#015: Meet Stef. I Felt Utterly Alone.
by Valerie |
In 2015, Stef’s mum, Leslie, passed away from ovarian cancer. Soon after, she tested positive for the BRCA gene and made the difficult decision to undergo preventative surgery—a double mastectomy and an oophorectomy. One day, she was producing oestrogen and progesterone, and the next, she was completely floored by surgical menopause.
"I was watching the world happen above me, but I wasn’t really there."
She had no idea where to turn and felt utterly alone.
She was in her 30s. No one talks about menopause at that age, and if they do, it’s something that happens far in the future. But for her, it was happening right then. She felt old before her time.
It was a dark period—isolating, hopeless, and overwhelming. When she reached out for help, she was offered antidepressants. She took them, not because she wanted to, but because at that moment, she would take anything to feel better.
She is not alone in this experience.
72% of women believe intense societal stigma surrounds perimenopause. It’s a phase of life shrouded in misunderstanding, silence, and shame.
But we’re here to change it. Perimenopause and menopause do not define us.
Together, we can change the narrative so that no one else has to suffer in silence, feeling unseen, unheard, and forgotten.
Stef. We See You.
We will create a future where women feel liberated, informed, and supported at every stage of their journey. We are the next generation and we are here to make change.
Navigating The Storm & Finding Your Power
The feeling of invisibility can creep in during perimenopause - at work, at home, even in the doctor’s office. Like you’re shouting into the void while everyone carries on as if nothing’s changed. And that feeling? It’s infuriating.
Find Your Power
Your Confidence & Calm Kit—On Demand!
We know life gets hectic (because, well… perimenopause). But these chats were too good to miss, so we’ve got the replays ready for you.Whether you need a confidence boost or a way to stop anxiety from running the show, we’ve got you covered.
Reclaiming Your Identity in Perimenopause with Anna Lancaster
Have a listen and let us know which moment hit home for you in the Wild Women WhatsApp group - a place to meet like-minded women, a safe space to ask questions and share experiences. Plus, have a good laugh!