Emma Stronell experienced severe menopause symptoms at age 40, following a treatment for endometriosis. The drug, Prostap, shut down her body's hormone production, inducing a menopausal state.
Stronell reported intense hot flashes, night sweats, crippling anxiety, and brain fog. These symptoms began affecting her work performance, leading to a difficult conversation with her manager who dismissed her condition as "women's problems" and "stress." This encounter, coupled with her deteriorating health, led her to attempt an overdose. Shortly after returning to work, she was made redundant.
Her personal life also faced turmoil. After meeting a new partner, she discovered he was in a long-term relationship with another woman and had been unfaithful. The stress and emotional toll exacerbated her existing health struggles.
Seeking relief from chronic endometriosis pain, Stronell underwent a hysterectomy in November 2024. While the surgery resolved her pain, it led to "surgical menopause," intensifying her symptoms. The fatigue became so severe that she fell asleep at the wheel of her car, narrowly avoiding a crash. Her cognitive impairment, or brain fog, made it difficult to remember meetings and sales information, leading her to leave work early for naps.
Despite her struggles, her doctor was hesitant to prescribe Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) due to concerns it could stimulate residual endometrial tissue. After more than a year of battling severe exhaustion and illness, she was made redundant for a second time and had to sign up for Universal Credit, feeling ashamed after years of hard work.
Finally, after four months of trying, Stronell obtained an HRT prescription with a specific dosage tailored to her condition. She takes three pumps of transdermal estrogen gel, a small amount of testosterone, and a progesterone capsule. She reported a significant improvement almost immediately, feeling like a different person. Her anxiety became more manageable, and while fatigue persists, she is learning to manage her energy. The HRT has largely stopped her hot flashes and night sweats.
She is now using her experience to build a personal styling business aimed at helping women regain confidence during menopause and is training to become a menopause coach. She hopes her story can prevent other women from experiencing similar professional and personal setbacks.