​​​​Menopause, I assumed, was something that happened to other women, specifically women in their mid 50s who owned reading glasses on a chain and said things like “Ooh, is it warm in here?” A few hot flushes, the odd bad mood and a mild inconvenience parked waaayyyyy in the distant future. As it turns out, my body had other plans.

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Perimenopause entered my life like an out of control freight train, leaving me wondering what on earth was happening and who the hell was rummaging through my hormones. It was, without exaggeration, the most challenging and loneliest time I’ve ever experienced.

It was made worse by a baffling lack of awareness, lack of research, medical misogyny and a GP who announced, with great weariness, “I’m so fed up of women blaming everything on the perimenopause!”

Never before have I had to advocate so much for myself, fight to be heard and quite literally survive.

 

My lived experience ultimately directed me towards a new beginning. After a career in education as well as being the Headteacher of a school for 2-7 year olds and an Inspector, I realised I needed to use my skills in a different way.

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I went on to complete a Menopause Coaching diploma, which became the foundation of my business. I chose the name Second Spring because in Chinese culture, menopause is seen not as an ending, but as a powerful new season of life.

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I founded Second Spring Menopause Coaching and Consultancy to educate, train, support, raise awareness and spark conversation. It is the 21st century after all and women deserve better. 

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Menopause isn't just a thing to 'get on with', its not a 'phase' and it's certainly not a topic to be ignored. No one should be left to navigate this alone. Well, not on my watch.