Premature Menopause or POI; Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
Lets get everyone talking about the menopause and POI and help and support each other!
I was diagnosed in my early twenties. I am now 49. Initially, I was repeatedly told I was suffering from depression. Very little was known then and after pushing for tests I was diagnosed with a premature menopause, or premature ovarian failure, now known as premature ovarian insufficiency.
Examples of events over the years: a pharmacist shouting “is this HRT for your mother? it cannot be for you” in public; “You are too fat to be an instructor.”; Constantly explaining to medical professionals over the years about a “premature menopause”; Friends and family not accepting your “behaviour” as they call it when you are so low and anger is the only emotion you can express; Friends rolling their eyes as they were fed up with the the constant fatigue, amongst other symptoms, often told “there is always something wrong with you” I had a 10 year battle to fight for certain tests as “I could not have had an early menopause”; many health concerns I now have are as a result of low oestrogen. Relationship issues, ending relationships as I know I can not have children to not wanting to meet anyone, not wanting to have “the children conversation on first meeting”
I was coldly told I was unable to have children, “perhaps try using your sisters eggs”. Nothing was explained, no offer of counselling, no discussions or information was provided. I was a fitness instructor at the time, wanting to know more this set me on the path to all my biological science training and the rest of my career.
Over the years POI has created so many emotional and physical challenges and has been an emotional rollercoaster becoming positively childless. Equally it has helped inspire me to research the best way to help myself and others in a similar position. I have achieved this through a combination of diet, fitness and therapies. I now offer yoga classes specifically sequenced for POI. I teach breathing exercises to help with anxiety. Roy offers counselling sessions to talk through any concerns. Ask for help, it is out there. Speak to those in a similar situation. Take time to heal. I have found yoga and breathing exercises especially so beneficial in the healing process.
I was recently asked what I would say to someone newly diagnosed so young? I would suggest not to get caught up in the trauma, the diagnosis. It may not be the life or path you may have planned or thought you would have but try and embrace your new journey. Do not waste time in what might have been. Do not stress about the future. Live in the present and make it beautiful.
Do get in touch if you think we can help. Even if just for a chat. Sending love to all the POF or POI warriors out there. You are amazing.
Abigayle
One day at a time, one step at a time. ❤️
Abigayle Myers-Drake
I am an award winning Uk based Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor (YMCA), Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Teacher, Yoga Trapeze Teacher, Breath Coach, Flexibility Coach, Restorative Yoga Teacher, Ayurveda Health Practitioner. I studied undergraduate human biology, diabetes care and cardiovascular diseases. I have 29 years industry experience in health clubs, private settings and my own Glamping and Spa retreat. I specialise in post surgery rehabilitation, menopause, POI, spinal care, hyper mobility and bowel disease. I combine my own personal experience with years of training and experience in the industry to help others improve their practice and incorporate techniques into their lifestyle.
Organisations offering support
https://www.daisynetwork.org
I am a local networker for the Daisy Network based in East Anglia and if anyone is in this area and would like to reach out to me, I would love to connect and can offer a listening ear. You can contact me on: foresthavensuffolk@hotmail.com
Lets get everyone talking about the menopause and POI and help and support each other!
I was diagnosed in my early twenties. I am now 49. Initially, I was repeatedly told I was suffering from depression. Very little was known then and after pushing for tests I was diagnosed with a premature menopause, or premature ovarian failure, now known as premature ovarian insufficiency.
Examples of events over the years: a pharmacist shouting “is this HRT for your mother? it cannot be for you” in public; “You are too fat to be an instructor.”; Constantly explaining to medical professionals over the years about a “premature menopause”; Friends and family not accepting your “behaviour” as they call it when you are so low and anger is the only emotion you can express; Friends rolling their eyes as they were fed up with the the constant fatigue, amongst other symptoms, often told “there is always something wrong with you” I had a 10 year battle to fight for certain tests as “I could not have had an early menopause”; many health concerns I now have are as a result of low oestrogen. Relationship issues, ending relationships as I know I can not have children to not wanting to meet anyone, not wanting to have “the children conversation on first meeting”
I was coldly told I was unable to have children, “perhaps try using your sisters eggs”. Nothing was explained, no offer of counselling, no discussions or information was provided. I was a fitness instructor at the time, wanting to know more this set me on the path to all my biological science training and the rest of my career.
Over the years POI has created so many emotional and physical challenges and has been an emotional rollercoaster becoming positively childless. Equally it has helped inspire me to research the best way to help myself and others in a similar position. I have achieved this through a combination of diet, fitness and therapies. I now offer yoga classes specifically sequenced for POI. I teach breathing exercises to help with anxiety. Roy offers counselling sessions to talk through any concerns. Ask for help, it is out there. Speak to those in a similar situation. Take time to heal. I have found yoga and breathing exercises especially so beneficial in the healing process.
I was recently asked what I would say to someone newly diagnosed so young? I would suggest not to get caught up in the trauma, the diagnosis. It may not be the life or path you may have planned or thought you would have but try and embrace your new journey. Do not waste time in what might have been. Do not stress about the future. Live in the present and make it beautiful.
Do get in touch if you think we can help. Even if just for a chat. Sending love to all the POF or POI warriors out there. You are amazing.
Abigayle
One day at a time, one step at a time. ❤️
Abigayle Myers-Drake
I am an award winning Uk based Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor (YMCA), Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Teacher, Yoga Trapeze Teacher, Breath Coach, Flexibility Coach, Restorative Yoga Teacher, Ayurveda Health Practitioner. I studied undergraduate human biology, diabetes care and cardiovascular diseases. I have 29 years industry experience in health clubs, private settings and my own Glamping and Spa retreat. I specialise in post surgery rehabilitation, menopause, POI, spinal care, hyper mobility and bowel disease. I combine my own personal experience with years of training and experience in the industry to help others improve their practice and incorporate techniques into their lifestyle.
Organisations offering support
https://www.daisynetwork.org
I am a local networker for the Daisy Network based in East Anglia and if anyone is in this area and would like to reach out to me, I would love to connect and can offer a listening ear. You can contact me on: foresthavensuffolk@hotmail.com
