Who I am

Hi, my name is Helen your menopause coach, wellness mentor, life coach and a women in perimenopause. Having turned 50 in early 2024, I had imagined this milestone differently—perhaps I would feel empowered, ready to conquer the world with all the wisdom I had accumulated over five decades. But as I walked to my car, I felt a heaviness settle on my shoulders, a familiar weight that I had been grappling with for quite some time.

The past few years have been a whirlwind of emotional ebbs and flows with work and indeed personal life. Perimenopause has now crept into my life like an unwelcome guest, disrupting my sleep, igniting my emotions, and casting shadows over my sense of self. Hot flashes would strike without warning, reminding me that my body was undergoing a transformation I hadn’t asked for. I often caught myself struggling to concentrate during meetings, fumbling over words, and feeling an unbearable frustration brush against my moral fibre. My work environment, usually a place of camaraderie and growth, had begun to feel like a battleground.

Despite my dedication, I started to contemplate the impossible: resignation. I had worked tirelessly to develop a reputation built on trust and professionalism, yet here I was, pinned to my desk by a series of physiological changes that I felt no one understood. The looming thought of leaving behind my colleagues and the work I was passionate about filled me with dread.
One evening, after an especially taxing day, I came home and realised the truth: I was caught in a cycle of trying to cope with the demands of my job while grappling with the shifts within my own body. I felt invisible in the workplace, not because of any fault of my colleagues but because of the stigma surrounding menopause. It was as if I had suddenly lost a part of my identity in the shadows of societal perception.

Post-resignation, I found the time to reflect on my journey and the paths I wanted to create for myself and others. I felt passionately that employers should have a clear plan in place for employees undergoing changes like perimenopause, fostering an atmosphere of understanding rather than stigma. No one should feel forced out of their career when life throws unexpected challenges their way.

The conversations about menopause needs to shift—no longer hushed whispers in dimly lit rooms or judgments veiled in misunderstanding. As a new advocate for change, I vowed to use my experiences to help others through their own difficulties. With the confidence that comes from vulnerability, I decided to start my journey, as I wanted to create a space where women could share their stories, seek advice, and support one another through this often-silenced phase of life.

I am looking to grow a community of like minded ladies, who have blossomed around shared experiences, laughter, tears, and resources for navigating both the corporate and personal realms of menopause. I have collected anecdotes and insights from women of all ages and backgrounds, reaffirming that every voice mattered, and every story had its place in this tapestry of womanhood. Together, we can challenge the stigma surrounding menopause and lay the groundwork for more open discussions within workplaces and anywhere it is needed.

As I moved beyond my 50th birthday, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. I looked forward to starting new ventures where I could mentor others, providing the empathy and support I so desperately craved when I felt isolated in my struggles. This journey has led me to an unexpected haven—one that was brimming with understanding and compassion.

It will take time to change the narrative surrounding menopause and the workplace, but I am now ready to step into that arena, equipped with my collective experience, empathy, and a torch to light the way forward for others. Right by their side, I would ensure that no one else ever felt alone in this profound chapter of our lives.