Own Your Menopause

There is no one-size-fits-all experience of menopause, but unfortunately for many the symptoms can be severe and can affect all areas of life. One of our Talking Menopause Champions, Nicki Farrell (TechWomen1002022 Winner) shares her story of how menopause has affected her, and the actions she’s taking to help others going through the same...

“I have been perimenopausal for the last 3 years but battled for 2 and a half years with being told by multiple GPs “you’re too young”, despite being 44. The cognitive side affects hit me hard; low mood, extreme rage, brain fog, memory loss, and issues with my confidence literally getting to rock bottom. Combined with low energy and constant niggles, I lost my spark for most things including my love for running – which is not me at all. My desperation point was asking my husband to hide strong painkillers I used for hormonal headaches, as I was at a point where it would be easier not to be here, to deal with life (of course, it was the hormones talking)

I am fortunate to have been able to seek private treatment via The Newson Health Menopause & Wellbeing Centre, and the HRT prescribed quite literally saved me. 3 months in and haven’t looked back. I’ve even taken a minute off my course PB at my local parkrun – there's life in these legs yet!”

Nicki is running the 100k Dulux Race to the King on Saturday 17th June 2023, and is raising money in aid of The Menopause Charity.

“Race to the King is to prove to me and others that hormonal change doesn’t mean life has to stop - with the right support, anything is possible!  I am raising funds and awareness for The Menopause Charity who work to help everyone understand perimenopause and menopause, so no one needlessly suffers.

As well as the 100k, I have recently trained to become a Menopause Champion with Talking Menopause. I’m also working with my local parkrun to provide “Meno-walk & talk” to support others who are either going through menopause or know someone who is.

#OwnYourMenopause”

Read more on Nicki’s website here

If you would like to support Nicki on her 100k challenge, take a look at her JustGiving page here.

Nicki completed her Menopause Champion training with us in May and had this to say; “thank you for your time and insights on the course, super valuable and insightful. I went in feeling I knew a little from my own experience and came out more empowered to have a conversation with conviction!”