Kate Pleace is a Fertility and Menopause Specialist Nurse who is about to bring out her first book, Progesterone and Me. Here, the co-founder of Women’s Health Education Network CIC shares the personal experience of having a rare condition known as progesterone hypersensitivity
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Kate, a senior women’s health nurse with over 15 years’ experience specialising in fertility, premature ovarian insufficiency and the menopause – and I am also a nurse lecturer. Prior to working independently, I worked for several fertility clinics and managed an egg donation program. I completed my MSc in reproductive medicine in 2021 and I am also trained in pelvic scanning.
How do you help people with Fertility Menopause Support? What is your background?
I support patients with independent fertility, menopause or women’s health consultations. I also support employers providing work-based training and talks on menopause, premature menopause and other areas within women’s health.
What has led you to writing the Progesterone and Me book? Is it your first book?
It is my first book! I wrote the book due to my own fertility journey and personal experience with a rare condition known as progesterone hypersensitivity, on my journey I struggled to find anyone else with the condition so was keen to share my story and raise awareness.
What is progesterone hypersensitivity?
Progesterone hypersensitivity is a rare condition where the body has an allergic reaction either to its own hormone progesterone or administered progesterone via medication, it is an unusual and complex condition.
Why did you decide that now was the time to share your personal story?
It took a few years to recover from my own journey, this is something I talk about in the book finding support and recovering and navigating a new path. Now I feel recovered, looking back I would spend hours doing research in my room and couldn’t find anyone with a similar experience to talk to. My hope is by sharing my story even if it just helps one person going through a similar situation feel less alone, then my work is done!
How might your story help people in a similar situation?
Sometimes having the courage to share your story and talk about your own experiences can create a deeper connection with others, also as we use more hormonal treatments for fertility and menopause treatment, we may see others that are impacted with the condition, even if you don’t have the condition, reading the book and raising awareness can help others.
Will this book be the first of many, do you think?
Yes, I hope this will be the first of many, I am open to other women’s health topics if anyone has any suggestions?
Progesterone and Me, by Kate Pleace is out on the 13th of March, and you can pre-order it on Amazon. Follow Kate on Instagram.
Featured image of Kate Pleace – supplied
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