Shelly Horton's Journey Through Perimenopause: Triumph Over Adversity

In a revealing account, Shelly Horton, a prominent media personality and advocate for women's health, shared her harrowing experience with perimenopause, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical health awareness. At 51 years old, Horton reflects on a challenging year during which a routine surgical procedure spiraled into a medical crisis, influencing both her mental and physical well-being.

Horton underwent a uterine ablation to alleviate heavy bleeding associated with perimenopause, but complications from the surgery resulted in a collapsed lung, intubation, and an extended stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). 'Complications during what should have been a 15-minute surgery led to a collapsed lung, intubation, a shredded throat, and a chipped tooth,' Horton recounted in an interview with 9Honey on October 25, 2023. The cascade of medical issues marked the beginning of what Horton describes as her darkest hours, leading to severe depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation.

Despite her previous advocacy for mental health, Horton found herself grappling with the implications of perimenopausal hormonal changes, which she initially failed to recognize as the root cause of her struggles. 'You just think that you don’t like your husband anymore, you don’t like your job anymore,' she explained. 'It’s just that the chemicals in your brain are not working.' This realization came after a pivotal conversation with her husband, Darren Robinson, who urged her to seek professional help.

Through therapy and medical guidance, Horton began to address her mental health issues, ultimately transforming her experience into a source of empowerment. She authored a book titled *I’m Your Peri Godmother: A Happily-Ever-After Guide to Kicking Perimenopause in the Ovaries*, aiming to educate women about the myriad symptoms of perimenopause and the importance of seeking help. 'I want to educate women that it’s not just one symptom; it is a whole myriad of symptoms,' she stated, underscoring that symptoms can include brain fog, anxiety, and hot flashes.

Horton’s commitment to providing evidence-based information in her book reflects her desire to arm women against misinformation prevalent in the wellness industry. 'I feel that women are very vulnerable at this stage of life, and they can be preyed upon by the wellness industry,' she noted. Her book includes insights from global experts and references clinical studies to ensure the information is medically sound.

The societal stigma surrounding the conversation about menopause and perimenopause remains a significant barrier, as many women feel compelled to endure their struggles in silence. Horton recalls her experiences at women’s events, where she often encounters attendees moved to tears by shared experiences. 'At least three women would come up to me in tears saying that they had been as bad as I was,' she revealed.

As she continues her advocacy, Horton emphasizes the importance of open discussions regarding women’s health and the need for increased awareness. 'Secret women's business does not help women. It holds us back. So I am a very proud and loud Gen X woman who is going to make sure that other women don’t fall through the cracks,' she affirmed.

Today, Horton practices self-care with a structured routine that prioritizes her mental and physical health. She encourages others facing similar challenges to recognize the signs of perimenopause early and seek support. In her words, 'I think I lost hope in the middle of it, and now I’ve gotten through it, I’m gonna hold your hand and help you get through it too.'

For those needing mental health support, resources such as Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) are available. In emergency situations, individuals should contact Triple Zero (000).