Wild Women: Karen, my perimenopause story

1. Did you feel prepared for perimenopause?

Not at all. It came out of the blue. I was 49 and really struggled with brain fog, flushing, insomnia, painful breasts and mood swings, all symptoms I’d never experienced before. It had a direct impact on my personal and professional life.

2. Tell us a little more about that…

I remember having to cancel a really important interview for a brilliant job, half an hour before it was scheduled. I just couldn’t think straight and was overwhelmed with panic. This is so not me. I’m normally very confident and excel in interview situations. I knew I needed to take action, so I tried a few supplements from different brands and I felt like all they did was make my pee yellow! So I really researched lots of different supplements and recommendations and I found Wild Nutrition. I live in Sussex so the local, ethical aspect really appealed to me. Food-Grown® seemed like a brilliant innovation to ensure maximum absorption.

3. Were you able to re-apply for that job?

Sadly no, so I missed that opportunity. It was a contract working as a guidance manager in education that needed to be filled. I had a very good chance of getting it but my brain just wouldn’t work. Definitely brain fog.

4. And which supplements did you choose?

I wanted to try the Botanical Menopause Complex because all the ingredients appeared in my research. I also ordered Ashwagandha KSM-66 and the Daily Multi Nutrient 45+. I booked a free consultation with one of your nutritional therapists for advice on how to take the supplements for best effect and I can honestly say I felt a positive impact in the first week. I’ve now been taking them for almost four months and they’re definitely helping. I would 100% recommend them to anyone perimenopausal. Two months ago I was away and forgot to bring my supplements. By the third day I noticed a difference.

5. Anything else you've found helped in dealing with perimenopause?

Yoga, three to four times per week. It’s so grounding. And talking to other women - relations, colleagues and friends - that female connection is so important. We actually have a Menopause Group at work which is incredibly helpful, a supportive space to feel safe and not judged.

6. Let’s future gaze. What are you hoping for in 2023 and beyond?

I’m very fortunate that I have a one-month trip to Australia planned to see my daughter. I’m so excited. I saw her last summer and hadn’t seen her for two years before that. Generally, I’m looking to find more balance, seeing more of my family and friends and focusing on my yoga and health.

7. And finally, if you could pass on one piece of advice to younger Karen, what would it be?

I would say to trust myself and to go for it when opportunities present themselves. Trust your instinct and strive for what you want. Make time for your mental health and wellbeing, enjoy meditation and get into yoga from your teenage years!