Skip to main contentSkip to footer
collage of a woman, feet hiking and hands lifting weights© Getty

I entered menopause at 40 - these are my 3 tips for coping

Now 51, Kerstin Lutz shares her advice for coping with early menopause

Donna Francis
Contributing Editor US
November 29, 2024
Share this:

When Kerstin Lutz, 51, entered menopause at 40, it felt like her life had been thrown off course. With a career in sports and as someone who thrives on structure and control, Kerstin had been struggling with physical and emotional shifts that became hard to deal with.

At first, Kerstin, who is CEO of the global women's tennis tournament, The Billie Jean King Cup, didn't realize that her severe hot flashes, mood swings and fatigue were caused by the early stages of perimenopause, explaining: "I was having intense hot flashes every half hour.

"They were severe and happening at awkward times such as during board meetings and even massages. I could set my timer at 30 minutes to know one was about to happen. They left my whole body dripping with sweat and I thought there was something seriously wrong."

Kerstin is now 51 and she is thankful that her career in sports empowered her through her early perimenopause journey  © Stefan Peter
Kerstin, 51 is thankful that her sports career empowered her through early perimenopause

It wasn't until one of Kerstin's doctors suggested checking her hormones that she realized perimenopause was the reason behind these intense episodes. "I hadn't even heard of the word 'perimenopause' at that point," she notes. 

"My doctor said I had to go on hormone replacement therapy straight away - she said that it was non-negotiable. And then she advised that I must start to look after my bones, especially because I was experiencing menopause so young."

Thankfully, Kerstin wasn't planning to have children, so her attention was focused on managing her symptoms. Here are the three things that helped her in her journey...

1. The power of weight training

Being surrounded by some of the world's most accomplished athletes at work gave Kerstin a great insight on how to start advocating for her health, plus gave her the resilience and mental focus to not just survive during menopause, but thrive. 

"I was advised by my colleagues to focus on weight training and now I can't live without it. It makes me feel great and I know that it helps to strengthen bones and build my physical strength," she explains. "I've also found that it has improved my posture, balance and energy levels, and then there's my mood: being stronger has definitely given me a sense of empowerment."

Becky was inspired how her mum took up weight training and yoga during menopause © Poberezhna
Weight training is crucial

Regular exercise became Kerstin’s mental reset button during her perimenopausal journey and she began structuring her mornings around movement, whether it was weightlifting or hiking. "Starting the day with exercise has a ripple effect and helps me be more focused, positive, and ready to face the challenges of the day."

RELATED: I'm in the best shape of my life at 44 - these are my 7 daily habits 

2. Always looking forward

Kerstin's time working with athletes has also taught her how to thrive during menopause by adopting a positive mindset and always remembering to look forward in her life. 

"Athletes are always looking ahead, striving for the next goal, and adapting to setbacks," She explains. "I adopted that mindset for myself, and instead of focusing on what menopause was taking away, I began setting small, achievable goals."

READ: I lost 4 stone in perimenopause – here's how 

Whether it was lifting a heavier weight or hiking a new trail, Kerstin found that each goal brought a sense of accomplishment and the discipline and structure of her new routine mirrored the determination she admires in athletes.  

3. Turn to others

Just as athletes rely on their teammates for emotional support, Kerstin also leaned on friends and family to help her manage the emotional challenges of menopause. "Therapy can be going for a coffee with friends," she notes. 

Two beautiful women are sitting comfortably in a luxury hotel, laughing. One of the women is holding a mobile phone in her hand.© Getty
Rely on friends for support

For anyone navigating menopause, Kerstin's advice is simple: Find what works for you. Whether it's weightlifting, hiking or a daily walk, Kerstin insists that movement has the power to transform not just your body but your outlook on life.  

Love midlife? Join Second Act today!

blonde woman in a pink jumper holding her head
Say HELLO! to your Second Act

HELLO! originally launched its Second Act hub to reframe midlife and beyond as a celebratory, exciting new chapter full of endless possibilities. From inspirational tales of women who refuse to fade into the background,  to valuable advice on navigating relationships, finances and health issues  – we've featured them all. And such has been the overwhelmingly positive response from readers, we are now turning the hub into a FULL and FREE community where women like you can come together to shape something truly inspiring.

The cornerstones of the community will be two brand new newsletters. One monthly and one weekly. We are really excited about the monthly newsletter which will be themed and written by one of our roster of leading Second Act voices, including our editor at large, Rosie Green. The content will be reserved exclusively for Second Act subscribers.

We are also launching a monthly mentoring series, in the form of a five-minute video sent directly to your inbox featuring financial professionals, hormone specialists, life coaches and more. Again, it will be reserved exclusively for subscribers.

Below we have listed the inaugural benefits, and more will be added as we grow and shape the community. If you wish to help us shape our community, please take part in our one-slide survey here.

Member benefits

  • Monthly newsletter written by one of our Second Act experts 
  • Weekly newsletter curating the best of our online Second Act articles
  • Monthly mentoring videos
  • Ask the expert
  • Competitions
  • Lots of exciting benefits to come...

Sign up to HELLO!'s Second Act newsletter today. This community is as much yours as it ours!

Transform your routine with expert advice from our beauty and wellness team

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More Health & Fitness

See more