Time is running out...

A slightly different blog from me this week.

Because we are now just one week out from Menofest - our in-person menopause event taking place at Douglas Golf Club clubhouse at 6:30pm on March 31st. 

This will be our 7th Menofest, and as always, the response has been incredible.

At the time of writing this, we have around 10 tickets left.

So if you’ve been thinking “I might go…” but haven’t quite got round to it, I want to gently ask:

Do you know what you might be missing?

Because this evening isn’t just another talk.
It’s designed to give you clarity, reassurance, and practical tools across some of the areas of menopause that are often either misunderstood… or not talked about at all.

Let’s start with something we rarely talk about…

Pelvic floor health.

This is one of those areas that affects so many women - and yet receives very little attention.

And I understand why.

It’s personal.
It can feel sensitive.
And for many women, it’s something they quietly put up with rather than address.

Which is exactly why I wanted Sanchia Newman to be part of this event.

Sanchia is a specialist women’s health physiotherapist - and to my knowledge, the only physio on the Isle of Man able to carry out a full physical pelvic floor assessment.

Her work spans:

• pregnancy and postnatal recovery
  • menopause and beyond
  • post C-section and hysterectomy rehabilitation
  • bladder and bowel symptoms
  • pain relating to intimacy or surgery

In other words, the things that many women experience… but don’t always feel able to talk about.

On the evening, Sanchia will take you through:

• what the pelvic floor actually is
  • how menopause affects it
  • the types of issues that can arise
  • and importantly - what you can do about them

There may even be a small, simple exercise you can do seated - something practical you can take away with you.

A friend once described the pelvic floor as:

“the muscle that holds up humanity.”

Poetic, yes. But also fundamentally accurate.

And if this is an area that’s been quietly affecting your confidence or comfort, having access to someone like Sanchia could be incredibly valuable.

And linked closely to that…

We’re also going to be talking about something else that doesn’t get nearly enough attention:

Women’s sexual health and enjoyment during and after menopause.

Ciara Kilgallon will be guiding us through this.

Ciara is a nurse working in general practice here on the island, and many of you may know her through Manx Radio’s Body Wise series.

Ciara has a special interest in menopause and women's health, and has been working with women for the past six years to improve sexual health and well-being and manage symptoms of menopause as part of a broader role within family medicine.

And she brings something so important in this space: A warm, open and practical approach, grounded in real clinical experience.

Her session will look at:

Vulvo-vaginal dryness and atrophy; diminished sensation; changes in libido; emotional disconnect; & what support & options are available.

While these issues are incredibly common, they are still very rarely discussed openly.

And yet they can have a significant impact on how we feel in ourselves, in our relationships, and in our day-to-day lives.

Ciara is deeply passionate about changing that, and about helping women feel informed, supported and confident in this area of their health.

We’ll also be getting you up on your feet…

Because Menofest isn’t just about sitting and listening.

Donna Whalley will be joining us again, and if you were at the last event, you’ll know exactly the energy she brings.

Donna will be leading a short Paracise session. This is: 

• low impact
  • focused on core strength and flexibility
  • gentle, accessible movement
  • with an element of dance

And that last part is important.

Because movement like this doesn’t just support physical health - it’s also brilliant for cognitive function and mood.

So please do come in something you can comfortably move in. It doesn’t need to be gym wear. Just something you can stand, step, and enjoy a few minutes of movement in.

& I can promise that you will leave that session feeling more energised and more focused.

And from me…

I’ll be opening the evening.

For those of you who feel like you’re navigating menopause without a clear understanding of what’s happening in your body, I’ll be walking you through:

• the key hormonal changes
  • why symptoms appear the way they do
  • and how to start supporting your body through them

Given my area of expertise, I’ll also be focusing on:

the basics of nutrition during menopause

Not in an overwhelming or restrictive way.

But in a way that helps you use your meals to:

• stabilise energy
  • support mood
  • improve sleep
  • and feel more like yourself again

I’ll also be addressing two areas that are coming up a lot in clinic right now:

•  anxiety during menopause
  • gut symptoms that seem to worsen out of nowhere

If either of those resonate, I’ll be giving you practical tools you can start using straight away.

It's always my focus to not just provide information. But what you can actually do with it.

And finally…

We’ll be joined by Dr Karen Wilson.

Karen will be guiding us through:

• the different types of menopause hormone therapy (MHT)
  • gels, patches, sprays and tablets
  • non-hormonal medical options
  • and what might be appropriate depending on your situation

And importantly, there will be time for your questions.

Because if you’ve ever tried to get clear answers on this topic, you’ll know how confusing it can feel.

We always make sure there is space for proper discussion and this part of the evening is consistently one of the most valuable.

So… is this for you?

If you are:

• feeling unsure about what’s happening in your body
  • trying to piece together advice from different places
  • dealing with symptoms that are affecting your confidence
  • or simply wanting clear, trustworthy guidance

Then this evening has been designed with you in mind.

It’s educational, inspiring and genuinely enjoyable.

But more than that, it’s an opportunity to sit in a room with women who are at the same stage of life.

To realise you’re not the only one feeling this way.

And to leave feeling more informed, more supported, and more in control.

Secure Your Place

We are very close to capacity now.

With around 10 tickets remaining, I expect the event to be fully booked within the next couple of days.

So if you’ve been considering it, this is your moment to decide.

Click the link here and secure your place now.

Come and give yourself an evening that could genuinely shift how you experience this stage of life.

I would absolutely love to see you there.