We’ll talk about the main challenges you face in your menopause transition, what precisely is holding you back from performing in your role at work and what’s interfering with your relationships. We’ll discuss what interventions you’ve already tried and how that is or isn’t working for you. If we both feel that there is a good connection and basis for rapport we’ll discuss how we move forward together. If we’re not a good fit for each other I will endeavour to recommend an alternative path for you.

I began to notice menopausal symptoms when I was 46 but in hindsight they began a lot earlier than this. As well as the physical symptoms there was the emotional and mental aspect. I started taking HRT but I still wasn’t sleeping. I was moody, short tempered and angry. I wasn’t able to cope at work as well as I used to and where I could normally juggle multiple things I found myself getting nervous and anxious. Then I started to doubt myself and I lost my confidence. I just didn’t recognise myself anymore and kept questioning what I have become. I was coping but only just and I’d work longer to keep up with the job I’d previously nailed. I couldn’t grasp things as well as I used to and one day it all became too much. I had a complete breakdown, I couldn’t leave the house because of how bad my mental health had become.

I had started to use alcohol as a means of blocking it all out and then one day I woke up with one hangover too many which was the turning point. I had to do something to get my life back on track.

I started to look at my lifestyle. I looked at every aspect of my life and made changes, 3 months later I went back to work. I got a promotion and I had the best year out of the 17 years I had been there. I had therapy, I hired a fitness coach and I did a fitness photo shoot for my 50th birthday and I took bold steps to completely change my career.

Menopause can stop us in our tracks, derail our lives and it doesn’t need to. I want women to see that this is manageable, it’s the beginning of a new chapter not the end. I want to help women flourish in spite of menopause and live the lives they dreamed of.

Lesley Tait has a Diploma in Personal Performance Coaching from The Coaching Academy which is backed by the International Coaching Federation. Lesley is also accredited to DISC Level 2 which is personality and behavioural analysis. Lesley is a certified Emotional Wellbeing Coach graduating from the Harmonizing Coach Training Academy.