At the age of 50, I found myself overwhelmed with the thought, “I’m finished.” It felt like my body was staging a rebellion against me after all the hard work I’d put in to reach this point in life.

The sudden onset of hot flashes initially led me to blame the extra weight I gained during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Throughout perimenopause, Shelly faced a myriad of symptoms, including depression, fatigue, and notably heavy bleeding, which disrupted her daily life. These challenges were part of a tumultuous phase that many women experience during this transition.

I had worked hard to get where I was. And then my body decided to launch a full-scale mutiny.

Blood and tears

When I started having hot flushes, I thought it was because of the COVID-19 kilos creeping on.

During perimenopause, Shelly experienced depression, fatigue and excessive heavy bleeding among other symptoms. Source: Supplied

I used an IUD, and I’d had 12 blissful years without a period then suddenly, in 2020, I got what could only be described as an Armageddon period that drenched my clothes.

That period was the only reason I went to the doctor.

I drove home in tears, blaming myself for not being strong enough to cope.

From broken to joyful

I berated myself constantly, convinced I was incompetent, embarrassing and a failure.

Within a month, I felt like me again. I had joy, I liked my job again, and — most importantly — I liked myself again.

Shelly believes society should talk more openly about perimenopause. Source: Supplied / darren_robinson@me.com

I wish I could say HRT was a magic pill that fixed everything overnight, but the truth is, it took another four years to truly get on top of my symptoms. And I have to remain vigilant.

I’ve also made major lifestyle changes that help me feel good. I exercise every day, ensure I get enough sleep, eat well and control my stress.

Motivated by anger

I felt robbed of an entire year of my life.