Former Strictly Come Dancing star Zoe Ball said she suffered one of the most ‘horrific’ symptoms during her time as the host of BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show
Zoe Ball has opened up about the “really nasty” symptoms she’s endured while navigating the menopause. The 54-year-old discussed the topic alongside her co-presenter, Jo Whiley, as they responded to listeners experiencing similar struggles.
While sharing what has helped her through this challenging period, Zoe also provided a personal health update to fans on her Dig It podcast.
Reflecting on a particularly difficult phase when she was the host of the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show, the mum-of-two admitted she relied on anti-depressants to help with her anxiety.
“I was getting some really nasty random big bleeds,” the former Strictly Come Dancing star revealed. “And when I was doing the Breakfast Show, I had horrific anxiety.
“That was my worst sort of symptom and that involved panic attacks, not being able to breathe, a lot of tears, quite a low mood and it was quite frightening at times.
“Once I sussed out that was a major cause… because I did go on anti-depressants for a while for my anxiety, but I’m off those now and I’m really glad to be off those, but they did help for a little period of time.”
Zoe continued by explaining how “difficult” it can be to identify what certain symptoms might indicate, especially when someone has other concerns simultaneously.
After understanding which issues were linked to the menopause, she credited using Bioidentical gel and progesterone as good way of easing her hormones.
“So the gel has worked for me,” she revealed. “I’ve got lots of friends on the spray, so it’s brilliant because it dries immediately.
“I found anything less than four [pumps of the spray], I can still be wobbly.”
Furthermore, Zoe mentioned she has her hormone levels and blood tests monitored by her GP approximately every three to four months to make sure she remains on the right path.
Providing an update, she continued: “Now, I’ve got a really steady mood which is great. I don’t sort of go whee!, [though] I do sometimes get sad, but you know that’s just life. But hormone wise, I feel so level.”
As Zoe highlighted during their candid conversation, what proves effective for her might not suit other women experiencing similar struggles.
She emphasised: “We have to remember that this is just me individually. Don’t follow what I do people, you’ve got to check your own hormone levels.”
The NHS states that perimenopause and menopause symptoms can differ from person to person. The initial indication of perimenopause is typically, though not invariably, an alteration in your usual menstrual cycle.
Frequent mental health effects of menopause and perimenopause may include; mood changes including anxiety, diminished self-confidence and brain fog.
Physical indicators might also feature; hot flushes, muscular discomfort and joint pain, alongside sleep difficulties.
These symptoms may persist for months or years, and can evolve over time.
Source: Mirror
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