The Menopause & HRT Discussion Group on Facebook began over a decade ago, shortly after my surgery to remove one ovary. Although my other ovary was left in place due to excessive cysts, it was non-functioning—marking the start of my perimenopausal journey. The effects on my physical and mental health were profound, and at that time, support and information were scarce.

Creating this group has been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling things I have ever done. It’s a free, welcoming space where women of all ages can come together, share experiences, and support each other.

Over the years, I’ve taken my advocacy beyond the group - joining rallies, proudly supporting campaigns, and becoming a member of the Menopause Mandate, attending Parliamentary functions. My story has been featured in Cracking the Menopause by Mariella Frostrup and Alice Smellie, highlighted in Menopausing by Davina McCall and Dr. Naomi Potter, and included in the Menopause Mandate’s book It’s Beyond a Joke! I’ve shared my journey on local radio, podcasts, TV, newspapers, and magazines.

Each year, I speak to second-year medical students at Southampton University Hospital as a patient expert, and addressed large companies to raise awareness among both men and women. In the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of hosting live conversations with incredible women including Davina McCall, Dame Kelly Holmes, Tamzin Outhwaite, Dr. Nighat Arif, Michelle Griffith Robinson, Kate Muir, Kate Rowe-Ham, Dr Naomi Potter, Dr Liz Andrew’s, Denise Welch to name a few.

My knowledge comes from both lived experience and formal training through several menopause education programs. I now work with Menopause Care Ltdas a Support Mentor - something I feel truly privileged to do - alongside helping Davina McCall manage her free support group Menopausing & Me, another vibrant community for women of all ages. My mission is simple:- to provide understanding, empathy, and guidance on HRT and all aspects of menopause.

Menopause stole years from my life. If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be this:

“Be prepared. Understand what’s coming. Surgical menopause is brutal, and no one warns you about the physical and mental toll. Educate yourself, ask questions, and never be afraid to seek the help you deserve.”