About

I describe myself as a postmenopausal woman since 17 March 2023, following an 11-year perimenopause rollercoaster. My story isn’t unusual, but it’s one I share to help others navigate this stage with awareness and empowerment.

At 44, I was diagnosed as perimenopausal. My symptoms were so mild I didn’t think much of it—mistake number one. Like many, I believed the outdated school narrative: menopause happens in your 50s, brings a few hot flushes, mood swings, and weight gain, and that’s it. Oh, how wrong I was!

By 49, the reality hit hard—overnight. I lost confidence, battled brain fog, struggled to remember my own name, felt inexplicably anxious, and became emotionally overwhelmed. Only after blood tests confirmed menopause, and I started HRT, did things begin to improve slightly. But HRT wasn’t a magic fix. Accepting and understanding menopause was the real turning point for me but it took four years of fighting it to get to that point.

What changed? Research, awareness, and mindset. Instead of resisting, I embraced this natural stage of life. For me, menopause now means liberation—a word not often associated with it.

At 51, I embarked on a new career as a Learning & Development Practitioner, specializing in menopause workshops and talks. I’ve never felt more fulfilled.  It’s why I started Pause for Thought Consultancy in 2022, which has now become Feel Good Menopause: to raise awareness, share knowledge, and help others have a better journey.  Starting my own business has been a leap of faith, but it’s the best decision I’ve made.

Let’s rewrite the menopause story together.

So is menopause all I am interested in!! Hmmm, not quite but it's a biggy in my life.  A bit more about me.  I live in York with my husband and love it.  From the photos, you may have gathered that I am a huge lover of dogs and Christmas, as well as a complete Harry Potter fan.  I enjoy getting out in the fresh air, especially walking and on my bike. Being sociable just comes naturally.  My motto is that if it's not fun, it's not worth doing. Tee hee hee!!