Fay Reid’s Story
Background
Fay lives in London and has worked since she was 16, she has built up a career as an Executive Assistant / Project Manager supporting C Suite and UHNW. She has worked across various industries including; Media, PR, Advertising, Tech, Government Agencies and Hospitality.
In her own words the start of Fay’s menopause
When Fay started there was a lack of information - “I had a full time job and still wanted to look and feel good…but there was hardly anyone talking about it, none had a 9 to 5 job or looked like me and I thought I can’t be the only one navigating this”.
“I was one week into a new job and as I was sitting at my desk I felt a whoosh of heat, from the top of my chest to top of my head. I did not really think about it, until it happened a few more times and then it dawned on me “I am having hot flushes”! Suddenly getting hot flushes and the realisation I was starting the menopause made me laugh internally and then it had me googling like a demented person.
I was in my 40's and it was not that I thought I had years before the "change" would start... I was more worried about how to control my internal heat. I had experienced being hot before, but this was different. Trying to keep the sweats under control and master a new job as an EA was not easy. Menopausal hot flushes take on a life of their own, when you are nervous.
By far though the worst experience for me was using the Tube to get to work. It was hell and I quickly realised, that commuting in the rush hour on the London underground was not going to be kind to me.
Fay then launched 9to5menopause on social media, initially just to share tips and present menopause in a more realistic light (not old, white and grey haired as depicted online).
ITV News
Fay has featured in
Always Discreet campaign to redefine the menopause.
Featured in the exhibition This is What the Menopause looks like.
Guested on various podcasts including: Menopause Whilst Black, Fat Lot of Good
and Taking on The Change. Feature in Refinery 29 UK for an Avon campaign.