A 40 Day Health Challenge recruit has told how the menopause “absolutely knocked” her – before she learned how to manage it.
The makers of TV show Operation Transformation have teamed up with The Irish Sun and The Classic Hits Radio for a new health series to kick off 2025.
Grainne Walsh, from Limerick, signed up for the series for guidance on boosting her weight loss journey that’s she’s already on.
She said: “Menopause absolutely knocked me for six but I am way better now, and that’s part of the reason that I’m doing this.
“Because I just want people to know that you don’t have to go to bed every night and think, ‘oh my God, I’m fatter today than I was this morning.’
“And wake up every morning you say, I’m going to be a good girl today, and I’m going to do everything I’m supposed to do…
“And then go back to bed at night and actually cry every single night.”
The 54-year-old started Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) three years ago.
Grainne told how HRT helps her getting seven hours sleep and tackles joint pain.
She said: “The joint pain was gone, I started to swim in the sea.
“And that mentally was so good for me, I don’t think I could have done it beforehand.
“And again, for the walking. So it’s an aid.”
The mum-of-three, who has already lost four stone, told how she leads a busy day-to-day.
She said: “I swim in the morning in the Shannon. Or the evening, it depends on the tides.
“But just to make things simple, morning swim, morning walk.
“And then I go to work in my home at my desk.
“Then I work until about four and then just clean the house, go for a hike, the usual stuff.”
WHAT IS THE MENOPAUSE?
WHEN a woman has stopped having periods for at least 12 months she is classed as being in menopause.
The ovaries stop working and releasing eggs, with levels of progesterone and estrogen fluctuating.
This has side effects, the most common being:
- Headaches
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Brain fog
- Hot flushes
- Night sweats
- Insomnia
- Aching joints
- Frequent urination
- Stomach cramps
- Incontinence
- Loss of libido
If you are experiencing menopause your GP can help you and might offer Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which can help alleviate some symptoms.
Grainne is on a mission to help and inspire others who may have similar health goals.
She said: “That’s why I’m doing this, for people who are in the doldrums like I was, can see and look at.
“People say to me all the time, ‘you’re so much happier’. They don’t say you’re so you’re thinner because I was 18 stone, they don’t say you look healthy or anything.
“They just say, ‘God, you’re so happy’.”
Fans praised Grainne for her bravery and resilience on the @40dayhealthchallenge Instagram.
One person said: “Fair play Grainne, representing the ladies.”
Another said: “Menopause kicked me all over horrendous.”
While another added: “Absolutely the best, you are brilliant. We have this.”
- To follow Grainne’s journey see 40dayhealthchallenge.ie.
HOW CAN I WATCH?
YOU can watch this week’s four episodes where the challengers meet our top coaches by heading to 40dayhealthchallenge.ie.
Two episodes will be released per week with one on Tuesday and one on Wednesday.
Readers can also follow all the action and get the latest updates, meal plans, exercises and mental health tips from thesun.ie and Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio during the 40 days.
