Thriving Through Change – Dr June Sheren

Thanks to Dr June Sheren, for contributing this companion piece to Sophie Tott’s blog sharing her experience of perimenopause as a DJ, Producer and Artist. You can read Sophie’s blog here.

Dr Anna Waters has also written a companion piece about performance psychology and menopause. She says “Sophie is really leading the way and I hope that her story encourages other women to share their experiences.”

Menopause is a natural phase of life. It is a physiological shift out of the reproductive stage of a woman’s life, inducing changes that impact every major system of a woman’s body. Eighty percent of women will experience physical symptoms like hot flushes, insomnia, fatigue, musculoskeletal changes, uro-genital symptoms, as well as cognitive and emotional challenges such as anxiety, depression, and mood swings in menopause transition. For twenty-five percent of women, the symptoms are severe. Despite its profound impact on health, wellbeing, relationships and careers, menopause is rarely discussed openly, often treated as an afterthought in conversations about women’s health. There is a glaring lack of awareness, education, and care surrounding menopause. Many women navigate this journey alone, often searching for answers in a fragmented healthcare system that doesn’t prioritize their needs during this stage of life.

As a primary care/general practice physician specializing in women’s health and performing arts medicine, I see the impact of menopause amplified on many layers for women in the performing arts. Sophie’s story of her struggles through perimenopause is a variation on a theme that I hear every single day from my patients. As a woman in midlife myself, these stories resonate deeply. I’m struck by how the two populations that I care for – women, and performing artists – are so under-served in healthcare. Perhaps that’s also why I’ve chosen to care for them.

My top tips to help performing artists thrive through change:

1. The mind, body and soul are inseparable. Looking after your physical health – nutrition, exercise, sleep, avoiding harmful substances – nourishes your entire being.

2. There are safe and effective treatments including menopausal hormone therapy and other options. Look for healthcare providers who are knowledgeable about menopause and its treatments and who listen to your needs.

3. Find your community and create support networks. Online communities, support groups, and mentorship programs can provide a safe space for women and help to normalize conversations, challenge unrealistic industry norms, and encourage others to seek the support they need.

4. Menopause can be transformative – the end of the reproductive phase may be the start of an even more productive stage of life. Like Sophie, we can find new meaning through this life transition.

To every performing artist who feels unseen or unsupported during this time: you are not alone. Your struggles are valid, your voice matters, and your experience deserves recognition. Thank you Sophie for being vulnerable, for reminding us that no woman should have to suffer alone, and for inspiring us to embrace change.

Let’s keep talking about this until every woman feels empowered to thrive through change with confidence and dignity.

Dr June Tan Sheren
MBBS (Singapore), MMed Family Medicine (Singapore), MSc Performing Arts Medicine (UK)