My Journey from Near-Death to Business Owner and Menopause Coach

The Relentless Grind of 2019

In 2019, my life was a whirlwind of non-stop work. As a dedicated professional, I was constantly juggling multiple responsibilities—from meeting tight deadlines to managing complex projects. Each day was a marathon, starting early and ending late, often blurring the lines between weekdays and weekends.

I pushed through every day, even when I didn’t feel well. There were countless mornings when I woke up exhausted, my body pleading for rest. But I ignored the signs, driven by an unyielding commitment to my responsibilities. My work ethic was rooted in the belief that hard work and perseverance were the keys to success, and I was determined to live up to that standard.

Ignoring the Warning Signs

There were days when fatigue and discomfort threatened to overwhelm me. My body ached, my energy was depleted, and I experienced frequent bouts of dizziness and headaches. Yet, I soldiered on, convincing myself that I just needed to push through a little longer and that rest could wait. I prided myself on my resilience and ability to handle stress, so slowing down wasn’t an option. Unbeknownst to me, a storm was brewing within my body.

The Brewing Internal Storm

The symptoms I dismissed as minor inconveniences were actually warning signs of a more serious underlying issue. I was unaware of the hormonal changes taking place—changes that would soon bring my relentless grind to an abrupt and terrifying halt.

Looking back, I see how deeply ingrained the culture of overwork had become in my life. The relentless pursuit of achievement and the constant pressure to perform had taken over. I neglected my health, prioritizing my career above all else. This unsustainable lifestyle was about to catch up with me in the most alarming way, forcing me to confront the consequences of my choices.

The Day Everything Changed

The breaking point came suddenly and without warning. It was an ordinary day, filled with tasks and responsibilities. My mother had asked me to collect a prescription for her from the doctor’s surgery. I had no idea this would mark a turning point in my life.

As I stood waiting to speak with the receptionist, a wave of dizziness washed over me. My vision blurred, and a cold sweat broke out on my forehead. I tried to steady myself, breathing deeply, willing the sensation to pass—but it only intensified. The room began to spin, the walls closed in, and I knew something was terribly wrong.

Collapse and Resuscitation

My legs buckled beneath me. I collapsed to the floor, the world around me fading into a swirl of shadows and muffled sounds. Panic surged through me as I realized I had no control over my body. The voices of those around me sounded distant, as if underwater. I could hear the urgency in their tones, but I couldn’t respond.

Darkness closed in, enveloping me in fear and helplessness. My last conscious thought was a desperate plea for God to help me.

When I came to, I was disoriented and confused. Harsh fluorescent lights pierced my eyes, and my head throbbed. Blinking slowly, I tried to make sense of where I was.

Doctors surrounded me, and I remember hearing a voice say, “She’s back!” Their faces were a mix of relief and focus—they had just resuscitated me. The gravity of the situation slowly sank in. I had come frighteningly close to death.

One of the doctors leaned over, his expression grave but kind. “You gave us quite a scare,” he said gently. “But you’re going to be alright. We’re going to take good care of you. An ambulance is on its way.”

As I lay there, still trying to process everything, the reality hit me like a tidal wave. My relentless pace, and my refusal to acknowledge the warning signs, had led me here. This wasn’t just physical collapse—it was a wake-up call. A terrifying, life-altering reminder of how fragile our bodies really are.

Hospitalization and Initial Recovery

The ambulance arrived and took me to the hospital. When they tried to draw blood, I felt like a pin cushion—my veins were difficult to locate. The test results were shocking: my haemoglobin, iron, and magnesium levels were dangerously low.

I was placed on intravenous drips and kept in for several days as they ran more tests. Eventually, my levels stabilized enough for discharge. I was sent home with iron and magnesium tablets and told to follow up with my GP.

The Beginning of a Longer Journey

You might think that was the end of my ordeal—but in reality, it was just the beginning of a much longer and more challenging path.

Sudden Paralysis and Panic

Two months later, I woke up one morning and couldn’t get out of bed. It was a strange and terrifying sensation. Moving my legs—something I’d always taken for granted—now felt impossible. I tried again and again, willing them to move, but they wouldn’t. A surge of panic rose as I thought, “Am I paralyzed?”

What I didn’t know then was that this moment marked the beginning of the journey that would eventually lead to the creation of Shhh… Menopause Wellness, a business dedicated to supporting peri- and post-menopausal women.

Family Support and Emergency Care

In a panic, I called my younger sister, Maylene. She rushed to my room, her voice filled with urgency. “Marva, get up! Stop messing around and get up!” I whispered, “I can’t.” Realizing something was very wrong, she called for our mother.

I still don’t know how they managed to get me down two flights of stairs, but somehow, they did. They gave me a bed bath and immediately called an ambulance. Every attempt to lift me onto the stretcher was excruciating. My body felt like it was on fire. I screamed in pain until they gave me an injection to numb it enough to be moved.

At the hospital, my blood tests once again revealed severely low haemoglobin, iron, and near-zero magnesium levels. I was stunned—how could this be, when I’d been taking all the supplements? The lack of magnesium had caused my joints to seize up, essentially locking my body.

The Link to Peri-Menopause Revealed

Doctors were baffled. They continued running tests, and after a few days, a consultant visited and asked questions about my family medical history. I struggled to answer, but my mother helped fill in the blanks. The consultant suggested I was peri-menopausal and explained that my existing dairy and wheat intolerances were preventing my body from absorbing essential nutrients.

On top of that, I had fibroids, and the term peri-menopause was one I had never heard before. When I asked what it meant, the consultant simply said, “It means your periods will eventually stop,” offering no further explanation.

Struggling with Medication and Dependence

I was sent home with a cocktail of medications—morphine, Tramadol, Buscopan, ibuprofen, and paracetamol—but after a week in the hospital, I still couldn’t walk.

My mom set up a bed in the living room. She and my sister had to help me bathe and use the restroom. I felt defeated, depressed, and terrified that I might never walk again. I cried myself to sleep most nights, praying for a miracle.

Pastor Joshua from my church visited often, praying with me and bringing communion. But I was frustrated. My mind felt foggy—like it was stuffed with cotton wool.

Finding Hope in Transdermal Magnesium

One day, I decided I’d had enough. I stopped taking the medications and started doing my own research. As the fog lifted, I gained clarity and focus. I discovered the benefits of transdermal magnesium—absorbing magnesium through the skin. This bypassed the digestive system, where my absorption issues were rooted. I began making my own magnesium blends, adding essential oils known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Gradual Improvement and Regained Mobility

As I used the transdermal magnesium, my condition gradually improved. I slowly regained control over the pain, and remarkably, my legs began to move again. By October, I could walk. Not only did this improve my mobility, but it also significantly reduced my painful PMS symptoms.

Discovering the Need for Support

Feeling isolated, I dove deep into research on peri-menopause. I explored symptoms, treatments, and natural remedies. As I shared my experience, I realized many women were struggling in silence, too. I began creating botanical solutions tailored to their symptoms—there was clearly a need for alternatives.

Launching Shhh… Menopause Wellness

In early 2021, I decided to launch a business offering natural self-care and wellness products for women experiencing peri-menopause and menopause. By November 2021, Shhh… Menopause Wellness was born.

Expanding Expertise as a Menopause Coach

In 2022, I trained as a menopause coach and counsellor, determined to expand my knowledge and help more women. Since then, many lives have been transformed through my products and support.

It’s been a fulfilling journey—from near-death to a new purpose. I’ve never looked back.

About the Author

Dr. (h.c.) Marva Williams
Menopause Coach | Speaker | Author | Product Formulator

Dr. (h.c.) Marva Williams is a leading menopause coach and counsellor, celebrated for her work in women’s health. With an honorary doctorate, she’s a trusted speaker and thought leader.

She formulates targeted wellness products and shares expert insights through books and talks that empower women to thrive through menopause.