We asked everyone featured in Educate Yourself to tell us their menopause stories, here’s what they had to say.
SHEREE HARGREAVES
What’s your experience with menopause?
I was diagnosed with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) at 15, which meant I entered early menopause during my teenage years. Before diagnosis, I had been experiencing symptoms like insomnia, excessive sweating, mood swings, and brain fog, but I chalked it all up to puberty. It wasn’t until I voiced concerns about not starting my periods and having no breast development that doctors looked deeper and confirmed that I was going through perimenopause. Starting menopause so young was a shock, and it came with both physical and emotional challenges.
What was the most unexpected thing that happened?
How deeply it impacted my sense of self. Menopause at such a young age made me question my identity as a woman. I felt disconnected from my peers and struggled with the societal expectations of what it means to be a woman—especially around fertility and motherhood. It also unexpectedly pushed me to suppress questions about my sexuality, as I felt I didn’t fit into the typical experiences most people have. Realizing that menopause isn’t just a physical change, but something that affects how you see yourself and your future, was something I wasn’t prepared for at all. It wasn’t just about dealing with symptoms; it was about navigating a new reality for myself.
NATALIE CAMPBELL
What’s your experience with menopause?
I was diagnosed with early menopause (POI) at 33, and my life came to a standstill. I had to navigate this journey alone with no signposting from medical professionals. It felt like such a lonely space. Anxiety, low moods and crying spells took over me and I didn’t understand why.
What was the most unexpected thing that happened?
Being told my that I wouldn’t become pregnant due to my egg count being too low cut deep. Having to grieve the loss of not being a mother in the way I had always expected has been so difficult especially as you cannot escape the triggers around you.
EMMA LIVINGSTONE
What’s your experience with menopause?
Navigating menopause while living with a cerebral palsy added unique challenges to my experience. The physical changes of menopause intensified some of my pre-existing symptoms and had a big impact on my mobility and joints. This phase empowered me to listen more to my body and encouragec me to learn more about how to equip myself better to age well with a lifelong disability.
What was the most unexpected thing that happened?
The most unexpected aspect was how the emotional impact felt magnified and how the hormonal changes affected my physical function due to the intersection of menopause and disability. It changed the way I needed to manage my day-to-day physical symptoms, which led me to seek out new strategies for both emotional and physical well-being.
NICKY THOMPSON
What’s your experience with menopause?
So far I feel that it is manageable, but that is because I am fortunate enough to have access to the healthcare that I need, including HRT. I know that not everyone has this experience and I hope that in some way this campaign will help improve knowledge and understanding of women’s health. There should be free access and HRT for all.
What was the most unexpected thing that happened to you while going through menopause?
Solidarity. The community and support of those who are on the same journey as me. In many ways that has come through a camaraderie with each other and making light of shared symptoms – which for me was a real inspiration in developing this campaign. I hope that this campaign will empower more people to feel comfortable as they go through this very normal stage of life.
OLA FAGBOHUN
What’s your experience with menopause?
At first, I didn’t even know the word perimenopause. I was this practical, self-assured woman suddenly overtaken by anxiety, and I couldn’t figure out why. I went from managing life’s ups and downs with calm and compassion to panicking over the smallest, most irrational things. I became obsessed with the idea I’d be arrested—not for any reason, mind you, but it felt real to me. And that fear? It stuck around, settling into my bones. It’s laughable now, but at the time, it was terrifying.
What was the most unexpected thing that happened?
That this is an ongoing journey of self-awareness and self-acceptance. It’s not about surviving menopause—it’s about thriving in my unique way after it. Despite the dominant fear-driven narrative of ‘woe is me’, I knew that if I could make it through my perimenopause storm, others could too, especially those of us from minoritised and marginalised communities.
TATE SMITH
What’s your experience with menopause?
I began experiencing menopausal symptoms at 21 after starting testosterone therapy, including genital dryness and hot flashes. A private endocrinologist diagnosed me after six months of unsuccessful NHS tests. I now manage it with oestrogen cream and at 25, am now starting to experience brain fog.
What was the most unexpected thing that happened?
That I was even going to experience the menopause as a transgender man. I understood that my body would change but was not warned about vaginal atrophy or additional symptoms. I was even more surprised to learn that GPs are not trained to spot symptoms in gender-diverse patients.
ANGELA KITCHEN
What’s your experience with menopause?
My experience has been relatively straightforward. However, it did last over 10 yrs before my final period. The most challenges came from the very erratic and very heavy periods, as I had been very regular previously. Not fun being caught out at work. Out the other side, it is liberating.
What was the most unexpected thing that happened?
The mental and emotional symptoms, such as lack of motivation and anxiety. It took me a while to realise my heightened anxiety during car journeys was related to menopause. It wasn’t easy with two learner drivers around! Thankfully, this has reduced post menopause.
SUE PENNEY
What’s your experience with menopause?
My menopause – well I think it started in my late 40’s (47 ish), just around the time my Dad passed away. So at first I thought how I was feeling was connected to that. My Mum was also poorly around the same time and then moved closer to me. I spent a good while just sorting all that out. Finally, I realised I needed to get myself sorted.
What was the most unexpected thing that happened?
The struggle it is to get the right HRT that works for you (if it works at all) – we are different so not one size fits all.
ARPANA CHAVDA
What’s your experience with menopause?
I have seen family/friends/peers go through menopause so thought I would be well prepared and equipped. I was definitely not prepared for the range of symptoms. Although the physical symptoms bother me it is more the mental changes I am finding challenging. Some days I don’t recognise myself.
What was the most unexpected thing that happened?
Being a confident, sociable, calm person in general I suddenly found my self-esteem and confidence plummet rapidly. Becoming angry and sad for no real reason can leave me feeling isolated and lonely as I feel nobody fully understands what I am going through or would think I was using menopause as an excuse.
KERRY THOMAS
What’s your experience with menopause?
When i was told i was perimenopausal. It was an unexpected diagnosis, as I hadn’t experienced the common symptoms like hot flashes or irregular periods. Instead, I was struggling with fatigue and memory issues, (Brain Fog). I felt like I’d lost my spark and I thought something sinister was going on and also feeling so tired all the time is just awful.
What was the most unexpected thing that happened?
What was the most unexpected thing that happened to you while going through menopause?
The most unexpected thing for me during menopause was discovering that I was perimenopausal at such a young age. I didn’t fit the typical symptoms, so it was a shock to learn that my fatigue and memory issues were related to menopause. Now I take supplements which helps & I hope my spark comes back.
ZEPH CHURCHILL
What’s your experience with menopause?
I became menopausal at 43 waking up with the bed drenched, hot flushes, brain fog and lacking confidence & I shouted at EVERYONE! My GP treated me for anxiety. It wasn’t until my hysterectomy and HRT at 47 that I realised what had happened. I wish I knew then what I know now.
What was the most unexpected thing that happened?
The subtle grief of losing my identity. A once confident woman suffering with ‘brain flushing’ (words vanishing mid-sentence and thought evaporation) leading me to doubt my ability to function effectively. Routine tasks made me anxious and tested my patience with a mind and body that I no longer trusted. It’s no wonder I took up shouting as a hobby!
DEE AHMAD
What’s your experience with menopause?
My experience with Menopause is not so great, although I’m not fully into it yet but it has been a constant roller coaster of emotions and unexpected physical changes, which I’ve managed to cope with, but I really wish they go away forever!
What was the most unexpected thing that happened?
I have not had any major unexpected thing as I am still perimenopausal, but I’d say anxiety is something I didn’t think will hit me as hard as it did!
CHERYL MONK
What’s your experience with menopause?
Standing at a hotel window on a snowy, winter evening in Newcastle with my top up flashing anyone that walked by and not being bothered as I was so hot, whilst my non-menopause friend wrapped herself in the bed quilt shivering!
What was the most unexpected thing that happened?
Ringing the doctors in a very distressed state and a lovely receptionist getting me an appointment with the menopause doctor that same day – I will be forever grateful to her as I was prescribed HRT patches which have made me feel more like me again!
TONI HOLT
What’s your experience with menopause?
My experience was horrendous in that I had the worst anxiety I’ve ever known. I still have the odd bit of anxiety but am on medication for that. Brain fog is still ongoing too.
What was the most unexpected thing that happened?
Finding out there are Menopause clinics, then being in stirrups at St. Mary’s having a coil fitted…. for the Progesterone. I also realised what an amazing group of friends I have and a supportive partner. And that you are not alone.
IARA DE CASTRO
What’s your experience with menopause?
I am having a longer relationship with menopause. Something I didn’t think I would go through, because it was never talked about. I have had different symptoms including hot flushes, tiredness, and probably other symptoms that I don’t know are linked to the menopause.
What was the most unexpected thing that happened?
I think the most unexpected things is that I didn’t know that it can take years for some people to go through, and I am one of them going through that now.