This Menopause Awareness Month we sat down with 5 unique and empowered women on their menopausal journey. We asked them to share their insights, advice and real menopause stories.  

From changes in skin and hair, to shifts in mood, energy levels and hormones, menopause manifests in a multitude of ways. What greater way to celebrate menopause awareness month, than by sharing authentic voices discussing real menopause stories. 50% of the population will go through menopause...so let's talk about it. 

Hilary, Co-Founder of Paused: A Champion for Mid-Life Women 

Hilary initially thought menopause was all about hot flushes and night sweats. When actually, she found the biggest changes were related to sleep and depleted energy levels. As a result, she sought help from a Gynaecologist. Hilary discovered she had low testosterone, a hormone often overlooked in women’s health. Now with a combination of the HRT (including Testosterone) and natural supplements, Hilary has found her menopause stride and has gone on to create and launch a menopausal wellness and supplement company Paused.  

Recognising the profound physical and emotional shifts that menopause can usher in, Hilary embarked on a journey of research, understanding, and personal introspection. Her vision was clear: to create a haven where women could find the resources, products, and community they need to navigate this natural transition with confidence, grace, and vitality.  

We sat down with Hilary to deep dive into her menopause story and learn from her empowerment... 

"It’s an individual journey but there is help out there"

What do you wish you knew before you entered menopause?  

" I wish I’d really understood the symptoms of menopause. I thought it was just hot flushes and night sweats. For me I did experience some hot flushes, but the biggest changes were to my sleep and energy levels. Although, I thought this was just a natural part of getting older and that there was very little I could do about it.” 

“I found the early fluctuations in my cycle both embarrassing and inconvenient. I went from being really regular to totally unpredictable. Once I’d spoken to a brilliant Gynaecologist, she fitted me with a coil then tested my hormone levels and showed me that in particular, my testosterone level was non-existent. I hadn’t even realised that was relevant to my wellbeing as nobody ever talked about testosterone levels in women. Now with the combination of the HRT (including Testosterone) and natural supplements, I feel ready to live life normally again.”    

What advice would you give women entering menopause?  

“Talk to people. 51% of the population will go through menopause and the other 49% will know women going through it. It impacts on every aspect of our lives plus the 49% of the population- our families, relationships, work life everything. Yet for years, it's not been talked about, hidden away. And that makes you feel more isolated. “ 

“The more people share their experiences, the more we can share some of the options to support. Whether its HRT, diet and lifestyle, supplements or a combination of all of them, there really is no need to suffer in isolated silence.” 

What have you found most liberating about your menopause experience?  

“It’s made me more passionate to advocate for women in mid-life and the contribution we make to society. The idea that we are defined by our ability to give birth, or are defined as someone's mum, wife, partner - it frustrates the hell out of me. I’m a woman in my 50s. I work, I socialise, I volunteer, I vote, I opine, I advocate, I argue and most importantly I play. And I intend to do all of these things for as long as I possibly can and to champion the contribution that we mid-life women make to the world!” 

How do you live your best menopause? 

“Personally, i have done so much research. I wanted to understand what was going on with my body and my mind. I studied a Menopause Practitioner course because I wanted to be MORE informed. And then - with the help of others - I found what worked for me. It’s an individual journey but there is help out there.”  

“Find your clan, ask your female friends - I cannot believe how many conversations about menstrual flow, flooding, symptoms the whole works I have with women now. We are hungry for advice and support. My mission in life now is to help all women to find their own personal solution, to advocate for better menopause awareness and support. As a menopausal woman, how lucky am I? I’m still here, enjoying and living life to the full. What a privilege I have been given.”

What advice would you share to help others do the same? 

“I think that as women, we have been conditioned to feel shame and embarrassment at the totally natural changes that take place in our minds and bodies over our lifetimes. The awkwardness of a period at school time, hiding tampons at work, hiding menopause symptoms. These are entirely natural occurrences in our lives, and I think we need to celebrate what our bodies are capable of. So, keep talking, keep asking, never feel embarrassed and if you don’t get the answer you need, go again, ask again until you have YOUR answer. Then get on with enjoying life to the full!” 

This Menopause Awareness Month, let’s continue the conversation. We must celebrate the changes, and embrace the wisdom that comes with this transformative life stage. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking for solutions to specific menopause symptoms, know that you are not alone—and there are plenty of resources and communities to help you thrive! 

Share your real menopause stories with us @thesolutionuk