I'm Rachel Lankester, founder of Magnificent Midlife.

When I was 41, I was given a diagnosis of early menopause.

I was hoping for a second child at the time, so it was pretty devastating.

It meant the end of my fertility and dreams of that baby. It also catapulted me into a period of intense self-doubt, sadness and feeling very lost.

I had no idea why this had happened to me, nor how to take care of myself.  I also allowed the diagnosis to completely change my perception of who I was as a woman.  I saw myself as a dried-up old prune!

Over time I discovered that diet, lifestyle and mindset can massively impact perimenopausal hormonal change and for a short time my menstrual cycle and premenopausal hormone levels came back. 

I also eventually realized I am no less of a woman because I am older, even though society likes to tell me that on a daily basis. 

Looking around, I couldn't find resources to help me, so I created them. I didn't want women to arrive in perimenopause as unprepared, disconcerted and sad as me. 

I didn't want any perimenopausal woman to feel this was the beginning of the end, as I did.

I want women to see the magnificence in midlife and menopause, and to feel empowered to embrace what may be the best stage of their lives yet. 

I now spend my time challenging negative sexist, ageist stereotypes and narratives wherever and whenever I can. I help women get the messy midlife stuff sorted, so you can create and sustain a next chapter that will excite and delight you long term. 

I've had several careers, including journalism, banking and PR, but I most LOVE what I do now - helping like-minded women in midlife and beyond feel great and live life to the fullest.  

Now in my mid 50s, I'm better and bolder than ever. Though still battling those self-doubt demons from time to time!  Don't we all?

I'm passionate about helping women navigate the often messy middle of life. So you can thrive not just survive. And become the woman you were always meant to be. 

I believe the older and more experienced we get, the more we have to offer the world and especially those women coming up behind us.  We get better with age not worse. 

I don't believe in denying we're getting older or hiding it either. I'm not ashamed to be a midlife woman. I'm proud of it. I think I've earned those midlife stripes just as much as I've earned the laughter lines around my eyes. They don't diminish me in any way.  And no, despite appearances, I don't dye my hair. If you look closely you'll see a few white ones!

I wrote a book about all this - Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause and Beyond. 

I also share fabulous stories from wonderfully inspiring women in midlife and beyond on the Magnificent Midlife Podcast. For a quick dose of inspiration, it can't be beaten.