I'm Sam

I started having symptoms 6 months after the birth of my second child, right at the start of the first lockdown. I was sweaty, moody, exhausted, anxious, and scared. All the foods I could normally eat were disagreeing with me and the hot flushes were so extreme they were making me run to the toilet as I thought I was going to be sick. That's before the uncontrollable rage. People always talk about the 'rage' but, until you have gone through it, you cannot understand. My husband would say to me 'Just calm down' - what he didn't understand was that this is not something in your control; there isn't anything rational about it.

I started HRT a couple of years ago and it took time to sort out the correct dosage. It transpired I also needed testosterone (it turns out I'm one of the lucky women who have managed to get testosterone prescribed by their GP). These 2 medications together have been a lifesaver. I've also had to change my diet (I'm now intolerant of a number of foods I could easily eat before) and ensure regular exercise is part of my week. I now feel like my symptoms are more controllable. Don't get me wrong I still have days when the brain fog overwhelms me; when my body temperature feels like I'm in the Sahara Desert and the 'rage' makes me lash out at whoever is closest. However, I now feel I have tools to help me cope better and people to rely on to be there for me when I need them.

In December 2023, I passed my Menopause Support Coaching Certificate and am excited to put everything in practice when I launch my Coaching Programme in 2024