In this inspiring episode, Dr Louise Newson talks to Anita Elawure, a women’s health advocate, who shares her startingly honest experience of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) since she was a teenager. After many years of trying to ignore her situation, she began to look into what it really meant, for her fertility and the impact of living in a postmenopausal state for the rest of her life.

Anita decided to create a platform for her to share her experiences, in the hope that she and others wouldn’t feel so alone, and provide a safe place that offered support and learning from others going through POI. Eighteen months ago, Anita founded Blossom Living with POI and, as her page says, 'You have me. I have you. Together we blossom.'

Anita’s top three tips:

1. If you’re at the start of a journey with POI, find your support system. Get someone you can rely on emotionally, that can come to appointments with you or help you do research, because it’s so important
2. If you know someone facing POI, be there for them, tell them you’re here for them and ask what you can do to help
3. Sometimes it might feel like you’re going crazy. It’s OK. You’re not going crazy and your feelings are valid. Find ways to express yourself and take one day at a time. Advocate for yourself, understand your treatments, and know what you need to take care of yourself.

Follow Anita and Blossom Living with POI on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube