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 So it's #InternationalWomen'sDay and as a woman I feel compelled to write about something, to inspire other women and share my experience of 45 years around the sun. 

No surprise to my friends, I'm writing about menopause. But not the hot flushes and night sweats - they are horrid, but I am focusing on mood disorders that are exacerbated or triggered by the perimenopausal hormone changes. 



I'm talking brain fog, memory issues so much so you think you have dementia, anxiety leading to phobias, and the depression which is all-consuming. I want to share that I have all this every 3-4 weeks at the moment and have done now for nearly 5 years. Surely this will end soon? They say 10 years is possible.

I've recently started following Louise Newson from Balance; she's a doctor with really great advice and support around menopause and all the problems it brings for women. As well as Davina Mcall, she and Dr Greenhouse are sending out a very clear message which resonates with me: menopause can be hellish for some women. I'm on the list for a hysterectomy.

So what am I trying to say? If this is you, reach out. Find IAMPD and follow their support groups. I want to set up a menopause cafe in the South West of England, but for mood issues; I want to find women like me, to get some support and validation.

Happy #IWD. 



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