When Burnout Sparks a New Beginning: Katie’s Transformation Through Menopause Coaching

Women of a Certain Stage

In this episode of Women of a Certain Stage, Lauren Chiren sits down with Katie Parry, midwife, nurse, and graduate menopause coach with Women of a Certain Stage to discuss her personal journey from clinical burnout to becoming a menopause specialist.

After years of working in midwifery and emergency healthcare, Katie experienced firsthand the emotional and physical toll that many healthcare professionals face. Seeking a new path, she discovered the Women of a Certain Stage Menopause Coach Diploma and retrained to support women through one of the most critical, yet overlooked, phases of life: menopause.

Katie shares how her clinical background combined with her specialist menopause training allows her to provide evidence-based support for women struggling with hot flushes, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and brain fog. She also discusses the growing need for qualified menopause coaches to bridge the gap in healthcare for midlife women.

This episode is essential listening for nurses, midwives, healthcare professionals, and anyone looking to pivot into menopause coaching or better support women in midlife.

Connect with Katie at www.menopauseunmasked.com.

🌿 What we cover:

How burnout ended Katie’s career as a midwife and what she thought was early dementia.

The moment she realised menopause coaching could help others and herself.

Why flexible thinking and self-kindness were game-changers for her recovery.

How simple changes like drinking more water and decluttering made a huge difference.

The confidence boost of returning to work after six months off and feeling stronger than ever.

Why coaching isn’t just for clients — but for every stage of life.

Katie’s mission: to start the conversation earlier and help women feel heard before things spiral.

💬 Katie’s biggest realisation:

"If I don’t make myself a priority, no one else will."

🎧 A message for anyone listening:

Menopause isn’t just about symptoms. It’s about confidence, identity and learning how to take back control, with the right support.

[00:01:22] Menopause support training journey.

[00:05:34] Coaching in nursing professions.

[00:09:33] Mindset shifts in self-care.

[00:11:22] Accountability for personal happiness.

[00:16:21] Menopause and work environment.

[00:20:10] Raising awareness about perimenopause.

[00:23:36] Menstrual cycle education importance.

[00:25:56] Investment in menopause coaching.

[00:28:47] Impact of menopause on work.

[00:31:45] Menopause opportunities.

Inspired by Katie's story?

You can train to become a certified menopause coach and help others too.

👉 Find out more here https://womenofacertainstage.lpages.co/menopause-coach-2024-ed/

Meet your host Lauren Chiren

Lauren Chiren is a leading voice in menopause awareness and workplace inclusion, dedicated to ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

As the Founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage, she works with organisations worldwide to create menopause-savvy and supportive environments.

With a background in psychology, sports therapy, and nutrition, and an extensive suite of coaching certifications, Lauren is on a mission to train 20,000 Menopause Coaches and Champions, equipping them with the tools to support individuals and workplaces through this transformative life stage.

Join her as she breaks the silence, challenges the stigma, and empowers people to thrive at midlife and beyond.

About Women of a Certain Stage

We are committed to transforming the menopause experience—both for individuals and the organisations that support them.

Our mission is to empower people through education, advocacy, and expert-led training, ensuring menopause is no longer a barrier to confidence, health, or career success.

Join us and our global network of professionals dedicated to breaking the stigma, improving workplace culture, and ensuring no one navigates menopause alone.

Find out more here: https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/

Connect with Lauren

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenchiren/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenopausecoach/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfACertainStage

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@womenofacertainstage

Twitter/X: https://x.com/LaurenChiren