S2 #E27: Sheree Hargreaves: Life of POI – Primary ovarian insufficiency

Sheree Hargreaves is a campaigner to improve awareness of primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). At just 15 years old, Sheree was diagnosed with POI, which is a condition that drastically altered the course of her life. Now, at 24, Sheree is using her story to raise awareness about this often-misunderstood condition and to support others who may feel isolated by their diagnosis. Sheree holds a Master's degree in Gender, Society and Representation from University College London, where she explored societal, political, and cultural structures. She is an Early Menopause Educator, Research and Engagement Lead and Menopause Ambassador. Sheree often appears in the press to talk about POI and is very active on social media with her Instagram account – Life of POI.

Instagram @lifeofpoi and https://www.pauseandunite.co.uk/Sheree-Hargreaves-early-menopause-ambassador
https://www.eshre.eu/-/media/sitecore-files/Guidelines/POI/2024/POI-GUIDELINE_Patient-version_2024_12_10.pdf

Sheree’s story is heartbreaking. She never had a period, and at age 15, her mother insisted on blood tests. The results revealed that she was infertile and was suffering from what was then called primary ovarian failure – now failure has been replaced with insufficiency. Can you imagine being given such life-changing news at just 15? 

Sheree suffers from primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), a rare condition that affects about 1% of women aged 15 to 44, though it is more common in women over 30. In this podcast, Sheree shares personal details of her journey so far — the medications she takes to stay healthy, and what POI means for her chances of starting a family in the future. We also discuss the causes of POI, its symptoms, diagnosis, and available treatments. Sheree has been working tirelessly to connect women experiencing POI and raise awareness through her Instagram account, @lifeofpoi. 

 Date of episode recording: 2024-12-11T00:00:00Z
 Duration: 00.55.10
 Language of episode: English
 Presenter:Professor Joyce Harper
 Guests: Sheree Hargreaves
 Producer: Joyce Harper