A Glasgow nurse and mother, Katy Kennedy, has opened up about her battle with severe menopausal symptoms that eventually led her to take early retirement from her beloved job. At the age of 60, Katy initially had mild menopausal symptoms that she could joke about with her colleagues. However, as time went on, her symptoms worsened, becoming unbearable and impacting her ability to work after 34 years as a nurse at Glasgow’s Yorkhill Hospital.
Despite seeking help from her GP and trying hormone replacement therapy (HRT), Katy found no relief from her symptoms. She described experiencing restless legs, racing heartbeats, and uncontrollable mood swings, which led her into a state of depression. As her mental health deteriorated, Katy made the difficult decision to retire early, as she felt she was no longer fit to work in an intensive care unit.
Struggling to find a solution, Katy took matters into her own hands and delved into researching natural remedies. She discovered the benefits of magnesium, especially for menopausal women, and decided to create her own magnesium cream. After receiving proper education on safe cream formulation, Katy developed a formula that helped her sleep better and manage her symptoms.
Encouraged by the positive results she experienced, Katy shared her cream with friends and family, who reported similar benefits. This led her to launch LilyBee as a business, alongside her husband and daughter. The business quickly grew, with viral TikTok videos spreading awareness and prompting discussions around menopause.
Katy’s mission is not only to provide relief to women experiencing menopausal symptoms but also to foster better conversations and support around menopause. She is passionate about empowering women to share their stories and seek out natural remedies that can improve their quality of life during this natural phase of life.
As World Menopause Month is observed in October, Katy continues to advocate for better understanding and support for women going through menopause. LilyBee’s Menopause Ambassador Program aims to further support and empower women during this significant life transition. The small business’s success has been a testament to Katy’s dedication to helping others navigate the challenges of menopause with grace and resilience.