My Story

Hi, my name is Rowan and until more recent years this has not been my day job. My career has been in the equine industry for over 30 years, caring for and training horses and coaching riders.

The change in my life all began after my own experience of perimenopause, and I started to share the knowledge I had learned with friends around the kitchen table who were struggling, and friends of friends started asking for help too.

Then I had an opportunity to help within the wider community when my GP surgery asked if I would be willing to help run a well being group. I didn't hesitate as I had all of this information in my head and needed to put it to good use. I felt determined to use my experience to make a difference to others, as no woman should have to suffer in the way I did for so long.

So I volunteered as a "Health Champion" in conjunction with the Blackmore Vale Partnership. With the wonderful support of the Social Prescribing team and other Health Champions we have established two group support meetings a month.

It soon became clear that the demand for menopause support was high, and I had more and more requests for one to one support and couples guidance. Interest began to flood in from local organisations to raise menopause awareness within the community. So I eventually decided to create the Social Enterprise, Dorset Menopause Support as my "work" in this area was simply overtaking my day job at an overwhelming rate.

This has been made an easier transition due to the advice and support from Community Action Network, and with their continued support I hope this will evolve into a Community Interest Company, so it can grow and increase to benefit the community in the future.

*Update : From January 2024 Dorset Menopause Support registered with Companies House as a Community Interest Company, a not-for-profit organisation.

I believe that every woman should have access to factual, evidence based, up to date medical information, advice, education and emotional support, so they can be in control of their own health and wellbeing through perimenopause and menopause.

Many women struggle to lead a normal lifestyle when perimenopause and menopause enters their lives, some to devastating effect. I am dedicated to offer support, guidance and information, so more women can learn about this time of change within their body and can then choose how to best manage their symptoms.

After my own experiences of perimenopause and the struggle to find the right information and help that I needed, it became obvious that the majority of medical professionals need more education and update their knowledge on menopause.

In most cases this is not the fault of the medical professional, simply the training is not mandatory within the medical curriculum.

So I also feel passionately about improving education within women´s health. Just in case you were wondering, I do not have a background in medicine. I am not a nurse, clinician or medical doctor of any kind.

....But that does not mean I am not qualified or best placed to support women through this stage of life. Due to my own lived experience of menopause and extensive research, I decided to retrain to enable me to support other women professionally and to the best of my ability.
I hold certification with The International Menopause Society and Newson Health Menopause Society, qualifications in women’s health, nutrition, and wellbeing, counselling skills and enhanced suicide awareness and prevention with the NHS.

I do what I do because I feel passionately about supporting other women during one of the most challenging times in life. I experienced how profoundly the medical system fails women in perimenopause and beyond. I was failed by it. And I still see the same story repeated daily in the women I support.

The truth is that women’s health has been neglected, dismissed, and misunderstood for generations. From hysteria diagnoses to the minimising of menstrual, hormonal, and menopausal symptoms, the legacy of patriarchal medicine still shapes how women are treated today. Despite incredible advances, the system remains deeply rooted in a model that was never designed with women in mind.

Menopause is not an illness. It is not seen as a medical condition. It is a natural biological transition BUT... one that deserves support, education, and respect, not gaslighting or dismissal.

My role is to walk alongside you, offering a listening ear and sharing the common ground of lived experience, truly understanding some of the challenges you may be facing.
I will listen without judgement, creating a safe space to talk openly, I can share valuable resources, discuss options, connect you with other relevant support, and provide emotional reassurance to compliment the care you receive from your GP.

My purpose is to offer support, guidance and a steady presence when you need it most. My role is also to educate others, so we all have more knowledge about perimenopause, menopause and the post menopausal years.

My work focuses on interpreting hormone patterns and helping women understand why their symptoms are happening. This allows them to make informed decisions about both treatment and lifestyle options alongside their healthcare provider. I can help you prepare for a GP or healthcare professional appointment. I do not prescribe Hormone Replacement Therapy, but I have trained in how to prescribe HRT correctly. I stay in contact with clinicians and specialists and undertake regular CPD webinar training with the IMS and Wellbeing of Women.
I believe that menopause care should be holistic, and this is when women often see the best results in symptom relief.

Hormone therapy can be transformative for most women when prescribed correctly and individualised, but lifestyle medicine is also vital to long-term balance and wellbeing. Nutrition, movement, stress management, sleep, family support and good social connections all influence the endocrine system as profoundly as medication.

I am fully insured for menopause consultations and have a current DBS certificate.

I hold certification and membership with The International Menopause Society ( IMPART 1 and IMPART 2 courses)

I hold certification and membership with the Newson Health Menopause Society (Confidence in the Menopause course).

To compliment this I have certification in Nutrition and Health & Wellbeing with Livewell Dorset.

I have completed two courses on Mental Health with Dorset Mind and the NHS learning hub.

I have completed two courses regarding Suicide Awareness and Prevention, with organisations Zero Suicide Alliance and Mind.

I have also completed a NHS Enhanced Suicide Prevention training with Public Health Dorset in January 2025.

I hold TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills.

I have been appointed as Menopause third sector Ambassador for the NHS Dorset Virtual Women's Health Hub Project 2024/5 and was a speaker on the Menopause Expert Panel for the Stakeholder Event in April 2025.

I regularly attend webinars with The International Menopause Society, The Wellbeing of Women and other recognised organisations to continue to increase and refresh my knowledge on menopause care.

https://www.balance-menopause.com/

My story: ‘I was at rock bottom – now I support others through their menopause’

Rowan shares her experiences of menopause-related anxiety, UTIs and heart palpitations

Rowan was running a successful business when she started to experienced physical and psychological symptoms that impacted her confidence and her career – but no one mentioned the perimenopause or menopause.

Here, she shares her story.

‘I lost my father when I was thirty-nine. He had brought me up, and I had cared for him before he died, and it hit me particularly hard. So when I had the symptoms of what I now know as perimenopause, I initially thought it was grief. But then it went on, and on – even two years later I’d have emotional days when I couldn’t stop crying.

‘I had been a fit and active outdoor person my whole life and had been working in the equine industry, running a busy event yard, teaching and riding semi-professionally. Yet here I was in my early forties, suffering from broken sleep, anxiety and lost confidence. It began to have a serious impact on my riding career, as the anxiety became unbearable and I had panic attacks. I felt so unwell all the time – like someone had knocked me off my feet.

I thought I was too young to be perimenopausal

‘The only thing I knew – or thought I knew – about the menopause at that point was that I wouldn’t have to worry about it until I was well into my fifties, and then it would just involve getting a bit hot and sweaty. How hard could that be? I spent half my life sweating doing physical work, anyway. I had no idea it could hit women of my age, or even in their twenties.

‘I’m sure now that by the time I was 42 I was perimenopausal. Hot flushes weren’t a big thing for me, but I was running a temperature and felt overheated the whole time. I developed urinary tract infections – I got electric shock pains through my pelvic area, had a really painful pelvis with cramping. I thought I was diabetic because I was really thirsty and wanted to go to the loo all the time.

Night sweats and heart palpitations

‘I went to see a GP because I thought I was run down. It was having a real impact on my life. I’d stopped competitive riding, but I was still trying to work and be active and do my day job. I had night sweats; I’d be shivering; I’d be woken up with heart palpitations, which was really unnerving.

‘The GP ordered blood tests and everything came back negative. Further down the line, I was tested for Lyme disease, connective-tissue disorders, Addison’s disease – but nobody even mentioned menopause or perimenopause.

‘I said to the doctor that I thought it was my hormones – that I thought my estrogen and testosterone were low – and asked if I could be tested for that. He couldn’t even look at me. He turned away and said I’d have to talk to someone who knew something about that.

‘At this stage I was really struggling. This wasn’t like a cold or flu, something that would go away in a few weeks. It was constant.

Starting HRT

‘I saw another GP and she gave me HRT. But I wasn’t given any information about it. She asked me if I wanted patches, gel or tablets. How was I supposed to know? I said I’d try tablets, so she wrote the prescription and off I went.

‘Within three or four days, my temperature had come down, my dizziness and nausea had gone and I thought, ‘Thank God, it’s worked’. But after several months, the symptoms came back again – and my muscles ached, brain fog crept in and I felt utterly exhausted all the time. I went back to the GP. I had done some research and now knew I needed body-identical HRT – and a much higher dose.

‘My life changed when I watched a menopause documentary and found a menopause specialist. I had to wait three months for the appointment and by that time I had been diagnosed with chronic fatigue. I tried to carry on, and then I slipped a disc in my back. I couldn’t work – I couldn’t stay awake; I was at rock bottom.

Feeling listened to

‘When I got to the specialist menopause clinic, I finally felt listened to. They understood what was going on, and the help I needed. I was told to keep increasing the dose of the estrogen every two weeks until I felt better. I was on testosterone as well, and after several months, I felt great. All my symptoms had eased, the chronic fatigue had lifted, the brain fog had gone and I was back to teaching. It took longer to sort out the progestogen, but I feel brilliant.

Supporting others through their menopause

‘Now I volunteer at my local GP practice running menopause-support meetings. This isn’t just a meet-up-and-have-coffee thing – it’s a place where women can come and gain more knowledge about the menopause and how to deal with their symptoms with up-to-date medical information. I’ve also set up a Facebook group.

‘I’m very lucky to feel as good as I do now, but it hasn’t been without a fight. Women shouldn’t have to go through this. We’ve got to come out of the dark ages, and there’s still a long way to go.’

Click on the links to read more about my story

https://www.nicolagreenconsultancy.co.uk/the-most-difficult-thing-i-have-had-to-overcome-in-my-life/?fbclid=IwAR3UrKESkyjA9eqbd5rZz1jHVAhDnsKNwCw84NCE0gVBjCbV-vnMeFKmpjM

Interview with The i Paper (Newspaper)

Dorset Menopause Support CIC Committee

We are a small group of dedicated volunteers who passionately support women through all stages of menopause. We offer Information and Support group meetings for women in Shaftesbury, Sturminster Newton and Gillingham, One to One Support, Couples Guidance and Educational Talks for everyone in the local area of North Dorset. Our founder, Rowan Chambers, utilises her own lived experience of perimenopause and holds formal qualifications on menopause care with The International Menopause Society and Newson Health Menopause Society. She has certification in counselling, nutrition and wellbeing and has completed Enhanced Suicide Awareness and Prevention training with NHS Dorset. All board members are from the local communities with a shared investment in women's health.

The menopause support and information benefits all residents, charities, community groups, businesses, marginalised communities and health care professionals. The Menopause Information and Support Group Meetings have continued to be an essential service for women of all ages and stages of menopause, providing a safe and welcoming space for women to meet, share experiences and gain valuable information. The introduction of themed talks and guest speakers has proved popular and this support within the community and education provided is thriving and growing in attendance.

We offer a safe and friendly place for women who feel distressed, confused and alone when menopausal or those who are looking for more information on perimenopause, menopause and the post menopausal years. Women can share experiences, gaining strength and comfort by meeting others experiencing a similar change in life and challenges with the menopause transition. They emerge with positive solutions, evidence-based information and new friends, and they are not facing this challenge on their own.

We continue to provide menopause talks in the community to private and community groups, businesses and organisations to give education about menopause, provide support and raise awareness to help early self-diagnosis and reduce unnecessary suffering and possible referrals to secondary care.
We feel the need for more education around the menopause transition and the psychological impact it can have on women is crucial. Unfortunately, GP’s have no formal comprehensive training in menopause, and when women are experiencing acute stages of mental health challenges reach out for help, the appropriate care isn’t easily accessible within primary care. This can lead to extreme distress, suffering, anxiety, feelings of hopelessness and suicidal ideation for many. The rates of suicide and attempted suicide in women are highest between the ages of 45-55 (Dorset Mind) With the average age of menopause at 51 this is not a coincidence, and our aim is to prevent suicide attempts in women during this time and save lives.

Dorset Menopause Support fundamentally helps more women reach their full potential, by raising awareness and supporting them at the earliest stage. Women who receive the right support and manage their symptoms well are happier, healthier and have renewed confidence and vitality to reach their potential both professionally and personally. The inequality in women's health care has for too long been ignored, and this is addressed directly with the menopause support on offer, where there is little knowledge and understanding. Both personal relationships and those within the workplace and community are strengthened and improved. Dorset Menopause Support works on a preventative approach to health, encouraging women to address their lifestyle choices in midlife, including nutrition, stress, sleep, exercise and approaching their GP for appropriate treatment.

The team goes into the North Dorset communities to raise awareness by attending health events, holding social, health and wellbeing events and running fundraising events, always listening and learning from their interactions. The services were initially modelled on what the founder would have hoped to have been offered when she was in need of support. Impact and insight are highly valued and are used to constantly review and evaluate our programmes, allowing for co design of services. Learning more from women than any textbook! Rowan raises awareness of menopause support with health care professionals and is Third Sector Menopause Ambassador for the Women’s Health Strategy NHS Dorset Virtual Health Hub. In April 2025 she attended the Stakeholder Event to celebrate the launch of the Dorset Women’s Health website and was a speaker on the menopause expert panel.

Our Facebook community has grown from strength to strength and allows women access to a huge library of menopause information and education as well as being able to post questions or share their worries at any time. This has proved to be an essential lifeline for many women and has developed into a wonderfully supportive safe space. We have members from far and wide across the south west and other parts of the UK. We strongly believe that nobody should feel like they have nowhere to turn for help during the challenges of menopause.

Award as Recognition for Outstanding Volunteering Contribution

We are so proud to receive the Andy Jacobs' Award for Mental Health and Wellbeing at the Volunteer Centre Dorset Celebration Event in October 2025. This award was presented to Rowan Chambers and Dorset Menopause Support CIC as recognition of their outstanding volunteering contribution.

It was a fantastic evening with Dorset Volunteer Centre to celebrate the amazing work that goes on all around Dorset from some truly inspirational people and there was a wonderful atmosphere of pure appreciation and gratitude for all the teams, organisations and individuals that attended. Time was spent with friends and new connections were made.

Importantly it has raised the awareness of the menopause support we offer which is just fantastic, as even a visit to our website can offer so much help to someone who is struggling and feeling alone and confused or needs to access more information about menopause. We feel so proud of the support we offer and to be recognised for this is just incredible, so thank you to everyone who nominated Dorset Menopause Support CIC for this award.

Would you like to volunteer for Dorset Menopause Support?

We are looking for volunteers who can support the current work we do and also volunteers to set up new Menopause Information and Support Meetings in their community to enable us to reach more women across the South West. We can offer help in setting up your group, provide resources for your meetings and training if necessary.

Please contact dorsetmenopause@gmail.com for more information.