Hormones, Menopause & Money: Life After a Benign Brain Tumour
Hormones, Menopause & Money: Life After a Benign Brain Tumour
Eighteen years ago, at 39 weeks pregnant, I experienced a moment that changed my life forever. Out of nowhere, I had stroke-like symptoms — numbness down one side of my body, slurred speech, and the inability to say more than a few words. I remember trying to tell my husband “Where is the cat?” but the words wouldn’t form.
A few minutes later, the symptoms faded. My husband asked, “Is this normal for pregnancy?” That question sent us straight to A&E. After a brain scan and an overnight stay, the next morning brought news that stopped time:
“You have a 6 cm meningioma. We’ll need to induce you and deliver the baby before brain surgery.”
A meningioma is a slow-growing, typically benign brain tumour. In my case, pregnancy hormones had accelerated its growth, though doctors believed I’d carried it most of my life. I was 34, about to meet my baby — and about to face surgery that could change everything.
Two Hormone-Driven Life Changes
What I didn’t realise at the time was how deeply hormones would shape my journey — not just then, but years later.
The tumour: Pressing on areas controlling hormones, it disrupted my body in ways I didn’t fully understand until much later.
Menopause: When it arrived, the symptoms were amplified — brain fog, fatigue, mood swings, and anxiety felt sharper, more unpredictable.
Both experiences were hormone-related. And both affected not only my health but also my financial stability. Illness, recovery, and hormonal changes all had an impact on my income, my spending habits, and my confidence around money.
Why Hormones and Money Are Linked
When your hormones are off-balance, decision-making feels different. You may feel more anxious, more cautious, or even avoidant with money matters.
For me, the connection was undeniable. I noticed:
Avoiding certain financial decisions out of fear.
Feeling guilty about spending on myself.
Swinging between hyper-focus on money and total avoidance.
Breaking the Cycle of Money Anxiety
My mum used to say, “You’re living a champagne lifestyle on lemonade money.” Back then, she was right — I had ambition but not the financial mindset to match.
Over time, I rebuilt my relationship with money. Now, through MenoMoney, I help other women do the same.
Here are three tools I use and teach:
Tapping (EFT): Calms your nervous system during money conversations or stressful financial moments.
Rewriting Your Money Story: Spot and reframe limiting beliefs inherited from family or past struggles.
Breaking Money Blocks: Replace fear-based decisions with aligned, practical actions.
From Lemons to Lemonade
Just last week, my family and I set up a Lemonade Stand for the Brain Tumour Charity. It was simple — a table, homemade lemonade, and conversations with strangers — but it raised funds and awareness.
Proceeds from my business now also support the Brain Tumour Charity. It’s my way of giving back to a cause that’s been part of my story from the very beginning.
The Bigger Picture
From a brain tumour diagnosis at 39 weeks pregnant to navigating the debilitating symptoms of menopause, my journey has been about more than survival. It’s been about building resilience, finding financial clarity, and helping others do the same.
At MenoMoney, I blend practical financial tools with mindset strategies to help women break free from money anxiety — because your health and wealth are more connected than most people realise.
If you’re navigating menopause, hormonal changes, or the financial uncertainty that can come with them, I’d love to hear your story.
