Suzie’s Story

Rhythm and blues singer Sister Suzie, 46, experienced a range of severe symptoms from fibroids and perimenopause. She wanted to share her story and encourage more people to speak openly about what they go through.

I was in my late thirties when my periods started going haywire, along with my moods and energy levels. Someone mentioned it could be perimenopause. Peri what? I had no idea about it back then.

My periods were already long, heavy and painful. But when I got Covid-19, I didn’t stop bleeding for four months. After that, I was only having a few dry days each month. I was at my wits’ end.

I had blood tests but nothing was coming up. The doctor gave me progesterone to help with the bleeding. For a time it helped, giving me a regular cycle. But I also had a lack of motivation, poor memory, major anxiety and depression,swollen breasts and belly – alongside a grief for the loss of myself, which flooded my existence. It was just too much.

Then things got even worse.

I thought I might die

I started losing enormous amounts of blood and clots again, and was having to take days off work. It happened when I was travelling back from Europe and when I was performing on stage at Christmas. I was pale and tearful and was always cancelling appointments and social events. I felt trapped in my four walls, with exhaustion and a bit of delusion.

The clots were the size of my palm and I thought I might die. I called 111 and was sent to A&E. I was hospitalised for 11 days and given blood and iron. A scan found a cluster of fibroids in my uterus and a mass of them in my womb. One was so large, we think it actually pushed out my coil.

The doctor said they were not inclined to offer me a hysterectomy; I was too young. I told them that I was scared of living like this. They told me about a monthly injection that would switch off my ovaries to stop me bleeding and shrink my fibroids. But it would mean going into early menopause. I couldn’t replace the hormones [with HRT] because the oestrogen would feed the fibroids. And I could only take the injection for six months. I point-blank refused – it would just be a sticking plaster.

I’m a new woman

I’m a huge supporter of the NHS but with difficulty getting an appointment and a huge waiting list for hysterectomies, I decided to have it done privately. Luckily for me, a couple of friends set up a funding page. Between friends, family and my Sister Suzie listeners, the money was raised.

Three days before my operation, it was Mother’s Day. As much as I never felt the overwhelming urge to have a baby, I cried all day. Having the choice taken away is heartbreaking. After the operation, I had a severe depression about this for a few weeks, feeling like I was no longer a woman.

However, my operation went well and so did my recovery. That summer I was getting back to my usual self on stage. I probably did too much – 17 gigs in a month, including Glastonbury and my first ever stage dive! I started getting huge energy dips again and massive migraines.

My doctor gave me oestrogen gel. I know HRT isn’t for everyone, but I’m a new woman. I feel like Sister Suzie 2018! My face seems to have gotten younger and my energy is back. My memory isn’t anywhere near what it was, but maybe it’ll get there.

I’d like to help normalise talking about these things

 I managed to write a couple of songs during my illness. There was a lot to write about. Being creative when I had the energy gave me a chance to cry about some matters and laugh about others. I also wrote a journal and drew pictures. I really think it helps your mental state.

Now that I’m well, I’ve managed to make two records and start a small clothing line. Although it can be a bit much to cope with at times, I’m so grateful I’m doing it.

I’d like to help raise awareness of menopause but also how various symptoms can be due to other things, such as fibroids or endometriosis. So many people have said, ‘Oh yeah, I had fibroids’ after I got them, but I’d never heard of them before and it’s so scary. How didn’t I know?! I’d like to help normalise talking about these things.

As time has moved on, perimenopause and menopause are being spoken about more. It’s good to hear things on the radio and see Davina McCall’s show highlight these issues. But when you’re in it, it can still feel like a bit of a secret.

It would be great to see this subject added to sexual health education in schools so both sexes are aware. All I can do at the moment is sing my songs, and hopefully begin to host some open talks about this stupidly taboo subject that half the population goes through.