Amy Bennie on what it’s like to enter menopause at 16, and how to get support if you have Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

My guest this time is Amy Bennie - Amy is the chair of Daisy Network, the only charity dedicated to providing medical and psychological support for women with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency.  Amy was just 16 years old when she was told her ovaries just were not working - and for many years thought perhaps she was the only one in the country as she’d been told it was very rare. For several years, having no real understanding of what was happening to her, she suffered with anxiety, agoraphobia, and panic attacks…it was only in her early 20s that she discovered the Daisy Network and realized she was not as alone as she had thought. For 90% of those with POI, there’s currently no discernable underlying cause - which can be hard to come to terms with. We also cover why hormone therapy is so vital for those with POI, to prevent osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, and promote good brain health.  Amy is now dedicated to helping those through their diagnosis and raising awareness of POI within the wider community. She is author of the book 'Daisy Network - Our Guide to Premature Ovarian Insufficiency' and works as a Psychotherapeutic Counsellor. You can find out more about the support offered by the Daisy Network at: https://www.daisynetwork.org/  https://www.instagram.com/thedaisynetwork/    Don't forget to follow us over on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/middlingalong_podcast/ or find out more/listen to past episodes/subscribe to the newsletter at https://middlingalong.com   It would mean so much if you’d subscribe, rate, and review us on Apple Podcasts to share the love! You can also find me at www.managingthemenopause.com where we offer coaching and workplace training.