3 Menopause Times: Chemical, Surgical & Recovery. HRT & Becoming a Coach

In this episode, Lauren sits down with Lucy, a newly graduated Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coach, for an honest and deeply personal conversation about living with endometriosis, adenomyosis, and PCOS — and navigating menopause not once, but three times. Twice chemically, and once surgically following a full hysterectomy and oophorectomy at just 33.Lucy shares the raw reality of years of misdiagnosis, debilitating pain, and a medical system that too often left her without answers or adequate support. Together, Lauren and Lucy unpack what chemical and surgical menopause actually feel like, what recovery really looks like beyond the four-to-six week advice, and why the conversation around different types of menopause is so critically missing from mainstream awareness.They explore the psychological impact of surgical menopause, the importance of asking better questions before going into theatre, and why workplace menopause policies need to go beyond awareness sessions to create real, meaningful change.And through it all — with warmth, humour, and hard-won wisdom — Lucy explains why she chose to turn her experience into a career supporting other women through their own menopause journeys.00:00 Introduction00:37 Lucy's background — from financial services to menopause coaching05:46 The beginning of Lucy's journey — periods, pain, and being told to crack on07:15 Early diagnosis of precancerous cervical cells and PCOS08:44 Understanding PCOS — what it is and why it's so often missed09:06 Diagnosis of endometriosis and adenomyosis10:21 Explaining the difference between endometriosis and adenomyosis13:01 The fertility miracle — having children against the odds13:22 The decision to have a full hysterectomy at 3318:51 Life after hysterectomy — the good, the challenging, and the things nobody tells you20:10 Vaginal cuffs, cervical removal, and recovery beyond six weeks22:27 What Lucy wishes she had known before surgery25:21 Chemical menopause — what it is and why Lucy went through it twice27:09 HRT during chemical menopause — and a severe reaction to the Mirena coil29:27 Why Lucy chose menopause coaching over endometriosis advocacy31:23 Being turned away from counselling and local support groups for being "too young"33:28 Why different types of menopause need to be part of the conversation35:25 Choosing Women of a Certain Stage — and what made it stand out38:03 Why Lauren trains others to do the same work38:58 What's next for Lucy — podcasts, corporate sessions, and the Employment Rights Bill40:19 The importance of context in workplace menopause conversations44:32 Lucy's biggest takeaway from the Menopause Coach Diploma47:04 What Lucy would say to someone sitting on the fence about training50:54 Lucy's message to anyone facing perimenopause, chemical menopause, or hysterectomyConnect with Lucy:TikTok | Instagram | Facebook: @themenopausemomBusiness: Black Mirror AdvisoryMeet your host Lauren ChirenLauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments.With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage.Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.About Women of a Certain StageWe are committed to transforming the menopause experience — both for individuals and the organisations that support them. Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.Find out more: https://www.womenofacertainstage.comConnect with LaurenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStageYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstageTwitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren