OK. Menopause, a personal thread. I’ve been researching menopause since 2015, and running my own HIV/menopause service since 2016. I lead workshops on it, give talks, write about it, develop guidelines. Basically, #menopause is my thing. Now it’s happening to ME. 1/X
I got COVID in Jan, recovered quickly, but then didn’t feel myself for months. Exhausted, brain fog, palpitations, panic attacks, night sweats. Definitely long COVID. Or working mum with 2 toddlers. I asked to be referred to a Long COVID clinic and my GP got some bloods done 2/X
I asked my GP to add a hormone test (FSH) which measures how ovaries are working. It’s not usually done if over 45 (which I am) but after 4 months I suddenly realised this might not be COVID 3/x
And it turns out I’m menopausal. Which is great news (stay with me in this)! I started HRT patches straight away and a few weeks later I’m SO much better. The palpitations & anxiety (which were totally derailing me) have gone. I’m happy to be menopausal as I can manage this 4/X 
Why share? Well it’s time for me to walk the walk! There’s so much stigma and taboo about women getting older (cos patriarchy). So I’m here to say I’ll be menopausing loud and proud. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s just physiology 5/X
How many women think they have long COVID but are menopausal (or it’s making long COVID worse)? This is one situation where hormone testing helps. 6/X
Also modern HRT is safe. Despite supply issues, you can usually get some (patches seem to be available). And it works. Other things that are helping me: fans, layers, and yoga. So think about menopause if you’re not feeling yourself, ask for help, and know there’s treatment 7/X
And here ends my personal thread on #menopause. For more info check out @balanceMeno @BrMenopauseSoc @menomatters @megsmenopause @thekarenarthur 8/8
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
