RECLAIMING MY HEALTH: OVERCOMING CHRONIC ILLNESS, INFERTILITY AND EARLY MENOPAUSE

By Aimee Morrisby | Guest Editor

At 35, I’ve never felt stronger. But just a few years ago, my body was  shutting down. Chronic illness, infertility, and early menopause had left me exhausted, medicated, and trapped in survival mode. Doctors gave  me labels but no real solutions. I accepted pain, fatigue, and hormonal chaos as my normal—until I didn’t. 

What if we could rewrite the narrative of our health? What if, instead of resigning ourselves to illness, we empowered ourselves with knowledge, self-advocacy, and real healing? My story is proof that it’s possible. 

Living with Chronic Illness: A Body in Survival Mode 

For as long as I can remember, my health dictated my life. I was born with Hirschsprung’s disease, a rare congenital condition affecting my small and large intestines, and colon. By the time I reached adulthood, I had undergone hundreds of surgeries, experienced chronic pain beyond words can describe, and was constantly managing infections, fatigue, and inflammation. At just 12 days old my bowels were removed, and I was fitted with a permanent Ostomy/stoma which went on to keep me  alive … just. 

Like many with long-term health conditions, I became reliant on  medications—each one treating a symptom (always a new one popping  up) rather than addressing the root cause. The more I searched for answers, the more I realised how disconnected conventional medicine was from true healing. And while I will be forever grateful for the  surgical team who saved me and always cared for me when I needed it, I  will continue to evolve in caring for my holistic health and wellness through integrated and natural medicine and nutrition.

The Science of Chronic Inflammation AND Gut Health 

Chronic illness is often linked to systemic inflammation, gut dysbiosis, and immune dysfunction. Research shows that 70% of our immune system resides in the gut, meaning digestive health influences nearly every aspect of our wellbeing—including hormones, brain function, and energy levels.

Yet, this was never addressed. It wasn’t until I started looking beyond prescriptions that I discovered the profound impact of nutrition, movement, and environmental toxins on my health. I didn’t need more medications—I needed nourishment, balance, and healing from the inside out, and although there is no cure for my disease, it didn’t mean it had to define me and control me any longer. If I can’t cure my disease I can at least figure out how to live the way I desire and deserve.  

Infertility AND the Emotional Toll of Repeated IVF Cycles 

By my late 20s, another battle emerged: infertility. Years of chronic illness had already taken a toll on my body, but now I was injecting synthetic hormones, undergoing invasive procedures, and riding the emotional rollercoaster of hope and loss. 

After multiple unsuccessful IVF cycles, I was left feeling physically wrecked and emotionally drained. Each failed attempt wasn’t just a medical disappointment—it was a grief process. 

The Hidden Side of IVF AND Hormonal Disruption 

While IVF is an incredible advancement in reproductive medicine, the impact of repeated hormone treatments is often underestimated. Research suggests that high doses of synthetic estrogen and progesterone can contribute to inflammation, thyroid dysfunction, and metabolic changes. Many women, like myself, are left with lingering  effects—weight fluctuations, mood swings, and an overall sense of imbalance. 

Eventually, I realised that the most compassionate thing I could do for my body was to stop forcing it to perform in ways it simply couldn’t. It was then that I made the difficult yet liberating decision to pursue surrogacy—a choice that ultimately led to the birth of our daughter and a deeper understanding of motherhood beyond biology. 

Early Menopause: Misdiagnosed AND Overlooked 

As if my body hadn’t endured enough, only days after my 30th birthday I underwent a full hysterectomy. I immediately began experiencing severe fatigue, night sweats, brain fog, and mood swings. My doctor diagnosed me with anxiety and put me on antidepressants, dismissing the idea that my hormones could be the root cause. That year I went on to experience multiple infections, four more surgeries and pain that even a prescription of morphine at home couldn’t help. 

Menopause hit me like a freight train, it altered every aspect of my world. At an age when most women aren’t even thinking about menopause, my body had already transitioned. 

Why Early Menopause is Often Misunderstood 

Menopause is still widely under-discussed, and when it occurs in younger women, it’s even more overlooked. The symptoms are often mistaken for stress, mental health issues, or chronic fatigue syndrome. 

Yet menopause—at any age—is a profound hormonal shift affecting:

• Cognitive function (brain fog, memory loss) 

• Metabolism (weight gain, insulin resistance) 

• Emotional health (anxiety, depression, irritability) 

• Bone and muscle strength (increased risk of osteoporosis and  sarcopenia) 

With this diagnosis, I faced another choice—accept decline or take back control. I chose the latter. 

Reclaiming My Health: A Holistic Approach to Healing 

The moment I stopped fighting my body and started supporting it, everything changed. Instead of relying on quick fixes, I shifted my entire approach to healing. 

1. Restoring nutrient deficiencies 

I prioritised whole, nutrient-dense foods—focusing on gut health, hormone balance, and inflammation reduction. Bone broth, collagen, healthy fats, and bioavailable proteins became the foundation of my diet. No more processed, refined, fake food. Whole foods from the earth only.

Studies show that bone broth and collagen support gut integrity, reduce inflammation, and aid in joint and skin health—essential for both chronic illness recovery and menopause support, and I start every single day with these … a game changer! 

2. Eliminating endocrine disruptors 

I became meticulous about removing environmental toxins. I switched to non-toxic skincare (hello, beef tallow), eliminated processed foods, and reduced my exposure to plastics and synthetic hormones. The result? More stable energy, clearer skin, and better overall wellbeing. 

3. Moving with intention 

Instead of punishing my body with high-intensity exercise, I embraced movement that nurtured me—Pilates, strength training, and breathwork.  Pilates, in particular, became a game changer, helping me rebuild core strength, improve circulation, and balance stress hormones. 

4. Mindset and nervous system regulation 

I realised healing wasn’t just about physical health—it was also about my mindset. I delved into nervous system regulation, learning about the connection between chronic illness and a dysregulated stress response. Through breathwork, meditation, and shifting my inner dialogue, I found deeper healing than I ever expected. 

You Are Not Powerless 

If you’ve been told that your symptoms are just stress, just ageing, or just the way it is, I want you to know: You have more power than you’ve been led to believe. 

Your body is not the enemy. It’s always communicating with you, asking for what it needs. The moment we start listening—truly listening—we begin to heal. 

I’m living proof that transformation is possible. And if I can reclaim my health after years of chronic illness, infertility, and early menopause, so can you.

MUSE PAPER
ISSUE 02

Follow Aimee Morrisby on Instagram.

Disclaimer: The content provided on Muse Paper is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding your health, medical conditions, or treatments.