Navigating My Perimenopause:
I started my peri-menopausal journey when I was 38, and my son was just 2 years old. I was so angry, moody, tired, and sensitive ALL the time; I couldn’t sleep due to night sweats and my palpitations were so strong, I was scared my heart would bounce right out of my chest! My anxiety levels were off the chart, and I thought I was going crazy!
Realising I couldn’t carry on like this, I reached out to my GP and found out that I was perimenopausal – although quite a shock, I felt a huge sense of relief too!
Wanting to take back control and stop my nonsensical desire to throw things at my husband or scream at random people and, getting little support from my GP; I realised there was a way to use my perimenopause symptoms and my cycle to my advantage. I have been able to lessen and alleviate my symptoms, like brain fog, night sweats, heart palpitations and anxiety, leaving me feeling much more like my positive, happy, and energetic self again!
Why I became a Menopause Coach:
Coming from a Maritime Operations background, including time on board in the Merchant Navy, I know what it’s like to sometimes feel isolated and not sure how to communicate what you need in the workplace! For example, in my in my early career, I remember joining a vessel and having to ask the Captain where I should put my tampons!
I am incredibly passionate about advocating for equality and inclusion, but more than that, to drive a different narrative about things like the menopause in the workplace, which is viewed in a hugely negative way by so many, including women!
Looking at the global picture, only about 14% of women believe their employer recognises the need for menopause-specific considerations. Yet, 64% of women across the globe have expressed their desire to have menopause policies put into place at work. To put this into context, in 2023 it was reported that there were 657 million women between the age of 45 to 59 in the workplace globally! AND, this figure doesn’t take into consideration then tens of hundreds (if not many more) of women who are going into their perimenopause (first stage of the menopause) during their 30’s.
These are the same women who have worked their way up the corporate ladder, smashing glass ceilings, driving productivity and profitability.
A report by McKinsey found, companies with a higher percentage of female leaders are 25% more likely to have above-average profitability!
They’re the same women who are mentoring and nurturing younger talent, leading strategic initiatives, and playing a key role in company culture.
In fact, studies in Japan and South America show that companies with more women in leadership positions, are more likely to have fair workplace policies and inclusive environment and, not just for women, but for ALL employees.
But, menopause in the workplace is still quite a taboo subject for all involved; with huge breakdowns in communication between female employees and upline managers.
I honestly get it, from managing embarrassment, to feeling like you have to carry on regardless, to communication challenges with management, but by making menopause your superpower you can truly change your life and the life’s of those that follow in your footsteps!
My Approach:
As a fully qualified and accredited Menopause Wellness Practitioner, yoga, face yoga, breathwork and meditation teacher. I take a 360-degree approach to my coaching, looking at all aspects of your life and work, so we can really nail down what’s at the core of your symptoms and what might be triggering them, especially at work!
I’m super passionate about turning the tide on this, and helping women manage and allevaite their symptoms; communciating their needs to their employer, without compromising on their career aspirations.
And for companies… I support them too, with menopause training, coaching, policies and appraisals, improving both productivity and profitability.
Currently based in the South of France, I offer in person and online coaching internationally to individuals and businesses looking to support their female executives.
If you’d like to discover more about working with me, then let’s chat!
Book your complimentary coffee break with me below and we can look at the challenges you are currently facing and come up with some strategies to support you; we’ll also explore whether you’d be a good fit for my programme Unlock Your Perimenopause Power!
From Maritime to Menopause (in photos!)
As featured in Menopause Experts ‘Meopause Life’ Magazine