Maisie, 25, tells us what it’s been like dealing with premature menopause from the age of 15.

Maisie was diagnosed with premature ovarian failure when she was 15, making her the youngest person ever to be recognised with menopause in the UK.

“I remember one time, in winter, I was doing snow angels in my skirt and shirt, and everyone else was walking up and down the hill with scarfs and hats on. I thought I was literally losing the plot. Turned out to be hot flushes,” she says.

“My ovaries have basically failed. I’ve been through the menopause, and I continue to go through the menopause.”

Remaining positive is something Maisie has struggled with previously, and she continues to deal with the impact her condition has on her emotional wellbeing. “I went through a massive – well, I don’t think I’m truly out of it, but I am a lot better than I was – depressive part of my life from the age of 16 onwards. I know for a fact I can’t have children. This was the gut punch. I’m mourning something I never had, but I’ve always wanted. So it does hit me pretty hard sometimes.”

Because of her experience with premature menopause, Maisie is determined to encourage more open and honest conversation when it comes to women’s health. “We can’t have a talk about women’s reproductive systems. It’s a bit of a taboo still, but it should definitely be a discussion we have. You know, it’s half of the world. Conversation needs to start.”

“At 15, I was diagnosed with early menopause”: Maisie on being the youngest person in the UK with premature menopause