An Olympic medallist’s journey through menopause, and finding her strength again.
As a professional athlete and Olympic medallist, Marianne Kriel had spent her life being strong, fit, disciplined and in tune with her body. Her body had carried her through years of demanding training, international competition and extraordinary sporting achievements.
She understood the importance of nutrition, exercise, determination and looking after her health. Being physically strong was not simply something she did. It was part of who she was.
But nothing had prepared her for the changes that came with menopause.
For the first time in her life, the body she had always relied on seemed to be letting her down.
When a strong body no longer feels strong
Despite her athletic background and healthy lifestyle, Marianne began experiencing debilitating menopausal symptoms that affected her physical and emotional wellbeing.
Her energy declined, her body struggled to keep up with the demands of everyday life, and old sporting injuries became increasingly painful. Swimming and exercising, activities that had always been fundamental to her identity, became difficult.
She tried numerous medications, supplements and treatments, but nothing seemed to provide the relief she desperately needed.
Beyond the physical symptoms, there was growing emotional frustration.
For someone who had spent her life pushing physical boundaries and overcoming challenges, feeling powerless over her own health was devastating.
More than anything, Marianne worried about her ability to be the active, energetic and joyful mother she wanted to be for her young daughter, Nina.
She felt that nobody truly understood what she was going through.
Finding answers at Eden Wellness
After almost five years of struggling, Marianne came to Eden Wellness.
For the first time in years, she felt heard, understood and hopeful.
Rather than viewing her menopausal symptoms in isolation, Eden explored her broader health and wellbeing, including nutrition, hormonal changes, digestive health, physical recovery and lifestyle factors.
Through her wellness assessment and bioresonance scan, Marianne was introduced to a different perspective on the challenges she had been experiencing.
The assessment raised questions about nutritional deficiencies, digestive function, hormonal changes and possible parasite exposure.
For Marianne, this was an important turning point.
She began to feel that she finally had a clearer understanding of her body and a practical way forward.
Supporting the body of an Olympic athlete
Marianne's personalised wellness programme focused on helping her support her body through the physical and hormonal changes of menopause.
Her programme included nutritional guidance, supplements and remedies, lifestyle adjustments and strategies to support her overall wellbeing.
She also learnt more about breathing, stress management and making sustainable health choices.
With time and continued support, Marianne began noticing meaningful changes.
Her energy improved. She started enjoying exercise and training again. Her enthusiasm for life returned, and she felt increasingly capable of meeting the demands of motherhood, coaching and everyday living.
Perhaps the most meaningful change was regaining confidence in the body she had once felt was letting her down.
From Olympic performance to lifelong wellness
Marianne's experience changed the way she viewed health.
As an Olympic medallist, coach, businesswoman and mother, she had always understood the value of physical preparation. Her journey through menopause taught her that long-term wellbeing also requires understanding and responding to the body's changing needs.
Today, she feels more informed, empowered and in control of her health.
The knowledge she has gained is something she can now share with her daughter and the young athletes she coaches.
A message to women approaching menopause
Marianne believes women should not have to wait until debilitating symptoms affect their quality of life before taking their health seriously.
Her message is one of preparation, education and empowerment.
Menopause may change your body, but it does not have to take away your confidence, identity or enjoyment of life.
She encourages women to become proactive about their health, understand their changing nutritional and lifestyle needs, and seek appropriate professional support.
Having experienced the difference that personalised wellness guidance made to her own journey, Marianne wholeheartedly recommends Eden Wellness to others wanting to take a more informed and proactive approach to their wellbeing.
Strength is not only about what your body can achieve. It is also about how you care for it through every stage of life.
Marianne Kriel
