When you work in this space, it is your passion and mission to educate, support and guide everyone else and then this happened…
“Nicola, how is your menopause nowadays?”
My reply…
“Funny you should ask. Nobody usually asks me that question and the reason I delayed our meeting is because I’ve just got back from the doctors.”
What I hadn’t realised in 2026, whilst life/work, was happening… my symptoms were changing again and one by one they have crept up on me (yes, and I’m an expert in this field…I KNOW!!)
Aching joints
Yep, they are back. However, I put this down to the fact that I decided to stop taking testosterone in May… that was my answer.
Hot
“We’re all hot, Nicola” I get that… but I was continuously HOT! I mean sweating just getting ready to go out, awake for hours on end trying to get to sleep because my body was on fire. My feet, yes… my feet! A symptom I had back in my 30’s… burning soles of feet. They cooled around 12.30am and then I could drift off (for a while).
Anxiety
I run workshops on anxiety. I know what to do. I know how to manage it. I was doing all the things. Still, it kept bubbling and I did not like it!
Tolerance
I pride myself on my amount of tolerance (I’m talking home life) nowadays but a lack of it was starting to kick in.
Sleep deprivation
Quite honestly, in the past 6 months, I don’t believe I have slept more than a handful of full nights and even those include the normal 3am trip to the toilet! Hours awake – legs twitching, muscles aching, too hot… snoring!
Brain function
Good for work – a disaster at home! I just don’t remember things. This week I went paddle boarding and forgot the pump… simple stuff. Still, I don’t beat myself up about it, but I am aware.
So… that’s six symptoms I’ve quickly listed. There are more… Each one on their own… ok. Add them together, add some life into the mix, add a very hot summer and yes, even I realised I needed to go back to the doctor.
What was the result:
My oestrogen level is low – up the HRT patch. Upon reviewing a previous blood test in February… it was also low then!
My testosterone level is less than mid-way point – I’m back on it.
One very simple message I always share… FIGHT YOUR OWN CORNER (and don’t wait to do it!)
