Menopause: A marathon not a sprint

In honour of National Girls and Women in Sports Day (4th February), a member of the Sportily team shares their journey through perimenopause and menopause. We wanted to give a real, honest perspective on what this stage of life can feel like, covering both the challenges and the triumphs, and showing how support, staying active, and self-care can help you thrive. 

"As we celebrate the female form, freedom, and inspirational women during National Girls and Women in Sports Day, I wanted to get vulnerable and share my lived experience with you.

Where to begin… well, it’s been a journey so far: extremely individual, deeply personal, and one that has marked a new chapter in my life. Two years ago, I changed my career path from a more sedentary role to a more physical one with Sportily. The two now seem to run parallel, interweaving like an ancient tapestry.

With my 50th birthday looming, a milestone and half a century, I’ve taken time to look back and process the symptoms that first led me to ‘Google’ my way through a minefield of information before finally seeking professional advice.

So how does it affect me?

Some nights, I can definitely say that the song “Hotter Than Hell” by Dua Lipa takes on a whole new meaning! Constant itching, the clock ticking, and every turn feeling like my body is a lead balloon – one hip hurts, or lower back pain kicks in – forget the heating and extra blankets… some nights feel like a nightmare.

Sometimes, anxiety creeps in over little things. Frustrations mount like mountains, and the realisation that having children is a rapidly closing door can affect your mental health in profound ways. And no, I was never really educated that this would happen to me! We all know about the signs and symptoms of teenage hormonal cycles, right? But what about the hormone-deprived, moody, middle-aged woman? 

Who am I, and where did I go?

Sleep deprivation has caused me anxiety and low mood over the years. My self-esteem can plummet in a rollercoaster of emotions, and the fruits of this manifest in real life:

• “Sorry, what was your name again?”
• “Where are my house keys? Surely not in the bin? No, outside lock!”
• “Now, where did I put my mobile? And why is it ringing on the roof of my car?”
• “Oh, whoops… did I really leave the car door open for an hour and a half in a car park?”

Not to mention the half-finished sentences because I forgot my train of thought!

Yes… please have a chuckle. I did, after realising I wasn’t going mad or suffering from dementia. The doctor confirmed my diagnosis: Perimenopause / Menopause!

Relief… great. Now what? What do I do next? That’s the question I asked myself, family, and friends before embarking on an HRT pathway last summer. I haven’t found the perfect path for me yet, but I’m en route — willing to try different avenues to see what works and get back to me!

Why be vulnerable?

Because I care. I work with a lot of women across Gloucestershire in my Community Activities, Pilates, and Fitness classes, and I want you to know that I empathise. I’m available to talk after a class, and I can signpost you to the right support. We all have a story, and we can be an inspiration to others. So why not share yours?

Yes, I still have sleepless nights and moments of anxiety, but a supportive husband and line manager have given me the tools to keep going, the chance to seek professional advice, and the freedom to just go “blur” sometimes.

So, perimenopause to menopause may be a marathon, not a sprint, but my reaffirming realisation is that this chapter of my life is now the best ever. I move more than I ever did since joining Sportily, and ultimately, I’m becoming a better version of me while enjoying time with my husband, stepson, and my gorgeous dog (yes, I’m biased 😊).

So why not seek some advice and support today?

After all, it is National Girls and Women in Sports Day! 

My top tips:

• If you have any signs, check out the NHS Menopause page and get in touch with a medical professional. Don’t leave it!
• Speak to family and friends — don’t isolate yourself. Most people go through this life stage between 45–55, but for some, it could start earlier.
• Speak to your employer. Sportily has a supportive and inclusive policy. Why not join us at Sportily, we’re looking for new recruits in 2026!
• Don’t underestimate the power of talk therapy. A few well-posed questions can help you reflect, see things differently, and gain perspective.
• Exercise self-care and look after yourself (NHS: Things you can do).
• Join an exercise class! We have loads across Gloucestershire in the Sportily Network. Book a class near you
• Read Menopausing by Divania McCall — an inspiring self-help guide written from the heart."