UWTSD alumna launches book inspired by her menopause journey

29 October 2026

A University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) alumna who has spent much of her life navigating the impact of hormonal change, from experiencing puberty at the age of five to overcoming the challenges of menopause decades later, has published a book aimed at helping others better understand the transition.

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

Katie Day, a menopause educator, researcher and graduate of UWTSD’s MA in Professional Practice, recently launched Menopause is Really Strange at the University’s Swansea campus.

Beginning puberty at just five years old, Katie often felt different from her peers. Decades later, when she entered perimenopause, she initially did not recognise what she was experiencing.

Like many women, she was unfamiliar with the signs and symptoms and struggled to make sense of the changes she was experiencing. It was only after speaking to a friend who had recently visited a gynaecologist that Katie began to recognise the signs, prompting a series of what she described as “light bulb moments”.

The experience highlighted how little menopause was being discussed at the time and how many women continue to navigate it without the knowledge, understanding or support they need.

As symptoms intensified, menopause began to affect every aspect of Katie’s life, from her physical health and confidence to her emotional wellbeing. Feelings of isolation, anxiety and self-doubt were compounded by a lack of open discussion around the subject.

She said:

“I felt I had gone from a confident business woman to someone unable to string a sentence together in the space of 48 hours.

“My self-esteem hit rock bottom. I was feeling anxious over ‘small things’. My memory was shot to bits, and my emotional wellbeing had taken a serious turn.”

Now in her late sixties and on the other side of the menopause transition, Katie views that experience very differently. While acknowledging the challenges she faced, she also spoke about the opportunities, growth and renewed confidence that can follow.

Katie has been delivering training programmes to organisations for most of her career, but what began as a search for answers eventually led her to focus on menopause education. Today, she works with organisations across the public and private sectors, helping women better understand menopause while encouraging employers, colleagues, family members and friends to provide informed support.

The opportunity to write Menopause is Really Strange arose after a contact who had attended one of Katie’s training sessions recommended her to the publisher and illustrator behind the acclaimed Really Strange series.

The book uses evidence-based information and engaging illustrations to explain menopause, common symptoms, treatment options and sources of support, making it accessible to anyone wanting to learn more about the subject.

Katie’s MA in Professional Practice also helped shape the development of the book. Her research examined how different personality traits can influence the way women experience and respond to menopause.

The findings suggested that while some women are more likely to seek support and talk openly about their experiences, others may struggle in silence, reinforcing an important message at the heart of Katie’s work: there is no single menopause experience and no one-size-fits-all approach to support.

Reflecting on the impact of her studies, Katie 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.”

Katie hopes to continue her academic journey with UWTSD in the future through doctoral study, allowing her to further develop her research into menopause and women’s experiences of the transition.

The Swansea launch was attended by Carolyn Harris MP for Neath and Swansea East, whose campaigning work has played a significant role in raising awareness of menopause and improving support for women across the UK.

Following the launch, Katie will continue the conversation at the Houses of Parliament, where she will share insights from her research into women’s experiences of menopause.

Readers can find out more about Menopause is Really Strange or purchase a copy directly from the publisher’s website: Menopause is Really Strange | Jessica Kingsley Publishers - UK