It was during her mid-40s when Sharon Plummer began to struggle with insomnia, weight gain, a loss of confidence, and chronic fatigue. 

A personal trainer based near Norwich, she quickly sought medical advice. 

But despite reaching out to numerous health professionals, not once did anyone suggest that what she was experiencing was perimenopause. 

It was not until she began doing her own research on the topic that she experienced a lightbulb moment.

Eastern Daily Press: Sharon Plummer during a charity box-a-thon in 2018 - Picture: Neil DidsburySharon Plummer during a charity box-a-thon in 2018 - Picture: Neil Didsbury (Image: Newsquest)

She said: “I felt like I was going through a low and lonely time in my life, with a brain full of mush.  

“At the time, nobody around me was talking about menopause.  

“Fast forward a few years after training lots of ladies around the same age, I started to see a pattern of common issues.  

“I saw career women bursting into tears questioning who they were, losing their confidence, struggling with anxiety, fatigue and low moods.  

“I saw the same shoulder issues, aches, pains, loss of energy, fun, zest of life zapped out of them.” 

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So impactful were her own experiences and those of others, she was inspired to train as a menopause specialist to help others. 

At the start of lockdown, Mrs Plummer launched a new health and fitness business.  

Despite beginning the new venture during a pandemic, her farm-based bootcamp became an overnight success. 

Now, adding an extra string to her bow, she has launched Flourish, a new course for those experiencing perimenopause and menopause. 

She added: “I want to ensure ladies are educated and empowered by being armed with a better understanding of navigating menopause in a positive way, including making healthy changes to improve cognitive, mental, and physical health. 

“Being a menopause specialist enables me to put the training and experience into helping others, for women to not feel so alone on their menopause journey.”