1. Let’s start with the classic: What’s your worst, funniest, or most awkward period story?

There is a horror story that has actually framed how I parent my teenage son! I was in a school production and (unknown to me until later) flooded while on stage for a dress rehearsal. Bad enough, but I’d been sitting cross-legged facing my male castmate and he didn’t say a thing to me about it. I’ve drummed into my son that if he spots something like this, he’s to quietly take the person aside, offer up a jumper to wrap around their waist, and not to mention it to anyone else. He now carries period products in his bag for his girlfriend, which just makes me so happy!

2. What have you demystified about your female body that you wish you knew when you were younger?

Thankfully Mum was pretty open with the whole process (think along the lines of showing our male neighbour how tampons work, and you’re on the right track), so the only thing that I wish I knew earlier is that periods aren’t meant to be THAT painful and heavy!

3. Have you been diagnosed with a women’s health condition? If so, how did you know something wasn’t right, and what was your journey like to get answers?

I’ve always had heavy periods, but in my 30s, they got out of control and came with hormonal migraines that debilitated me. My GP prescribed all the meds and nothing helped - so last year, after more than a decade of playing medication bingo, we decided that a Mirena was a good solution.

This was inserted in August 2024, and it NEVER felt good. I was bleeding more than ever and was in tears most days with the most intense cramping - it felt like my body was determined to push the Mirena out. So, we did an ultrasound to check placement, which was fine… but they found adenomyosis.

I was referred to a gynaecologist in February 2025, who whipped out the Mirena and suggested also whipping out my uterus as I didn’t intend to use it again!

I had my robotic total hysterectomy (where they took my uterus, cervix, and fallopian tubes) in June.

It turns out I had some endometriosis and some tiny cysts - so everything has been given a good clear out.

Although the funny (?) thing is that I literally just got back from my post-surgery check-up, and it turns out I didn’t have adenomyosis. Just a shitty uterus which really liked throwing tantrums!

4. What was your diagnosis experience like?

I’ve read all The Cyclist blogs and know that I’m exceptionally lucky with my timing from the initial diagnosis of adenomyosis to treatment, but in hindsight, I didn’t push enough for a diagnosis in the first place.

My GP was male (and absolutely lovely), but it was when his female colleague inserted the Mirena, that I clicked that having a female GP might help with women’s health issues.

My bleeding and pain were something that needed surgery, instead of the pharmaceutical band-aid I’d been getting.

5. How has your condition changed your daily life?

It’s so awful to say, “I just got on with it”, but that’s what we all do, right? Balancing partnering and parenting, keeping up with friends and work, all while wanting to crawl into a little ball.

It has definitely impacted every element of my life, and I’m so glad that, at 46 years old and having had periods for 34 of them, I’m now in my healing era!

6. What symptoms made you think something wasn’t right with your body?

I think I normalised a lot of my experience. Yes, my periods were regular, but they came with migraines (not normal) and were super heavy (not normal) - however, I didn’t know any better.

My sisters-in-law both work in healthcare, and one Christmas a couple of years ago I was having a horrific bleeding experience, so I opened up to them about it for the first time - their support and reactions made me think I needed to dig a little deeper. I’m sure it was such a small conversation to them, but it was eye-opening to me.

7. Have you tried anything that has helped you manage your symptoms?

A lot of pharmaceuticals!

I’m grateful for the Mirena as it got me in front of the specialist I needed. But in the same breath, I hated how it impacted me. There was a six-month period where I just couldn’t function, which is an awful experience. It’s not for everyone, and I don’t think that it talked about enough. I think people believe that it’s some sort of magic wand that is going to fix a lot of their issues.

8. If you could tell younger you one thing about your body, what would it be?

Advocate for yourself! Ask the questions, do the research, and take care of your body.

9. What was your hysterectomy experience like?

My hysterectomy was my first surgery ever - and, unfortunately, I had profound bradycardia, meaning my heart was keeping the amazing surgical team on their toes! As a result, I was in high dependency for 24 hours, which meant I couldn’t be up and about as quickly as they would typically want.

Once home, the aim of the game was rest, relaxation, and keeping up with the medication regime. I’m fortunate that my wonderful husband was home during my recovery, so I haven’t had to lift a finger. But I know people who have meal prepped, arranged cleaners, and stayed with family while they were recovering - and I think those are brilliant recommendations.

When they say don’t lift or carry anything - take that seriously! I’ve been caught out with stupid things like using my abdominals to push against the handle of an umbrella to close it with one hand, or the cat using my tummy to make biscuits. During recovery, I’ve had great days, where I feel like I can conquer the world, and others when it was the best I could do to have a shower.

As I write this, I’m 8 weeks post op. I’ve got a mostly desk-bound job, with the odd bout of standing and talking for a couple of hours at a time, so I’ve eased back into work from 4 weeks onwards. I’ve been quite transparent with my leader, which has helped - having the awkward and slightly embarrassing conversations has meant she’s shown me a huge amount of support and grace.

I’m not so naïve to think I’m “fixed” now - there is still so much healing to do - but I’m here for it!

10. When your body feels hard to live in, how do you take care of yourself?

A good cry, chocolate, and a big hug from the husband and son.