MENOPAUSE
REAL TALK
Menopause doesn't fit the stereotype.
My menopause journey summed up in one picture. At just 25 I started experiencing the roller coaster of menopause symptoms. Fast forward to 31 and the struggle continues. Insomnia and mood swings have become constant companions, making each day feel like a battle.
The hot flushes are another story altogether.. Imagine trying to style hair with a hairdryer while feeling nauseous from the heat! It's a challenge, to say the least. And lets not forget about my curls - they seemed to have a mind of their own, straightening out as if to reflect the chaos within!
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Amidst the struggles I decided to launch my menopause campaign driven by the mission to break the stigma and provide support for individuals.
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My goal for this campaign?
To raise awareness about menopause while breaking the stigma surrounding menopause and create a safe space for an open and honest conversation about menopause. Also to empower people to embrace their natural hair and to feel confident in their skin.
I'm excited to announce that Lacey founder of @healingwithlacey will be joining me as part of my menopause campaign. Together we aim to break the stigma and provide much needed support.
Lacey's Story
My name is Lacey, I’m the founder of @healingwithlacey. I’m 38 year old woman from Dundee.
I started noticing changes in my body at 33 years old. Symptoms included weight gain, with inability to lose weight despite no changes & eating healthy & exercising, low libido (particularly post ovulation), shorter menstrual cycles, lighter periods, return of PMS symptoms despite having healed from previously & gut/digestive issues.
At age 36 I completed training to become a first moon circle facilitator (puberty & period educator) & it was during this education that I gained knowledge that it could be in peri-menopause. I had no idea hormonal changes could begin at age 35. Not only that but peri-menopause symptoms can start 10 years before menopause of which the average age is 51.
At this point I sought help from a naturopath & hormone specialist. Although diagnostics confirmed changes that are characteristic of peri-menopause, both specialists were reluctant to confirm peri-menopause mainly because of my age and that I still had regular periods and signs & symptoms consistent with ovulation.
I returned to Scotland from Australia at age 37 and tried to seek similar support for hormonal imbalance as I receive there but have been met with many obstacles leaving me to seek private care. I know I am not alone in these difficulties & more awareness & support is greatly needed.
Now age 38 & currently volunteer with Her Story Scotland at a menopause group in Angus & look forward to supporting Sara’s menopause campaign in Dundee. There is a deep calling to come together in community & share wisdom & knowledge like days gone by.
I aim to empower those going through transitional phases in their lives, offering guidance within my capacity. My passion is education with first moon circles for those going through puberty & reaching menarche (first period), as research shows when we are supported & celebrated through this rite of passage, each rite of passage that follows will be met with less resistance & difficulties i.e. reduced instances of birth trauma & less symptomatic through peri-menopause/menopause/post-menopause.
I feel this proactive approach to be the most beneficial & not only that, it allows me to break the cycle of generational shame & trauma associated with periods, whist opening lines of communication within families & household