Claire's journey: Navigating horrific menopause symptoms

We chatted to Claire Hattrick, otherwise known as the Executive Menopause Coach, on how years of battling with some extreme psychological and physical symptoms of the menopause led to her developing a passion for helping other women feel supported and empowered through this journey in their lives.

Claire’s story

The struggle with undiagnosed menopause

Claire's journey began with a decade-long struggle against undiagnosed menopause joint pain, a debilitating experience that consumed 10 precious years of her life. Visiting multiple healthcare professionals, Claire found herself lost in a medical maze, where menopause was rarely considered. Her turning point came through an unexpected source—a male physiotherapist, to whom 11 consultants had referred her. It was he who first brought up the idea of checking her hormone levels for menopause, challenging the narrative that framed Claire’s symptoms purely in physical terms. This moment marked a pivotal shift in Claire's understanding of her own body and ignited a drive to spare other women from similar experiences.

Anxiety became a familiar, unwelcome companion during Claire's journey, manifesting well before any physical menopause symptoms made themselves known. In a particularly telling moment, Claire recalls her first anxiety attack, which prompted her to stop the car on the road. This psychological turmoil often preceded physical symptoms and was a clear sign of the lack of awareness surrounding the emotional aspects of menopause. Claire says understanding these psychological symptoms is essential to equipping women with the knowledge to navigate menopause more effectively.

Menopause resources

Why is bone health so important in menopause?

8 Unusual Signs of the Menopaus e

How to know if you’re starting menopause

How to talk to your doctor about menopause

The healthcare system: A call for change

Claire's experience highlighted a significant deficiency in the healthcare system: the lack of menopause training for general practitioners and specialists alike. Her dissatisfaction wasn't about vilifying GPs but rather about advocating for systemic change, specifically the need for menopause education among healthcare providers. Claire believes that better-informed doctors could have prevented her lost decade and the pain that accompanied undiagnosed symptoms.

Despite her firm belief in the capabilities of the NHS, Claire has consistently advocated for mandatory menopause education at a governmental level.

Her journey through the healthcare system was not without frustration, but Claire chose to channel that energy into advocating for change rather than criticising the individuals who had tried to help her. She acknowledges the dedication of GPs and the NHS, emphasising that it is the system, not the practitioners, that requires reform.

The importance of education

Claire emphasises, "Women have got no clue. There's nearly 70 symptoms, and we talk about the main ones, but we don't talk about the other little ones that can have a huge effect and be really debilitating on your life."

Claire's story is a call for education, not just for women but for everyone. She stresses that understanding menopause needs to happen on multiple levels. Schools need to bridge the gap by teaching not only the basic symptoms but also the psychological aspects like anxiety and panic attacks that often precede physical symptoms. Knowledge leads to empowerment, and as Claire says, "education, education, education" is vital to prepare future generations.

A significant part of Claire's mission involves dispelling myths and providing women with a comprehensive menopause toolbox. She acknowledges that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is not a one-size-fits-all solution, emphasising lifestyle changes and informed choices. Addressing the misconceptions surrounding menopause helps women make better decisions about their health without relying solely on outdated maternal experiences.

Discover our Menopause Hub, it includes resources to help support women through all stages of the menopause.

Key takeaway

Claire's journey from undiagnosed pain to becoming an empowered Executive Menopause Coach demonstrates the transformative power of education and open conversation. Her dedication to spreading awareness and support helps demystify menopause and encourages a supportive environment for all. Through stories like Claire’s, we can collectively work to destigmatize menopause, ensuring that women everywhere receive the understanding and support they deserve.

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