Perimenopause Misdiagnosed: 2 Years to Get Help (Menopause Coaching Perspective)

In this episode, Lauren sits down with Ali Smith — a former HR professional turned menopause coach — for a raw and deeply honest conversation about what happens when the healthcare system fails women at their most vulnerable. Ali shares her two-year journey through misdiagnosis, dismissal, and dead ends before finally getting the support she deserved.Together, Lauren and Ali unpack the gaps in medical training and awareness that leave so many women without answers, and explore how proper education, coaching, and community can make all the difference. They dig into the realities of perimenopause symptoms beyond hot flushes, the emotional toll of feeling lost in your own body, and why workplaces so often get it wrong when it comes to supporting women through this transition.Ali also shares the powerful moment she realised she knew more about menopause than the specialist she had waited two years to see — and how that became the turning point in her own journey and the catalyst for her coaching career.00:00 Introduction01:19 Ali's background and personal history07:22 The road to menopause coaching09:41 First steps seeking help — and what was missing12:05 Blood tests, coming off contraception, and the crash that followed20:25 Debilitating symptoms, brain scans, and a two-year wait25:21 The menopause specialist clinic experience31:11 Finally finding the right GP — and what that felt like35:03 Key takeaways from the Menopause Coach Diploma39:00 Why workplace conversations need to go beyond awareness41:19 Ali's coaching vision: one-to-one, group, and workplace support43:16 Closing thoughts and what's nextMeet 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: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/Connect with LaurenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren