Episode 88:

Why menopause isn't an old age problem

We’ve been led to believe that menopause happens because you’re old; it’s the start of the end of your life.

Photo of Nicola Farndell host of the Women's Health Unwrapped podcast helping women in midlife to live healthier, happier lives

“It can be such a long journey and that's what I really want women to be aware of, because the stronger and healthier you are, as young as possible, then the more you can minimise some of the symptoms because that is possible through a healthy lifestyle, but also to be mentally prepared as well, because a big part of it is the mental shift around what’s happening to you.”

— Nicola Farndell

Photo of Suzie Martin a guest on the Women's Health Unwrapped podcast sharing her menopause story

“The doctor looked at me like I was mad and actually looked like I was crazy. I was very, very young, highly unlikely. That's what I was told, highly unlikely. So I was sent away again with a leaflet on how to be happy. I went home and I just plodded on for another three years.”

— Suzie Martin

Can you be ‘too young’ to be menopausal? Menopause has been positioned in society as something that means you’re ageing. It means you’re getting old, past it, and it’s led to so many women feeling inadequate and past their prime when they shift into the menopause season of life.

Thankfully this perception and stigma of menopause is shifting, however there’s still an attitude in younger women, and even women in their mid to late forties, that they’re too young to think about it, or make any shifts to their lifestyle and habits to better protect their health and prepare for their menopausal transition.

Suzie Martin is with me today to talk about how she started to experience perimenopausal symptoms in her thirties and how it’s affected her overall health, wellbeing and happiness. We explore why all women need the right knowledge around menopause to support themselves but also how every woman, regardless of their age, should be prioritising their health to support the changes menopause brings.

In our conversation we talk about:

  • How perimenopause showed up for Suzie.

  • The challenges in knowing if what you’re experiencing is menopause related or due to the stresses and strains of normal life, and why this can be even harder to identify when you’re younger.

  • The importance of advocating for yourself when seeking help for your symptoms and changes.

  • What early and premature menopause are.

  • Lifestyle changes that can help support your health and wellbeing.

  • The empowering effect menopause can offer many women.

  • Suzie’s advice on what 3 simple steps you can take to build better habits for strong health for all women.

About Suzie:

I am an Independent Mortgage Adviser, providing a full mortgage solution. I am a huge advocate and supporter of female entrepreneurs and founded the ‘Women of Steel’ group in the North-East of England to bring like-minded and ambitious women together.

Connect with Suzie:

LinkedIn

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“I just thought I had to fight through menopause and didn’t realise

could actually support myself to feel great!.”

If you want to thrive through and beyond menopause to live a great life, please rate and review the show! This helps to support more women — just like you — to take control of their menopause and feel healthy and happy. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.”

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Do you wish you could feel like YOU again?

Are you fed-up with all the changes menopause has thrown at you?

Yep, menopause can wreak havoc with your confidence, health and happiness, but it doesn’t need to be like this! It is possible to thrive in menopause!

Get my brand new FREE guide with 10 proven ways to enhance your wellbeing and rediscover the joy of living life to the fullest.

It’s time to feel good again with:

‘10 Ways to Feel Good Again: Your Perimenopausal Revival Guide’