I wish I knew about team sport in my 40s!

Jennie is a Walking Netballer who has enjoyed becoming part of a team sport again in her later years.

Playing regularly in the week as well as getting involved in all the social aspects are really important to Jennie.

‘It’s all the friendships and connections that I have made through netball, whether it’s just going out for a meal or watching matches or tournaments, I really love it!’

Looking back, Jennie shares that she wish she knew about team sport when she was in her forties.

‘I thought it was something that you had to be really good at to do.’ 

When her daughters were younger and Jennie was in her forties, she gave the gym a go and tried fitting exercise in around family and work life, but it wasn’t until she tried out Walking Netball when she began to retire that she really found joy in being active.

‘I realised that you can join something like this with any ability and not have to be really good at it because it was so inclusive.’

Jennie also shares when she first experienced symptoms of menopause but didn’t realise it at the time because of the busyness of her life.

‘I didn’t think there was much information out there before I actually made an appointment with the GP to discuss it, and probably really left it too long before I made that appointment.’

It was after this appointment that Jennie was able to go on HRT.

‘I wish I’d known sooner and I wish I’d had that information sooner!’

‘Post menopause, I’m wondering now about bone health.’

Jennie still has questions about her body now, in the postmenopausal stage, particularly now that she is actively involved in netball and what that could mean for her. 

‘In relation to netball, I’m more wary of falling or having an injury now.’

She wants to keep on playing but feels it’s important to stay safe and limit accidents on court. 

Find out more about HRT and menopause here.

Share your I wish I Knew story with us here