A Journey Through Menopause: Finding Strength in Community and Support

By The Uplift Magazine | 16 October 2024 | TAGS: Menopause, Women & Girls, "Active Ageing", health, Bury

To mark World Menopause Day 2024, we're highlighting stories from those experiencing menopause across Greater Manchester.

Here is Chani's Story.

I count the day I first visited the physiotherapy department at Bury Fairfield Hospital as one of the luckiest of my life. It wasn’t because I discovered I had a prolapse after a hysterectomy (believe me, that’s a leaky business and far from exciting). No, the life-changing part was meeting the physiotherapist and having a conversation that took me down a path I never imagined. 

My menopause journey started more than 20 years ago, in my late 30s, though I didn’t realise it at the time. Mood swings, irregular cycles, and other symptoms that I now recognise as perimenopause went unnoticed. Alongside this, I was also suffering from severe back, abdominal, groin, and kidney pain. When my GP finally acknowledged that this wasn’t something to be brushed aside, I was referred to a urologist. 

By the time I saw him, the pain had become so unbearable I could barely walk. After running some tests, the urologist’s expression told me something was wrong. He suspected a growth and sent me straight to gynaecology. Long story short, I was diagnosed with a large fibroid pressing on my bladder, and a complete hysterectomy was my only option. 

What I didn’t realise was that this would plunge me into full-blown, surgically induced menopause at 50. It wasn’t the birthday gift I’d hoped for. I expected hot flashes and mood swings, but the reality was far more overwhelming. Out of the 30+ symptoms associated with menopause, I experienced around three-quarters of them. 

Unfortunately, the advice I received at the time left me feeling completely unsupported. I was told by my mother that HRT could cause cancer, and the doctor, rather dismissively, said I could take HRT if I wanted, without really explaining the benefits or how crucial it could be for managing my symptoms. It felt as though HRT was an afterthought, not a legitimate treatment option. I missed out on years of relief because of this lack of clear, empowering information. 

I believe this failure in guidance is something far too many women experience, and it’s one of the reasons I am so passionate about raising awareness. I want women to know their options, to be informed, and to feel confident in their choices. Menopause is already a challenging time—we shouldn’t be left to navigate it with incomplete or dismissive advice. 

Because I was unable to manage my symptoms effectively, I developed a prolapse due to a lack of exercise and the overall toll on my body. This part of my journey started during Covid. When I finally saw Jo-Anne Ardin, a physio, I was in rough shape. Her advice and support were a turning point for me. During our conversation, I shared the work I was doing in the Jewish community around midlife issues for women. I explained that many in our community, because of modesty, don’t openly discuss these matters, leaving many unaware of the services available. I wanted to take the taboo out of women’s health—it’s crucial for our future. 

That’s when the idea of hosting an open day for women’s health took shape, and I was introduced to Shelley Caulfield and her team at Bury Live Well. Under Shelley’s guidance, and with the incredible support of Jane Straccia and Dr. Zoe Hodson, I was able to bring much-needed menopause awareness to my community. The team has been pivotal in making these conversations possible and creating a safe space where women feel comfortable participating. 

Shelley’s leadership gave me the opportunity to host group sessions that bring women together to talk openly about menopause and midlife challenges. These group sessions are empowering—women who might have stayed silent before are now sharing their experiences, and we are building a community of support. The trust we’ve developed has been invaluable, and I can see how the information and resources we provide are making a difference in their lives. 

Shelley also secured funding for me to become a certified menopause support coach, which has further enabled me to be an active part of this change, she also made me aware of a grant made available from Womens Health Community Fund, by Wellbeing of Women which allocated the charity I volunteer at funding to continue growing our Uplifting The Menopause Conversations project. Together, we’re driving awareness not just in Bury, but in the wider community as well. 

As for me, I finally started HRT, nine years after my hysterectomy, and it has completely transformed how I feel. I also attend Shelley’s fantastic exercise classes, which have restored my confidence in my ability to move again. Though I’m one of the younger participants, these classes have been pivotal in the trajectory of my recovery. 

For more on Chani's story, please contact: [email protected] 

www.theupliftmagazine.com 

The Uplift Magazine is part of the Inform-All Project Charity in Prestwich