There are around 400,000 women in Scotland who are of menopausal age.
Too many of them will feel like they are alone.
For some it's still a taboo subject which can lead to a lack of discussion and understanding. Every area of their life impacted and, often, left with crippling social isolation.
Menopause Goals is a pilot programme that aims to harness the power of football to help – thanks to a collaborative effort from the Scottish FA, St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation, University of Glasgow, and menopause expert Maria Anderson.
The initial 12-week course – held at St Mirren Park – saw 25 local women, who each had to address a number of issues brought on by the menopause, report improvements with symptoms, a greater sense of empowerment and, overall, better mental health.
The plan is to roll the programme out across Scotland so it can be delivered by other football clubs and charity groups.
Attendee Norma Martin is a believer, having found a new lease of life from the sessions.
Broadcaster Eilidh Barbour joined Norma in Paisley to hear more about her story and the positive changes sparked by Menopause Goals.
Norma's story
If I'm being honest, I never had much – if any – understanding of the menopause. I was ignorant of it.
At that stage, I wasn't going through it. I didn't have the symptoms and I wasn't in an environment where other women had spoken about it.
So, when it did come, it took me by surprise.
Hot and cold flushes, brain fog, bladder weakness issues, chin hair, irritable itches, sleep deprivation.
I just put it down to old age until it started happening more regularly. Until it became overwhelming.
My energy and motivation levels were drained, along with my confidence, to the point that I was floored.
I didn't know what was happening to my mind, body and soul. I was up all night, every night.
Each day I'd wake up and try to get on with my daily life, even though I knew I was shattered. I'd think 'keep going'.
Until one day I couldn't. I tripped, went flying into the side of a door and smashed my face. I ended up in A&E with concussion and a black eye.
That was the wake-up call for me to take a step back and reassess my whole situation. I didn't even feel like me, but I had no idea where to go.
I couldn't get a face-to-face appointment with my GP, so I had to make do with the phone. I asked him about Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) but, because I was still having periods, he said he couldn't prescribe that, but he could give me antidepressants.
That was a twist. I'd never felt depressed in my life.
I spent 10 days on the medication before deciding to come off it. It made me feel worse – anxiety through the roof, panics attacks for the first time and some crazy dreams. It felt like it had added to my situation.
I started taking loads of vitamins, beetroot juice, green tea. Anything I thought might help. I can laugh about it now, but things got really bad.
I just wanted to hibernate. That meant a step back from work, volunteering, my family, my friends, events. I was totally isolated, but I didn't know what else I could do.
The hardest thing every morning was getting out from under the duvet. I was struggling. I had nothing. My cup was empty.
That was then. Now I feel more like the old me but – at the same time – a different me. In a good way.
I have the Menopause Goals group to thank for that.
My sister was the one who sent me the link. I thought 'this might be the way forward' but was still in the state of mind that I didn't want to do anything.
The same 'I can't do it' thoughts. Questioning myself. I signed up but it got worse as the starting date got closer. My anxiety increased.
I was right out of my comfort zone, but I took those small, important steps, even though I was sweating as I walked through the doors.
I remember walking up the stairs at St Mirren and looking at all the photos. The other participants were sitting down, and the experts were ready. I thought 'I should be here'. It was a welcoming space and I'm so glad I went.
I wouldn't be here if I hadn't taken those steps.
Having it in a football environment helps, as someone who has loved and played the game at a recreational level since I was young.
I remember, at the end of the first session, that they said we were going to do a bit of exercise, but I had no idea what they meant or where we would go. I found myself looking around.
Then the doors opened, and the pitch appeared. Amazing.
I felt so happy and I was overjoyed to be walking around that pitch when, the night before, I couldn't even bring myself to walk to the toilet. There I was visualising myself scoring goals.
That moment will always stick in my head – seeing St Mirren's initials spelled out on the seats as the doors pulled back.
There have been other moments. A few lightbulb ones.
For one thing, I had no idea what stage I was in. Now I know I was perimenopausal. When I started listening to the experts, it all made sense.
At the beginning of each session, we're asked to fill in a tracker – rating how our emotions have been that day, our energy levels, how our sleep has been and what our water intake has been like.
We have a chat and a cup of tea. The room is full of love, laughter and learning.
Topics have included hormones, nutrition, gut health, brain health and general exercise. All things that benefit us and help deal with our own various stages of the same journey.
Even the communal WhatsApp chat helps. If we're ever feeling down or lost – or even if we're full of joy and happiness – that group is there for you to share. We all bounce off each other and it’s another safe space.
You can talk about anything, and you know everyone can relate to you.
If it wasn't for this group, I'd be jogging on the spot with no sense of direction and a lot more duvet days.
Menopause is an issue that has probably not been taken seriously enough given how debilitating it can be.
I know this programme has been a game-changer for me.
Corrie Campbell (Scottish FA, Football Social Responsibility Officer)
So far, the power of football has tackled a lot of issues, but menopause is one of the few remaining taboo subjects that impacts so many people.
A lot of people are still embarrassed to talk about it, whether it's in the workplace or within their own family and friendship groups.
I think there's a real opportunity for football clubs around Scotland to make a difference.
We came together to form Menopause Goals because there's a need for education and knowledge for women in Scotland and we’re really excited about it.
The tagline is 'celebrating the second half' and we want to help provide the tools, knowledge and confidence so people know their life isn't over when they’re perimenopausal or postmenopausal.
The University of Glasgow's research department conducted an evaluation of the project using various methodologies.
The pilot spanned 12 weeks and involved 25 participants experiencing symptoms at different menopausal stages.
The Menopause Goals leadership team – including Gayle Brannigan, Chief Executive of St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation, and our menopause expert, Maria Anderson – organised weekly in-person sessions, complemented by online resource sharing.
The pilot aimed to enhance participants' knowledge about menopause and their personal journeys, helping them comprehend the impact on their well-being, relationships, and professional lives.
The research outcomes will pave the way for a resource that enables the implementation of similar programs in football clubs throughout Scotland. This resource will also contribute to government objectives, given that menopause is a focal point in the Women's Health Plan.
Looking ahead, the objective is to leverage football's influence. This innovative resource aims to educate and empower volunteers and staff within football across Scotland, providing them with tools and knowledge to support women gradually.
The goal is to enable women to comprehend the complexities of menopause, fostering logical thinking about their body's needs. By applying their learning in manageable steps, women can reduce symptoms, boost confidence to communicate with health professionals, and articulate their needs effectively.
Learn more
If you'd like to learn more or seek support, free resources are available on menopause expert Maria Anderson's website.
You can read the Scottish FA Menopause Goals Statistics Report here.
If you are a club who is interested in delivering the Menopause Goals programme, please get in touch with us via the form below.
Power of Football
Football has the power to do so much good by enriching and improving life in Scotland every day. It brings communities closer together, it builds relationships that will last forever and it is a lifeline for so many who need it.
We want to help tell unique stories from every corner of the Scottish game. Is someone in your community making a difference through football? A character who's the heart and soul of your club? An individual in need of a pick-me-up? Let us know via story@scottishfa.co.uk.
Click here to learn more about the power of football in Scotland.