Hi my name is Tina, I’m a writer and have been going through the peri-menopause and menopause for about 10 years. I would just like to add that I am not a health professional and all the information I have gained is from books and the internet. At the beginning, I was unaware it was the menopause and even a visit to the doctor remained fruitless. Until November 2022 when I said enough was enough and thanks to my husband who did a lot of research I contacted my doctor, who put me on HRT. I have since come off HRT and am now on a bio-identical cream.
- First symptoms
Symptoms first became a problem when I was Chair of the PPG for my local doctors, At one particular meeting I was sat across from the new Manager, whom I had to introduce, but a grey fog descended and I could not think of his name for the life of me. This was starting to happen a lot and you start to think there is something seriously wrong with you. My Dad had been diagnosed with Dementia and I couldn’t stop my mind wondering if I was going the same way. I was getting hot flushes, nights more than days, my hair was like straw and my nails were the worst they had ever been, but the anxiety was the biggest problem. I no longer wanted to go out and socialise, I could easily have become a recluse, Covid helped with that one.
- Lockdown & setting up group
During lockdown I realised what a toll going through the menopause and lockdown together had taken on me. I felt lonely, isolated, anxious and unhappy. This made me realise that I couldn’t be the only own, so decided to do something about it.
I set up Gorleston Menopause Mayhem back in March 2022. Eventually, the group was born but not without some challenges. Finding suitable locations has been troublesome with the Library being the favourite but since then the group has gained strength. We have had lots of laughs and also tears. I’d like to think its “a problem shared is a problem halved” kind of group, where everyone shares their experiences and offers solutions to problems they have had. It’s a way of helping ladies not feel so lonely.
We have just moved venues from Gorleston Library to Gorleston Pavilion. We usually meet the last Thursday of every month in Gorleston Pavilion 7-8:30pm (check out the Facebook page for up-to-date information as this is subject to performances at the Pavilion)
I would like to thank the following committee members for coming on board and taking the group to the next level.
Tina Cleveland (Chairperson)
Maxine Seed (Secretary)
Jan Pickering (Vice Chair)
Tracey Allen
Deana
Gorleston Menopause Mayhem 