Navigating Early Menopause: Alicia Hunt's Journey from Puberty to Perimenopause at 14
In today's episode, Michelle sits down with Alicia Hunt, who shares her extraordinary journey of experiencing menopause at just 14 years old. Alicia's story begins with severe health issues at age 10, leading to emergency surgery and the early onset of menopause. Throughout the episode, Alicia discusses the challenges she faced, including managing symptoms like hot flashes, fatigue, and brain fog, all while navigating the complexities of adolescence. She reflects on the emotional impact of her diagnosis, the isolation she felt, and the importance of advocating for herself in a medical system that often dismissed her concerns. KEY TAKEAWAYS Experiencing menopause at a young age, such as 14, can lead to significant emotional and physical challenges, including confusion during puberty and feelings of isolation. There is often a lack of education regarding the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause, especially for younger individuals. Many may not recognize their symptoms as related to menopause, leading to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment. Having a supportive advocate, like a parent, can be crucial in navigating medical appointments and ensuring that symptoms are taken seriously. It's important to persistently seek help and not settle for dismissive responses from healthcare providers. Early menopause can affect self-esteem and relationships, leading to feelings of inadequacy and embarrassment. The inability to have children can create additional emotional burdens and complicate romantic relationships. There is a growing need for open discussions about menopause, especially for younger women. Sharing experiences and seeking support from others can help alleviate feelings of isolation and provide valuable insights into managing symptoms. BEST MOMENTS "I was told that I would still get periods from the one remaining ovary. I thought, oh, okay, you know, this ovary is just trying to pick up the slack." "I felt very isolated. I was having quite serious stuff in my life at a very young age." "I didn't know how to tell someone what was going on with me. So I just became more and more, you know, just by myself, really." "I find that a lot of the time when you go to your GP, it does get brushed off as other symptoms." "I definitely think it's more of a conversation now. Definitely more women are speaking up." HOST BIO Michelle is a highly respected Physiotherapist and Menopause Wellbeing Practitioner with over two decades of experience in the health and wellness industry. After experiencing seven years of debilitating symptoms herself before realising it was perimenopause, Michelle has since dedicated her career to helping other women navigate this transformative stage of life. Her personal journey fuels her passion for educating and empowering women, as well as training businesses and health professionals through her specialised menopause and wellbeing workshops. A best-selling author and sought-after speaker, Michelle combines deep clinical expertise with relatable, real-world experience. Through her podcast, "Menopause - The Real Deal," she offers evidence-based guidance, authentic conversations, and practical strategies. Listeners trust Michelle for her empathetic understanding and her commitment to helping women thrive, making her a leading voice in the menopause space. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/michelle.kimp.9/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@michelle_rowlinson Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rowlinson-38330b21a Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseTheRealDeal My Book: You, me conquering perimenopause & menopause https://amzn.eu/d/hCcbjag Website www.panaceapause.co.uk
UK