I experienced all the perimenopause symptoms - insomnia, severe night sweats, body odour, flooding periods, severe stress, weight gain, body composition changes and joint issues. I didn’t recognise many of them as hormone-related at the time. I put things down to getting older or being busy. Looking back, it was all part of perimenopause.

What made it harder was feeling dismissed when I sought help. Perimenopause wasn’t talked about and I felt incredibly alone trying to make sense of what was happening. I genuinely believed perimenopause meant “getting old” and I didn’t have the information or support to challenge that narrative. I fumbled my way through – something I don’t want for other women.

My turning point came when I stopped fighting my body, started listening to it. I educated myself and realised that I’d neglected some key parts of my health - particularly sleep and stress management. When I addressed those, everything started to change.

My experiences drive everything I do in my work with midlife women today. Clients often tell me they feel truly listened to, heard and understood. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, I help women understand what’s happening, explore their options and make informed choices that actually fit their lives.

I especially love working with women who feel blindsided by perimenopause - women who’ve always felt capable, but suddenly feel confused, disconnected from their bodies or unsure who to trust. My goal is simple: to help women feel that they’re in the right place and that real, practical support is available.

A few fun facts about me: I decided to do an Ironman triathlon during the toughest part of my menopause transition (questionable timing, incredible experience). I love hiking in Tasmania and New Zealand - with goals to hike into my 90s. My side-kick is my kelpie, Chilli (my third child). I love gardening (I’ve planted every plant in my garden), and enjoy two pieces of 90% dark chocolate every day. And, despite over 40 years of strength training experience, I still sometimes have to talk myself into my own gym sessions.

I believe real change starts with understanding, compassion and practical support.