JENNY: ‘I’m more comfortable speaking up for myself’

She found fame as a TV presenter with her bubbly persona, and its little surprise Jenny Powell’s positive attitude extends towards the menopause, too. The 54-year-old star experienced her fair share of difficult symptoms, but believes going through the menopause has helped her find her voice and develop a thicker skin. She says, “Menopause is laced in negativity and us women dread it, but it’s a stage of your life where you know what you want, and you can say what you want because you’ve earned the right. It can feel hard when you’re going through it, but it will pass and you will get through it. We all come out of it more experienced and confident because it can test us. Now, if I don’t fancy doing something, I’ve got more confidence to say no, and I’m much more comfortable speaking up for myself.”

Despite experiencing low energy, Jenny admits lifestyle tweaks with the help of her partner, sports therapist Martin, have helped her bounce back. “I use magnesium salts

‘We come out more confident’

in the bath and collagen to help with my joints. I also take rhodiola [a herb that eases symptoms associated with mild anxiety], which helps with stress, and fish oil for cognitive function. The one thing that is constant, no matter what, is hot yoga. It heals me if I’m feeling off and lifts me even when I’m well.”

Meanwhile, Jenny, who has been firm friends with Denise Welch for years, hailing her as an inspiration for her pro-body confidence attitude, admits she’s taken advice from her long-time pal. “Denise has always said that, as we get older, it’s our turn to shine and she’s right – women in their fifties and sixties are definitely having a moment.”