Nicola Bulley told her GP she felt her “brain was overloaded” while taking HRT medication for the menopause, an inquest heard. 

Dr Rebecca Gray said the 45-year-old “appeared quite emotional” when she presented in March 2021 with hot flushes, and later complained of headaches, low mood and difficulties getting to sleep which caused her to temporarily stop taking the medication on more than one occasion. 

After Christmas 2022, her family say she had resumed medication and was excited by her new career as a mortgage broker, but concerns were raised about increased alcohol use not long before she vanished on January 27 this year. 

Her sister Louise Cunningham told the inquest Ms Bulley was “absolutely fuming” after she called an NHS mental health ambulance 16 days before her disappearance. Emergency health responder Theresa Leevy said she visited Ms Bulley’s home to discuss her alcohol intake following family concerns for her welfare. 

During an emotional morning at Preston’s County Hall, Ms Bulley’s parents and partner Paul Ansell were visibly upset as they gave evidence, with proceedings briefly halted when Mr Ansell became overcome with emotion.

The family have requested coroner Dr James Adeley records an accidental verdict after entering the River Wyre based on evidence presented at the inquest.

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