Why Queen Be?
Tanya Rutherford’s journey with Queen Be began with her own experience navigating perimenopause. Like many women, she wasn’t prepared for the impact it would have on her body, mind, and emotions. It didn’t start with something as obvious as hot flushes —Tanya experienced crippling anxiety, something she hadn’t struggled with before. Small worries became overwhelming. She found herself constantly imagining worst-case scenarios, and the mental load was heavy, especially with a young family to care for.
At the time, Tanya didn’t realise her anxiety was linked to her hormones. Doctors were supportive, but no one connected the dots to perimenopause. It wasn’t until a conversation with a friend a couple of years later that Tanya first heard the term and started piecing things together. This moment was a turning point, leading her to seek more information and realise just how many women were also in the dark about this stage of life.
Tanya’s experience wasn’t an isolated one. As she started learning more, she reflected on the women around her, including her cousin, who had struggled with bipolar disorder. Tanya now believes that her cousin’s worsening symptoms were a result of unrecognised perimenopause. Hormonal changes amplify mental health challenges and reduce the effectiveness of medication. Unfortunately, without the right support or understanding, she tragically took her own life. This personal loss deeply impacted Tanya, fueling her commitment to raising awareness about menopause and its effects on both mental and physical health.
And so, Queen Be was created to fill the gap in knowledge and support. Tanya wanted to build a community where women could access real, relatable information about menopause, and connect with others going through the same journey. Queen Be isn’t just about providing facts—it’s about creating a safe space where women can share their stories, ask questions, and feel understood.
One of the key initiatives under Queen Be is the “Navigating the Change” Menopause Summit, an annual online event designed to give women across Australia access to expert insights, workshops, and conversations about menopause. Tanya is passionate about breaking down the barriers of silence and stigma that often surround menopause, helping women see this stage of life not as an ending, but as a new beginning.
Through Queen Be, Tanya’s mission is simple: to ensure that no woman has to face menopause feeling alone or uninformed. By building a supportive community, coaching and providing accessible resources, Queen Be empowers women to navigate this change with confidence, knowing they have the tools and understanding to thrive in this next stage of life.

