Bethan Mary Leadley, a 27-year-old from Brighton, has encountered a life-altering health issue far earlier than most. Leadley, an influencer and singer-songwriter, has gone through premature menopause, a rare condition for someone her age, primarily due to a genetic disorder known as Turner Syndrome.
In a recent reveal on TikTok, Leadley shared the profound impacts this early menopause has had on her body and her struggle to obtain essential medical treatment, Daily Mail reported.
Turner Syndrome is a condition that affects females and often leads to primary ovarian insufficiency, also known as premature menopause. Normally, menopause occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but for those like Leadley, it can happen before turning 30, affecting about 0.1% of women.
Her journey began in December 2022 when Leadley noticed her period was delayed, initially suspecting pregnancy. However, after several negative pregnancy tests and persistent menstrual irregularities, subsequent blood tests confirmed premature menopause.
Leadley spoke out about the changes in her appearance; notably, her hair and facial features altered drastically. Before her menstrual cycle ceased, her hair was straight, shiny, and easy to manage. Following menopause, it became frail, dry, and would knot almost instantaneously after brushing.
"Just a few months after my period had stopped, my hair had become so frail, so dry, hair was falling out, hair was breaking off. It was just permanently frizzy," Leadley described the dramatic deterioration of her hair's condition. She also observed significant changes in her face - puffiness and an apparent increase in weight, although she lost weight during this period.
Her eyes appeared more sunken, and her overall appearance seemed to belie her actual age, introducing challenges not only to her physical health but also to her mental well-being. The visible changes were shocking and came with a profound psychological impact, making the adjustment to her new condition even more difficult.
Leadley quickly realized she needed hormone replacement therapy (HRT), yet she encountered obstacles in obtaining the necessary treatment. There was a significant delay — up to 10 months — in accessing a reproductive endocrinologist who could provide the needed HRT.
Dr. Anne Henderson, a medical expert, emphasized the severe impacts of untreated premature menopause, especially in young women. "It is very striking that she is noting those changes in her hair and skin because typically at 27, you would be used to having endless healthy collagen," Henderson noted.
Without proper treatment, the condition could worsen rapidly. "Those changes are sadly only going to accelerate like a runaway train without the correct treatment. Once large amounts of collagen have been lost, it can't be replaced," Dr. Henderson warned.
Henderson also highlighted the importance of early detection and management. "With adequate treatment, women can feel fantastic, but it is about catching it as early as possible," she explained. The expert also advised young women to be vigilant about their menstrual cycles and seek medical advice if irregularities occur.
"If you have gone three months without a regular period, it is still important to be aware of the possible signs and symptoms and advised seeking medical advice," she recommended. This proactive approach can be crucial in managing the condition effectively and mitigating its long-term impacts.
The story of Bethan Mary Leadley is not just a personal struggle but a powerful reminder of the complexities of female reproductive health and the need for awareness and timely medical intervention, particularly in cases outside the typical scope of women's health issues like premature menopause.
