A woman who discovered she was going through the menopause at just 23 years old is devastated she may never become a mum and is desperate to help other women avoid the same suffering.

Hayley Gumble, who lives in Stevenage, began going through puberty when she was 10 years old and her periods were normal until she was 16.

Hayley said: “I was then put on the pill and implant at the same time because my periods became so heavy. Then, when I was 17, they became less frequent and weren’t as heavy. I thought it must be normal so I left it, but when I was 19 they stopped altogether.”

Hayley went to see her GP and was referred to a gynecologist. She said: “I was tested for so many things, from endometriosis to polycystic ovaries, but nothing was diagnosed.”

In 2016, doctors told Hayley there were different tests they could carry out and it was following these tests that she was told she was actually going through the menopause.

Hayley, now 25, said: “My body had stopped producing estrogen and my ovaries were no longer working. I was devastated because I have always wanted to have children. I felt like I had been given a life sentence.

“I did fall pregnant in 2016, just before I was diagnosed. It was an absolute miracle but it ended in miscarriage.

“My biggest fear in my life is that I will never be able to have a child call me mummy.

“My husband, Sam, is also desperate for a baby and I feel like my body has failed him, but he is an amazing man and has really looked after me.

“When I was diagnosed, I locked myself away and didn’t want to talk to anybody, but we have been strong enough to carry it on our shoulders.

“I don’t want other women’s futures ending up like mine. I want to raise awareness so women who are not having proper monthly cycles go and get checked out. If doctors diagnose you early enough they can give you horomones to delay the menopause.”

Hayley has posted a video of her speaking about her condition on Facebook which has received thousands of views.

She is currently raising money for IVF treatment and completed a 5km sponsored run in Stevenage last Sunday towards this end. To support Hayley and Sam, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/hayley-gumble.