Michelle Griffith-Robinson admitted she struggled with joint pain, brain fog, and a low libido before opting to go on hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
The GB Olympian admitted she is grateful her menopause symptoms are now under control but added it was through her own research and campaign work she was able to get through this period in her life.
“My story was lack of libido and brain fog, they were the two main things,” Michelle explained. “Then joint ache as the years have gone on.”
She continued: “I’m on HRT. That’s my decision. That’s my choice but I also look at the holistic approach of it. Taking my vitamins, working my body, fitness, my health, nutrition and sleep. I look at it from a holistic perspective.”
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a form of treatment to help relieve menopause symptoms.
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It replaces hormones that are at a lower level as you approach menopause.
Michelle explained since being on HRT and understanding how to control her symptoms, through research and education, she has never felt better.
The Menopause Charity ambassador, who is of Afro-Caribbean heritage, also recalled growing up unaware that menopause was part of a woman’s ageing process.
The lifestyle coach said: “Growing up I knew nothing about it. I used to see my mum in the kitchen sweating and would ask ‘mum what’s wrong?’ She would just say, ‘I’m having a hot flush,’ in a strong Jamaican accent but it would be November time. That would be the end of it.
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“There would be no drama around it. There would be no conversation about it. And my mum was very open about everything.”
Michelle, whose husband is former Welsh international rugby union player Matthew Robinson, is mother to two daughters and a son and said they supported her during her health woes.
According to a poll conducted by Holland and Barrett (H&B), 51 per cent of women from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds say that current advice is not representative and too focused on the experience of white women.
“Perimenopausal symptoms vary from woman to woman, especially black women,” Michelle commented. “It actually starts to impact their health a lot longer than others.
“Afro-Caribbean women go into menopause two years before their European counterparts. So it’s important for me to share my story.”
She added: “I think it’s really important we all start paying attention and keep moving.”
The former athlete also urged women to get out walking in nature and credits eating well to manage symptoms.
Holland and Barrett are launching several new initiatives to make its information and support on menopause more inclusive and Michelle has joined the campaign.
This will see H&B becoming the first retailer to launch a free, multi-language menopause consultation service.
The service will see trained H&B menopause advisors offering guidance and symptom support in multiple languages, starting with Hindi, Urdu, Gujarati and Punjabi. Customers will also be able to find menopause content online in different languages – on the H&B Menopause Hub.
Please visit Holland and Barrett for more information here.
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