Three women from Suffolk share their menopause journeys

While half of us will experience the menopause at some point in our lives, few understand quite how severe the symptoms will be.  

With Suffolk Libraries having unveiled a series of ‘M-Powered’ support groups for those experiencing the menopause or perimenopause (a transitional period when you experience the symptoms of menopause, but your periods have not yet stopped), three women have come forward to share their stories.  

Jen Evans from Kesgrave 

Jen Evans is 45 and hosts a Menopause Café where anyone can come along for free and talk about menopause and the impact it has on their life. Image: Suffolk Libraries (Image: Suffolk Libraries)

Menpause campaigners: Mariella Frostrup, Karen Arthur, Carol Vorderman and Kate Muir, author and documentary maker, answering questions in front of the Women and Equalities Select Committee at the House of Commons, London. Image: PA (Image: PA)

It took Jen two and a half years from first consulting a GP about her symptoms to finally getting a prescription for hormone replacement therapy (HRT). 

She said: “My first clue that my hormones were changing was July 2020; I was 42.   It was a time in everyone’s lives when everything was explained with the caveat ‘It’s another impact of Covid isn’t it?’ 

“So, that’s just what I thought, when my period arrived just 15 days after the one before it.  Things returned to ‘normal’ – my normal being a period that arrived whenever it felt like it.  These bleeds became very heavy. 

“We know our ‘normal’ and for me, this was heavy; two pairs of pants full of sanitary products heavy, that would see me through until 3am when a hot sweat would wake me and I’d then go and change my clothes, sanitary protection and occasionally the sheets type of heavy.” 

Jen also suffered from anxiety. When she discussed her symptoms with her GP and asked if she could be starting the menopause, the GP said this was not possible as she was still bleeding and increased her antidepressant prescription. 

Mary-Jane Budd from Capel St Mary 

Mary-Jane Budd went through the menopause at 51. Image: Suffolk Libraries (Image: Suffolk Libraries)

Carol Vorderman is among several celebrities to have spoken openly about her experience of the menopause. Image: PA (Image: PA)

Mary-Jane went through the menopause at 51, but in hindsight believes she had been perimenopausal for eight years prior. She found the overwhelming anxiety the most difficult symptom to cope with. 

She said: “This had a big effect on my life, and I found myself questioning whether I was capable of continuing with my career. I am a Chartered Psychologist and have been working as a Senior Lecturer at the University of East London for the past nine years. 

"I had been focusing on a senior management career pathway and after taking time off sick due to my anxiety, I realised that I would not be able to cope with the stress of this pathway. I did see the Occupational therapy team at one point, but they were completely useless! Having no idea about the effects of menopause. 

“Since going part-time, I have used my own experience of menopause as a springboard into becoming an advocate for women going through this life stage.” 

Terri Regent from Ipswich 

Terri said that nobody should suffer in silence and every person on their menopause journey should have access to resources and education. Image: Suffolk Libraries (Image: Suffolk Libraries)

Karen Arthur, Founder, Menopause Whilst Black, answering questions in front of the Women and Equalities Select Committee at the House of Commons, London, on the subject of Menopause and the workplace. Image: PA (Image: PA)

“In retrospect, I was potentially in perimenopause for a number of years without really being aware that was what it was because nobody tells you!  

“I began to experience frequent migraines, which I also had as a teen, and irregular bleeding which was very heavy and often with only a few days break before it began again.  

“I had no idea what was happening, visited my doctor five times and was offered medication to stop the bleed and pain medication for the migraines. No mention of perimenopause. 

“It got to the point where my symptoms began to affect my mental wellbeing, causing anxiety because of their erratic nature and the subsequent embarrassment if I had a heavy bleed in a public place. It affected my sleep patterns and I felt constantly exhausted. I was basically suffering in silence and made the decision to educate myself and do anything that I could to improve my quality of life.  

"I have been post-menopausal for approximately five years now and when my periods actually stopped I felt so much relief."

In 2021, private healthcare provider Bupa reported that almost one million women had been forced to leave their jobs due to menopause symptoms. Image: PA (Image: PA)

Suffolk Libraries M-Power sessions offer are friendly and informal meetings for those experiencing the menopause. 

Sessions will take place at the following libraries:  

Stowmarket Library – every Wednesday from 4pm  

Mildenhall Library – ever Wednesday from 5.30pm  

Chantry Library in Ipswich – third Friday of the month from 2.30pm 

Glemsford Library – first Wednesday of the month from 7pm  

Gainsborough Library – every Monday from 7pm to 9pm.  

For more information about Suffolk Libraries’ Menopause & Me programme, visit suffolklibraries.co.uk/menopause