Brain Fog, Anxiety, & Sleepless Nights in Menopause

In this episode, I sit down with Stephanie, a former primary school teacher turned menopause coach, for an honest and deeply moving conversation about living with undiagnosed endometriosis, navigating hormone imbalance for decades, and finally finding relief — and purpose — on the other side.Stephanie shares her journey from being put on the pill at 14 for "bad periods," to receiving her endometriosis diagnosis at 40, to discovering that HRT was the first time in her life her hormones had ever truly been balanced. Together, we explore how years of dismissal by medical professionals shaped her drive to educate and empower other women — and why she chose to train as a menopause coach.We discuss the overlap between endometriosis, perimenopause, and menopause symptoms, the power of cycle tracking, and why women so often need permission to put themselves first. Stephanie also shines a light on the very real challenges faced by teachers navigating menopause in the classroom — and what workplaces, including schools, must do better.00:00 Introduction01:03 Stephanie's Journey into Menopause Coaching02:29 Living with Undiagnosed Endometriosis04:32 Years of Dismissal by Medical Professionals06:10 Finally Getting a Diagnosis at 4008:05 Why Menopause Coaching — Making the Leap09:00 Finding Relief Through HRT11:18 What is Endometriosis? A Clear Explanation12:27 The Role of Oestrogen and Progesterone13:15 Identifying Symptoms Without a Period16:30 Researching the Market — What Support Exists?17:45 What Women Really Want from a Coach18:02 Giving Women Permission to Put Themselves First20:26 Discovering Women of a Certain Stage21:37 The Training Experience and Cohort Community23:41 Cycle Tracking as a Game-Changer24:34 Takeaways from the Menopause Coach Diploma26:03 Ongoing Support After Qualifying26:57 Five-Year Vision: Coaching, Community & a Café28:43 Working with Schools and Educational Settings31:19 The Reality of Teaching Through Menopause34:40 Closing Thoughts and EncouragementConnect with Stephanie:https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-page-64366223a/ Meet 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.Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/Connect 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