Maureen (age 55): “I would lose my patience, in particular with my son”

Maureen is 55 years old. She has two sons and works as a project manager. Maureen used to have a balanced life. A woman brimming with energy who was hardly ever annoyed or angry. Then menopause changed everything. It started with little things, like sweating during an important presentation or feeling irritable out of nowhere. Things progressed slowly from there. “I used to be a happy and patient person, but suddenly I would blow up over the smallest of things. I wasn't myself anymore, especially when around my family,” says Maureen. 

“I would lose my patience, in particular with my son”

Her eldest son, Jayden, has ADHD and still lives at home. Before menopause, Maureen had endless patience for her son. Now she struggled to cope with his energetic nature and frequent demands for attention. “Conversations would go off the rails. This made me feel guilty because I knew it wasn’t his fault, but I just couldn't control myself. The combination of his unpredictable behaviour and my mood swings was a recipe for disaster.” 

Menopause also affected Maureen’s performance at work. She was easily distracted and her moods became more erratic. “My colleagues noticed the change in me, which made it even harder. Thankfully, some of them were also going through menopause. Despite the support, I felt worse as time went on. It was almost as if a stranger had inhabited my body.” 

It was almost as if a stranger had inhabited my body.

Searching for a solution

Then things started to get out of hand. During a team meeting, a small remark made by a colleague triggered an argument, causing Maureen to burst into tears. “This was the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back. I realised that I couldn’t go on like this. I needed help.” Her GP prescribed antidepressants, but after a few weeks she felt even worse. “The side effects were horrendous. I was exhausted, could not sleep through the night and was gaining weight fast. It was like being trapped in a vicious cycle with no way out.” 

Maureen decided to do her own research. She read stories of women who also struggled with menopause and how hormone therapy changed their lives. “Although I was sceptical about hormones, I felt I had nothing to lose. I desperately wanted to feel like myself again and be in control of my emotions.” 

“Hormone therapy gave me my life back”

Maureen went back to her GP to discuss what she had learned. Her GP was understanding and agreed to prescribe hormone therapy. After discussing the risks and benefits, and taking a blood test, Maureen started a course of HRT. Those first few weeks were exciting and a little nerve-wracking. “I wasn't sure if HRT was going to work out for me, but I felt like I had no choice. After a while, I noticed that I was less irritable and had more energy. I felt mentally sharper and more alert.” 

These changes had a ripple effect on other aspects of Maureen’s life. “I was more patient with Jayden. We were able to have a normal conversation without arguing. He started noticing a change in my moods. It felt so nice to just have fun together and laugh about silly little things again.” 

As Maureen’s mood became more stable, she felt more confident again at work. “I felt less insecure and more in control. My colleagues noticed the difference and were happy for me. I started getting compliments, which helped build my confidence.” 

“I wanted to take even better care of myself”

Hormone therapy gave Maureen the energy and momentum to make positive changes in other areas of her life as well. “I have taken up yoga. Before HRT, I struggled to make time for myself but taking that one step has changed everything. Yoga makes me feel stronger and calmer, not only during yoga practice but also in my everyday activities. It gives me a sense of peace that I need at this stage of my life.”  

All this has also had a positive impact on Maureen’s son. “We often talk about his ADHD and how it is affecting him. I now feel that I can give him the support he needs. Our bond has become much closer as a result.” 

“Menopause does not define you”

What advice does Maureen have for other women? “Menopause in an inevitable stage in life, but it doesn’t have to control you.” Maureen is now at a point in her life where she can embrace the future with a positive mindset. “There will be challenges ahead, but I know I’ll be able to cope. Menopause is a part of my life, but it doesn’t define who I am.” 

Personal experiences