Mother of 3 Julia has lived with migraine for most of her life. She hoped surgery to remove endometriosis would help ease the ‘monster in her head’, but the procedure brought on menopause and more health challenges.
Getting support has helped Julia to keep doing what she loves: taking care of animals and working in her community.
I have lived with migraine for most of my life. I had wished for menopause because I read that it could lessen the impact of my migraine. Sadly that wasn’t the case for me.
No one told me that migraine can be linked to endometriosis, which I was diagnosed with at 43. To help manage my endo I had a hysterectomy, which put me into medically induced menopause.
I had restless legs, dry and itchy skin, hot flushes and insomnia. My migraines intensified and my chronic pain impacted my relationship and day-to-day wellbeing.
I was married, had a blended family, was working 2 jobs and studying. It was extremely challenging.
I was trying to work, trying to be present for my children and family, while still silently battling constant and debilitating migraine episodes.
I found myself turning into someone I no longer recognised.
I spent that time trialling different forms of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and a range of migraine preventative medicines, desperately trying to find something that would ease both the migraine frequency and the menopausal symptoms.
It was only after seeing a new sexual health specialist that I learned medically induced menopause often worsens migraine activity, which finally explained the ongoing challenges I had been facing.
My hormone levels are now managed through MHT under the care of my specialist and GP. We continue to work together to figure out what my long-term management plan should be.
I love animals and I have worked in a local animal shelter for 23 years.
I started as a volunteer and rose through the ranks to eventually run their community outreach and education programs.
Through menopause, my work really helped give me a sense of purpose and a place I could go and be myself.
They were extremely supportive through my menopause journey. Having a flexible and understanding work environment has helped massively.
I was able to adjust my work commitments and no longer be on call on my days off, so I can switch off when I come home.
I’ve been able to get back to what is best for me and my children.
Spending time with my family and my animals brings me joy and helps me to manage my menopausal symptoms.
No two journeys are the same. We might have similar symptoms, but it doesn’t mean it’s the same for everybody.
Julia on midlife and menopause
I’m sharing my story for my daughters and the younger generation.
I want them and other women to know that it’s important to do your own research and read as much as you can before menopause comes.
We are our own best advocates but knowing where to start can be tricky.
When you have severe fatigue – because maybe you’re not sleeping well or your symptoms are peaking – it’s so important to take time out for yourself.
Finding the right care and advocating for myself has helped me get back to what I love doing. I now see a neurologist for my migraines, a hormone specialist and a wonderful GP. They’re all helping and enabling me to live the happiest and healthiest life I can.
No two journeys are the same. We might have similar symptoms, but it doesn’t mean it’s the same for everybody.
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