Rewriting midlife

Daunted by the thought of the menopause? It’s no wonder when it’s often still viewed as such a taboo. But times are changing, as these inspirational women are proving. Here, they share how they’re embracing this period of transition

The conversation surrounding menopause is becoming ever more candid and honest – yet, there is still a fair way to go for society to regard this life stage as an opportunity. Opening up the discussion is key to ending the taboo and making midlife a more empowering experience. To help women feel better prepared about this transition, Good Housekeeping has teamed up with QVC to shine a light on the liberation and joy that can come out of this time. Here, three much-loved presenters share their stories.

‘It’s a time for new beginnings’ Jo Whiley, 58, radio DJ and television presenter

The first thing I noticed about the menopause was losing my clarity of thought. Suddenly, I couldn’t find the right words. For someone who’s on the radio trying to communicate with people, that’s very unsettling. It was so subtle but so debilitating. I had to get a grip, so I did some research, looked into my hormones and thought a lot about who I was, what I wanted for the future, and the changes I needed to make.

I decided to take on different sporting challenges to keep me growing. Instead of slowing down, it’s been a chance to pursue activities that I haven’t had time to do before. One of the best things I’ve done is a triathlon with my daughter, India. Crossing the finish line holding her hand, both of us crying our eyes out, was the best feeling in the world.

Swimming is my next great release. If I’m feeling anxious, I submerge myself in a pool or lake. Just a few circuits can change everything, from my perspective to my energy. It’s like a baptism.

A common perception is that menopause is a time in your life to start slowing down but I’m just not interested in that. I hope women, including my daughters, will be reassured that this is a life stage when you can feel re-energised. There’s so much fun still to be had – it doesn’t stop here.

Gabby Logan, 50, television and radio presenter

The bombshell moment happened for me when

I was interviewing Mariella Frostrup. She was talking about the subtle menopause symptoms – higher levels of anxiety, dry skin, brittle hair – and I realised I could tick off a lot of them.

So I spoke to a doctor and started using HRT to rebalance my hormones. It isn’t for everybody but within a matter of weeks,

I felt more like me and, as my husband would say, far less crabby.

I shifted my focus and made positive changes to my lifestyle. I love staying fit with resistance training and Pilates, I always choose fresh foods rather than processed, and I push myself mentally so that I’m not shrinking in terms of learning or understanding.

Once you’re proactive about your health, you’re more mindful of everything else. You’re saying it’s worth looking after yourself.

We need to do more as we get older, not less. I want to keep those energy levels high and kick on into my 50s, so let’s take away any stigma. This is certainly not the closing of chapters, it’s the opening up of new opportunities.