I’ve learned that menopause is not just about fluctuating hormones—it’s also about how our bodies change as we age.

The skin loses collagen, bones become less dense, metabolism slows, and energy levels shift. These changes are not just menopause-specific; they are part of the natural progression of aging.

That’s why it’s so important to support the body holistically, whether or not a woman chooses HRT. Understanding both the hormonal and aging changes means women can take control of their health for the long term—not just for menopause, but for life.
Three GP Visits Later, I Finally Got Answers

I knew there had to be more to menopause than this. Determined to find answers, I took matters into my own hands. I researched extensively, following advice from menopause specialists, doctors, and trusted health sources. Armed with this new knowledge, I went back to my GP—for the third time—but this time, I was clear and firm:
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“I’m a nurse. I’m menopausal. I want some HRT.”
The response? “Okay, which one would you like?”

That moment was eye-opening. Why had I not been given this choice earlier? Why had it taken three visits and years of struggling to get to this point?

I requested HRT patches, and from that moment on, I haven’t looked back. Within a couple of weeks, I felt like myself again—the person I had lost along the way.

But this experience also made me realise something incredibly important: not every woman has the same options available to them, nor does every woman want to take HRT—and that is absolutely their right.
I was fortunate to be able to access HRT and that it worked well for me, but I know that isn’t the case for every woman. Some women are unable to take it for medical reasons, and others simply choose not to—and that choice must always be respected.

What matters most is that every woman is given clear, evidence-based information about the options available to them.

And one thing I have learned is that HRT is not a magic bullet. It can help restore balance, but it does not stop the natural aging process.
From My Own Journey to Helping Other Women

While working as a nurse and running The Wellness Room, I started noticing a pattern. Women were coming to me for treatments, filling out consultation forms, and ticking symptoms that they didn’t realise were menopause-related.

Because of everything I had learned through my own experience and research, I recognised the signs. But the problem was, there was nowhere to send them for proper menopause support.
Seeing this happen time and time again, I knew something had to change. Women needed a space where they could find real information, practical advice, and emotional support.

I trained as a Menopause Lifestyle Practitioner under the guidance of a doctor from New Zealand, and this led me to create Menopause Moments, a space where women can connect, learn, and take control of their menopause journey.

Through my work, I now reach out to local women with practical, evidence-based advice—not just about fluctuating hormones, but also about how the aging process impacts the body. Understanding both aspects of menopause is key to feeling more in control, healthier, and stronger in this new stage of life.
A Holistic Approach to Menopause and Midlife Health

The more I’ve learned, the more I’ve realised that supporting women through menopause means looking at the whole picture. That’s why I take a holistic approach, helping women:

✔ Understand what’s happening in their bodies as both hormones shift and the natural aging process takes place
✔ Make empowered choices about their health, whether through HRT or lifestyle adjustments
✔ Create long-term strategies for movement, nutrition, and stress management

This isn’t about “getting through menopause.” It’s about thriving in this phase of life with knowledge, confidence, and self-care.
A Community of Support—Because No Woman Should Do This Alone
One of the most powerful ways to navigate menopause is through connection. That’s why I created Menopause Moments, a supportive, in-person group where women can:
  • Connect with others experiencing the same journey
  • Share their stories (only if they feel comfortable—there is no pressure to speak!)
  • Simply listen, learn, and feel supported in a safe space.​
But I quickly realised that this lack of support is not just a local issue—it’s a national and global one.

​So, alongside my Menopause Moments groups, I also offer:
  • One-to-one menopause coaching via Zoom for women who aren’t local but need guidance and support
  • A safe, understanding space to explore their symptoms, options, and lifestyle changes. 
Menopause is a Transition, Not an End—You Are Not Alone

For too long, menopause has been treated as something to suffer through in silence. But I want every woman to know this: You are not alone.

This is a time of transformation, not decline—a stage of life where you can feel strong, informed, and empowered.

Whether through one-to-one coaching or group sessions, my mission is to help women understand their bodies, take control of their health, and step into this phase of life with confidence.
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