The Premature Menocast

What happens when menopause-like symptoms begin at 13 — and a life-changing diagnosis arrives at 15?In this deeply honest episode of Premature Me Cast, Nina is joined by Jess, who was diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) as a teenager. Jess shares what it was really like navigating hot flushes, brain fog, weight changes, and identity confusion while still at school, and how those early experiences shaped her adult life.Together, Nina and Jess explore the emotional impact of early diagnosis, the gaps in long-term medical follow-up for POI, the realities of hormone replacement therapy, and the importance of self-advocacy as you get older. Jess also opens up about fertility grief, relationships, body image, and how building community through Instagram helped her heal and help others.This episode is raw, validating, and essential listening for anyone living with POI, early menopause, or supporting someone who is.Being diagnosed with POI at just 15 years oldEarly symptoms that were missed or mislabelled at schoolHot flushes, brain fog, fatigue, and weight gain in adolescenceMisdiagnosis, delayed recognition, and finally being heardHow POI affects identity, confidence, and emotional developmentWhy counselling and aftercare should be standard after diagnosisThe reality of navigating HRT over many yearsNHS limitations vs private care for POIBone health, DEXA scans, and long-term risksSelf-advocacy in your 20s and 30sFertility grief, friendships, and baby milestonesUsing movement, sleep, nutrition, and routine to protect healthWhy it’s okay to not be okay — and to feel anger as well as gratitudeFinding community through Instagram and advocacy workWhat’s next for Jess, including her upcoming menopause retreatYou can find Jess on Instagram at:@jesslivingwithpoiNina: @soullaunndry_womenshealthDr Nikki: @femalehealthdocKate: @fertility_menopause_supportDr Siobhan: @mylifeonpausepoiDon't forget to follow us! @theprematuremenocast

In this powerful and refreshingly honest conversation, Dr Nikki Ramskill sits down with Alison Bale, former chiropractor and founder of Mind Insight, to explore one of menopause’s most misunderstood emotions: anger.Alison shares her personal experience of hitting menopause while running a busy healthcare clinic, and how unexpected bursts of rage left her questioning who she’d become. Together, Nikki and Alison unpack why so many women feel shame around anger, how suppressed emotions can resurface during perimenopause, and why learning to notice your feelings rather than fix them, can be deeply healing.They discuss:The hidden link between hormonal change, identity, and suppressed rageHow anger can signal unmet needs rather than “bad behaviour”Practical ways to work with, not against, your emotionsThe power of curiosity, journaling, and self-compassion in midlifeWhy “doing less” and listening to your body is sometimes the real growthAlison also explains her therapeutic approach through Mind Insight, offering compassionate support for women navigating anger, burnout, and emotional overwhelm, particularly around menopause and fertility loss.🌐 Website: www.mindinsight.online📸 Instagram & Facebook: @mindinsightonline✉️ Email: alison@mindinsight.onlineDon't forget to follow the team: Dr Nikki: @femalehealthdocKate: @fertility_menopause_supportDr Siobhan: @mylifeonpausepoiNina: @soullaunndry_womenshealthThe Podcast: @theprematuremenocast

In this inspiring episode of the Premature Menocast, we welcome Jess Harvey, founder of The Female Mentoring Alliance, to share her incredible journey from the high-pressure world of corporate banking to a life dedicated to coaching and empowering women.Jess’s story is one of courage, transformation, and purpose. After climbing the corporate ladder to Managing Director at JP Morgan, Jess realised that success didn’t feel the way she expected. When her husband’s sudden illness prompted a life reset, she left her high-flying career to follow her true calling: helping women reconnect with themselves, rediscover their passions, and embrace their full potential.In this episode, we discuss:Jess’s journey from corporate banking to women’s mentorshipThe challenges and realities for women in male-dominated workplacesHow menopause and hormonal changes impact confidence and careersFinding your true purpose and aligning with your valuesOvercoming imposter syndrome and breaking free from “good girl” conditioningPractical tools like “powerful pauses” and stakeholder mapping to regain control of your life and careerJess shares heartfelt insights, personal stories, and actionable advice for any woman feeling stuck, lost, or ready to embrace her next chapter.🔗 Connect with Jess Harvey:Instagram: @thefemalementoringallianceLinkedIn: Jess HarveySign up for her Sunday Forecast newsletter and explore her Career Audit and Career Accelerator programs.Whether you’re navigating early menopause, POI, career transitions, or just feeling that pull for “something more,” this episode is a warm, empowering reminder: you are allowed to become the truest version of yourself.Enjoy!Love from,Dr Siobhan: @mylifeonpausepoiNina: @soullaunndry_womenshealthDr Nikki: @femalehealthdocKate: @fertility_menopause_supportDon't forget to follow us! @theprematuremenocast

Dr Hannah Short wrote the POI info bible: The Complete Guide to POI and Early Menopause: Practical Advice and Support for Living with Early Menopause and POIIt is well worth a read if you're suspecting POI or have just been diagnosed with it. Here is our interview with the lady herself - enjoy!Until next time,Dr Nikki: @femalehealthdocKate: @fertility_menopause_supportDr Siobhan: @mylifeonpausepoiNina: @soullaunndry_womenshealthDon't forget to follow us! @theprematuremenocast

Hello!Excuse the * in our title for this one... we don't want any bots to stop us spreading the word on this highly important topic! GSM, or genitourinary syndrome of the menopause affects women with POI too, and it is definitely something we need to talk more about.It can also be tricky to bring POI up in a relationship conversation, especially in the early days, how do you do it?The research that Kate suggested is unfortunately now closed to new applications, but look on The Daisy Network's Site here: https://www.daisynetwork.org/news-events-and-research/research/ for further information on other trials and research.We hope you enjoy this episode!Speak soon,Nikki, Kate, Nina and Siobhan@theprematuremenocast@femalehealthdoc@fertility_menopause_support@soullaundry_womenshealth@mylifeonpausepoi

It's been aaaages since we released an episode, and this is mostly Nikki's fault (!) If you didn't know, she adopted 2 girls in the summer of 2024, so podcasting went on the back burner a bit, but she's back and we've planned what we want to say in 2025. This episode is giving you an update on where we all are and what we plan to do over the course of the next 12 months for season 2. We also invite you to plan with us and drop us any topic ideas you love to hear us cover here: prematuremenocast@gmail.com And finally, Kate is an author! Her book, Progesterone and Me is coming out soon and is available on pre-order here: https://olympiapublishers.com/book/progesterone-and-me Phew... that's enough for now. We hope you enjoy this episode and we look forward to sharing the next season with you. Nikki - @femalehealthdoc Siobhan - @mylifeonpausepoi Kate - @fertility_menopause_support Nina - @soullaundry_womenshealth Follow our account on instagram too - @theprematuremenocast

In this special episode of The Premature Menocast, we bring you a recording from the recent Daisy Day event hosted by The Daisy Network, a charity supporting women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Unfortunately, our co-host Nikki couldn’t join us as she’s busy with her newly adopted daughters, but she sends her love and looks forward to being part of future events. During the event, hosts Nina, Kate, and Siobhan interviewed four incredible women—Priya, Emma, Lucy, and Jess—sharing their unique journeys with POI. The episode highlights diverse perspectives and experiences, from healthcare professionals to personal stories, creating a supportive and educational space for listeners worldwide. The podcast team shares how they came together after meeting at a conference, where Siobhan presented her inspiring book about her POI journey: "My Life On Pause". Recognising the need for an engaging and informative podcast dedicated entirely to POI, they created The Premature Menocast, blending personal experiences with professional insights to reach a global audience. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via email at prematuremenocast@gmail.com or on social media. @femalehealthdoc - Nikki @soullaundry_womenshealth - Nina @fertility_menopause_support - Kate @mylifeonpause - Siobhan Enjoy the episode!

In this episode Siobhan and Nikki talk about their experiences being childfree and adoption children. If you have any questions or feedback, please contact prematuremenocast@gmail.com Make sure to follow us on instagram too! @theprematuremenocast

Fertility is a huge topic when it comes to POI - you could argue it is THE TOPIC for many women going through this. We don't want you to lose hope though - there are options, but emotionally, it can take it's toll. There is no "easy" option, but the best thing to do is to seek help ASAP from a fertility specialist so you can get started with what is right for you. Feel free to reach out to us with questions/comments: prematuremenocast@gmail.com And you can follow us all on instagram at: Nikki @femalehealthdoc Siobhan: @mylifeonpausepoi Kate: @fertility_menopause_support Nina: @soullaundry_womenshealth

As promised, here are your comments we asked you to provide in episode 2. We wanted to dedicate a whole separate episode to them because the topic is too important! If you'd like to add to them, feel free to email us at prematuremenocast@gmail.com or send us messages on instagram: Nikki - @femalehealthdoc Nina - @soullaundry_womenshealth Siobhan - @mylifeonpausepoi Kate - @fertility_menopause_support The more people sharing stories like this, the more the culture will (hopefully) shift and that improves healthcare for all of us.

We're back with another episode! This time we're looking at how to treat premature ovarian insufficiency. HRT is the main way that treatment is given, and if you have a womb you need both oestrogen and progesterone. You can have this in combined pill form or through the skin - there are lots of combinations and you need to find an option that works for you. Sometimes you need to try multiple options before you get the right one. Feel free to reach out to us with questions/comments: prematuremenocast@gmail.com And you can follow us all on instagram at: Nikki @femalehealthdoc Siobhan: @mylifeonpausepoi Kate: @fertility_menopause_support Nina: @soullaundry_womenshealth

Welcome to episode 2! Here's some handy shownotes for the session: POI is usually diagnosed by your GP or healthcare professional and may include the following: No periods for more than 4 months An elevated FSh blood level of 25IU/l on two separate occasions taken at least 4 weeks apart A full medical history  Any relevant family history Symptoms of POI: Symptoms of POI can vary, here are a few of the most common symptoms: Hot flushes and night sweats also known as vasomotor symptoms Irregular periods Cognitive symptoms  Genital Urinary Symptoms of menopause – such as vaginal dryness and urinary symptoms Difficulty sleeping Infertility Useful Guidelines:  ESHRE Guidelines - https://www.eshre.eu/Guidelines-and-Legal/Guidelines/Management-of-premature-ovarian-insufficiency.aspx NICE Menopause Guidelines –  https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23 How to contact us with your stories of how healthcare professionals have spoken to you through your diagnosis... Email – prematuremenocast@gmail.com Follow us all on Instagram! Nikki - @femalehealthdoc Nina – @soullaundry_womenshealth Kate - @fertility_menopause_support Siobhan - @mlop_poi For more support: The Daisy Network – https://www.daisynetwork.org/

It's our first ever episode! The 4 of us met through the Daisy Network, a support group for people diagnosed with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). POI is diagnosed when a woman goes through the menopause before the age of 40. It can start as young as 13 when periods don't start at all. This diagnosis is not well known, yet it effects an estimated 3% of women under 40. Clues can be mood changes, hot sweats, difficulty conceiveing and periods becoming irregular or stop altogether. For women under 40, menopause is the last thing that is often thought about. We want to raise awareness, educate and hopefully entertain along the way! For questions/comments/feedback, email prematuremenocast@gmail.com. Follow us all on instagram! Nikki: @femalehealthdoc Nina: @soullaundry_womenshealth Kate: @fertility_menopause_support Siobhan: @mlop_poi Resources mentioned: My Life On Pause Book by Siobhan O'Sullivan Join the campaign and sign the petition! #nottooyoung - https://www.change.org/p/nottooyoung-for-menopause See you in the episode! Nikki, Kate, Siobhan and Nina x

This month on The Premature Menocast, Nikki takes the reins solo for a special conversation with psychotherapist Jennie Canty, founder of the Chiltern ADHD Clinic. With diaries busier than ever, this episode is a one-to-one deep dive into how ADHD shows up for women, particularly around menopause, perimenopause, and POI (premature ovarian insufficiency).Jennie shares her expertise on:Why ADHD in women often looks very different from the “traditional” male-based diagnostic criteria.How perimenopause and menopause can amplify ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness, overwhelm, and mental hyperactivity.The importance of thorough, adapted ADHD assessments and therapy approaches.Practical treatment options — from stimulant and non-stimulant medications to adapted CBT and lifestyle strategies.This conversation is packed with insight, compassion, and real-world advice for women navigating both ADHD and hormonal change.✨ Connect with Jennie and the Chiltern ADHD Clinic: chilternadhdclinic.co.ukDr Nikki: @femalehealthdocKate: @fertility_menopause_supportDr Siobhan: @mylifeonpausepoiNina: @soullaunndry_womenshealth👉 Don’t forget to follow the podcast: @theprematuremenocast

Full episode out 19th April!!