A Journey Through Menopause with Kathy Abernethy

In this latest episode of Women of a Certain Stage, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Kathy Abernethy, a true trailblazer in the world of menopause care. 

We cover all things menopause, sprinkled with a handful of personal stories, expert advice, and a few laughs along the way.

From her serendipitous start in menopause research at King’s College Hospital to becoming part of the British Menopause Society and Pepe Health, Kathy has dedicated over 30 years to helping women navigate menopause. 

One of Kathy's golden pieces of advice? 

Be prepared for your medical appointments. 

How? 

By accessing reliable resources and guidelines like the NICE guidelines and the International Menopause Society.

Ever noticed how menopause is often shrouded in negativity and fear? Kathy and I are on a mission to flip the script. 

Let’s celebrate the myriad achievements women accomplish during this stage. Menopause isn't the end - it's a powerful phase where we continue to break barriers and redefine ourselves.

I shared my journey of entering menopause at 37 and the struggle I faced juggling new motherhood and the stark lack of support. 

Kathy’s compassionate response was heartwarming, emphasising the need for more positive menopause stories to normalise the diverse experiences women face.

We also talked about stress, cortisol, and menopause symptoms as high levels of stress hormones can exacerbate menopause symptoms. 

Kathy and I discussed the importance of real self-care, not the Instagram version. Think relaxation that lowers cortisol levels and genuinely rejuvenates you, not activities that leave you more frazzled.

Historically, menstrual health education has been woefully inadequate. Kathy and I are both passionate about changing this. 

Better education from a young age can prevent issues and ensure quick access to support. Even small strides we've seen recently in bringing menstrual health into the spotlight are cause for celebration!

Kathy reflected on the recent rise in media exposure about menopause due to public figures and landmark reports. While the 2002 WHO report on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) initially threw a wrench in the works, we've gradually rebuilt the conversation. 

Today, there’s increased research on non-hormonal treatments and more HRT options, all backed by evidence-based resources.

From her groundbreaking work with hormone patches to her latest book, "Menopause: The One Stop Guide," Kathy’s goal has always been to provide trustworthy, evidence-based information. 

Plus, she’s helping to educate healthcare professionals through courses tailored to deepen their understanding of menopause.

I invite you to listen and share this episode with others. 

Whether through sharing stories, accessing my website for more resources, or simply starting conversations, every bit helps in demystifying menopause and empowering women at every stage of life - with all its twists, turns, and triumphs! 

You can listen to the full episode here: Podcast