Alumna publishes new book to help demystify menopause

5 October 2026

A University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) graduate who has dedicated her career to supporting women through menopause has released a book that will be launched at the University’s Swansea campus this October.

Katie Day, UWTSD graduate of MA Professional Practice and author of 'Menopause is Really Strange' — Katie Day, UWTSD graduate of MA Professional Practice and author of Menopause is Really Strange

Katie Day, who completed her MA in Professional Practice at UWTSD in 2024, has combined personal experience, professional expertise and years of research to create Menopause is Really Strange, a practical guide designed to educate, reassure and empower readers.

Part of the acclaimed Really Strange series, the book uses accessible language, evidence-based information and engaging illustrations to demystify menopause and encourage more informed conversations around the topic.

Katie said: “Remembering my own menopause transition and how scary that time was for me, I am passionate that other women do not have a similar experience. When I was navigating this time of life for myself, it wasn’t being discussed and the level of isolation I felt was, at times, overwhelming.

“With the right knowledge and information, a lot of the fear can be overcome, which allows women to be empowered to make their own choices.”

Turning expertise into a practical guide

As a menopause educator and trainer, Katie has spent many years working across the public and private sectors, helping women navigate menopause and recognise the opportunities for growth that can follow. An Associate of the British Menopause Society, Katie is a recognised voice in menopause education and regularly speaks at conferences and events.

Her new book, Menopause is Really Strange, draws on a combination of lived experience, professional insight and current research, creating a resource for both those experiencing menopause and the people around them. It explores everything from common symptoms and treatment options to the social and cultural factors that can shape an individual’s experience of menopause.

Katie said making evidence-based information understandable for a wider audience was a key motivation behind the book.

“I feel that it is very important to make complex ideas and medical language easily accessible and understandable to all. That way, people get the information they need to enable them to make the decisions that are right for them.”

Cover of Menopause is Really Strange by Katie Day. Illustrations by Sophie Standing. — Cover of Menopause is Really Strange by Katie Day

How her studies strengthened her research and practice

Katie’s MA in Professional Practice helped provide a strong academic foundation for the research and expertise reflected in Menopause is Really Strange. The programme also strengthened her confidence as a menopause educator.

She said: “My MA was hugely influential in the writing of the book. The experience helped me sort through and order the information I wanted to share, fully research the content and further develop my ability to take complex material and translate it into everyday language.”

Her master’s research examined the role of personality in women’s experience of the menopause transition, an area that continues to inform her work as an educator, speaker and author.

She added: “Having the master’s helps position me as one of the ‘experts’ in the field and supports me in terms of recognition, trust and confidence with others.”

Celebrating the book’s launch

The book will be officially launched at UWTSD’s Swansea campus on Friday, 23 October.

The event will include a presentation from Katie, who will discuss the book and reflect on her MA experience, followed by a Q&A session and an opportunity to network.

Reflecting on the significance of launching the book at the University, Katie said: “The feeling of being part of the wonderfully supportive family that is UWTSD was such an uplifting and positive experience for me. To still be supported by the University through this book launch is more than I could have hoped for.”

Following the Swansea launch, Katie will take part in a discussion event at the Houses of Parliament, where she will draw on her master’s research and professional experience to explore how personality can influence women’s experience of menopause.

If you would like to attend the book launch, please register here.