Lisa, Age 43
In 2011, I was on a career break in Rome with my now husband literally living a love story. I had finished a two year contract working in Abu Dhabi and needed to reset and figure out what my next career move would be.
I was first diagnosed with cervical cancer in April, 2011 and had surgery to remove my cervix in August. After the great news of clear margins I got on with my life in Rome and went back to the doctor for a six month check up in January, 2012. Unfortunately the tumour had grown back and I needed to start intense chemotherapy and radiation for a recurring tumour.
I was propelled into menopause in January, 2012 at the young age of 32.
During cancer treatment I experienced horrendous lows but unfortunately I couldn’t take Hormone Replacement therapy (HRT) as it would interfere with the treatment. I was offered anti-depressants but I refused them as I didn’t want to take another chemical and therefore suffered badly. It almost broke me!
After cancer treatment I was put on HRT as I was so young and had to protect my heart and bones. I was so thrilled to be leaving the hospital cancer free I didn’t ask any questions regarding menopause and HRT. I just wanted to get my life back.
In the first few years of menopause, the symptoms I suffered with most were memory loss (so severe I thought I was getting dementia), brain fog, anxiety, aching bones and muscles, extreme lethargy, mood swings and low libido. To be honest I put these down to cancer recovery rather than menopause.
I started my job as the Sports Nutrition Manager at the Hong Kong Sports Institute in 2014, 2.5 years into menopause post cancer treatment. I had the worst imposter syndrome and probably cried 3 out of 5 days each week. I was so thankful to have my own private office. It was hard because I had no peers to talk to about menopause and the management of symptoms but also, I didn’t have the brain space at the time to do the research for myself.
In April, 2017 my doctor in Hong Kong saw me at my worst and begged me to let her help. She offered me a common SSRI (a type of antidepressant) and, honestly, I was so reluctant to take it as I wanted to ‘do it naturally’. She explained the science of serotonin and how it affected my mood and I agreed to take it. Within 2 weeks I was a new woman. I was running and hiking instead of lying on the sofa, I was brighter, less moody and had reduced brain fog. Why didn’t I try this sooner? This doctor literally changed my life and I will be forever grateful.
Since April 2017, I have completed a lot of training and education on menopause, I have become a better advocate for my own health and I now have two beautiful children via surrogacy. Menopause continues to be a learning experience but I feel much more equipped with knowledge to deal with whatever comes my way. Now it’s time to give back and support other women who may be feeling lonely or overwhelmed like I did before I ‘was seen’.
Menopause has taught me so much about myself and even though it’s tough at times I am grateful for the learning experience, as I am more in tune with my body and mind than ever before.
