When Did I First Notice Perimenopause Symptoms?
I didn’t initially recognise the symptoms of perimenopause, mostly because I transitioned from childbirth at 37 straight into menopause without realising it.
The signs were subtle and easy to dismiss.
I was managing countless responsibilities—working as a senior executive in financial services leading global regulatory and compliance programs, caring for my newborn son who had lifelong medical needs, and living more than 400 miles away from my family. Naturally, I assumed my sleepless nights and fluctuating moods—tearful one moment, on edge the next—were just due to stress.
In hindsight, with ten years of studying menopause now under my belt, I realize those were early signs of menopause.
What Did It Feel Like? What Was Happening to Your Body and Mind?
Physically and mentally, I felt utterly drained, but I did everything I could to hide it.
I pushed myself even harder to stay on top of everything. Outwardly, I worked hard to look sharp, polished, and in control—smart suits, perfectly styled hair, immaculate nails, and even wearing heels to project a confident image. At my lowest, I resorted to spray tans to boost my mood! It was my way of making sure no one saw the inner struggle.
It felt like being on a treadmill where someone kept increasing the speed and incline. I was determined not to let it affect my work. I’d describe it as being both tired and wired. In meetings, I used strategies to stay focused, like taking meticulous notes and over-preparing for presentations. I was driving myself harder than ever, hyper-focused on my son and determined to excel at work, which meant I barely slept—my mind was constantly in overdrive.
Did You Immediately Recognize the Signs of Perimenopause?
Not at all!
Even with my background in psychology, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, personal training, mental health, and sports therapy, I didn’t recognise the signs. I assumed it was part of adjusting to being a new parent and handling the demands of my job. My partner had left when I was six months pregnant, so I was doing it all solo. I thought I just had to power through.
Eventually, I became so worried about being perceived as weak or vulnerable at work that I decided to leave my job in my early 40s, convinced I might be experiencing early-onset dementia.
Luckily, my doctor was fantastic. Within three appointments, he confirmed that I’d experienced premature menopause, likely triggered by childbirth at 37. The diagnosis was both shocking and a huge relief—I finally understood why I’d been feeling the way I did. I was probably the happiest menopausal woman in the UK!
That diagnosis marked a new beginning for me. I became determined to ensure no other woman experienced what I did and to help employers support talent going through menopause.
Did You Make Lifestyle Changes During Menopause? Which Were Most Effective?
Since I didn’t know I was going through menopause at the time, I coped in the only way I knew—by working and training harder. My coping mechanism was overtraining. I threw myself into physical fitness, running marathons, and training intensely at the gym to manage my stress and exhaustion.
While exercise did temporarily clear my mind, I eventually realised I was overtraining and under-fuelling my body—not getting enough calories, especially quality protein and healthy fats. This took a toll on my energy and health.
Once I understood what was happening, I started making smarter choices, adding balance to my exercise routine, focusing on strength training, and improving my diet. Sleep became a priority, and I embraced both physical and mental recovery. Establishing solid morning and evening routines became central to my well-being.
This experience led me to develop a framework that I now use to support my Executive Coaching Clients and in my CPD-certified Become a Menopause Coach program. My focus shifted to educating and empowering women to manage perimenopause symptoms effectively.
Adjustments After Menopause
Once I knew I had gone through menopause, I made more targeted changes. I focused on strength training to maintain muscle mass and bone health—crucial post-menopause. I also adjusted my diet to include more nutrient-dense foods.
The biggest change was in my mindset. Previously, I was obsessed with keeping up appearances, but I learned to listen to my body and prioritize rest and nutrition. Accepting my menopausal journey allowed me to focus on sustaining my long-term health and energy.
An unexpected bonus was a confidence boost! Ten years ago, I’d have been terrified to stand on stage and share my story. Now, I’m passionate about helping others navigate menopause, regardless of what people think about how I look or sound.
Impact on Mental Health
Initially, it was incredibly isolating. I didn’t talk about it, fearing people would question my capabilities or think I was losing my edge. I worked hard to maintain an appearance of control, but it was exhausting.
Understanding that menopause was behind my symptoms brought immense relief. It shifted my mindset, gave me the confidence to speak openly, and helped me focus on practical strategies to support my mental health. I also started leaning on my support network, which made a huge difference—learning to accept help remains one of my biggest challenges.
One Thing I Wish I Had Known
I wish I’d known how early menopause could happen.
Premature menopause isn’t talked about enough, and I had no idea it could occur in your late 30s or early 40s. Had I known, I might have recognised the symptoms earlier and sought support sooner.
I also wish I’d understood how deeply menopause affects mental health—not just physically, but emotionally and cognitively. It can erode your self-esteem and confidence, making you question yourself. But you’re not alone. An estimated 900,000 people are in menopause right now, and over a billion will experience it by 2030.
Tips for Women Experiencing Perimenopause or Premature Menopause
First, trust yourself. Build your knowledge and keep an open, curious mindset. Everything feels more manageable when you’re focused on moving forward.
If you feel something’s off—brain fog, low energy, mood changes—don’t ignore it. Advocate for yourself with your healthcare provider.
Ensure menopause is part of the conversation, no matter your age. Prepare for appointments by keeping a symptoms diary and downloading guidelines like NICE (in the UK) to make informed decisions.
Second, take care of your body wisely. Exercise is key, but balance is crucial. Overtraining can harm more than it helps. Fuel your body with quality nutrients, especially protein and fats, and prioritize rest—if you wake at night, do something calming before trying to sleep again.
Lastly, find a community.
Connect with others, whether through friends, support groups, or communities like Women of a Certain Stage. You’re not alone, and sharing your experiences can be incredibly empowering.
Did You Think About Preparing for Menopause Before Experiencing Symptoms?
No, I hadn’t given menopause much thought before the signs appeared. I was entirely focused on work, family, and my responsibilities. It wasn’t on my radar that menopause could happen so early, especially right after having a child.
Looking back, I wish I had known more. Now, I encourage people to be proactive—educate yourself early, so when perimenopause symptoms appear, you’re ready to take action and support your body and mind through the transition.
I now run a free course every two months called Menopause
The Basics to help people navigate the transition and manage menopause at work.
So far, over 200,000 people have registered, and I’m aiming to reach one million in the next decade.
Yours,
Lauren
CEO & Founder
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