LISA SNOWDON ON THE PERIMENOPAUSE
Relatable is not a word most would use to describe a former top model, but Lisa Snowdon has challenged the stereotype. While some might avoid tricky subjects such as mental health and going through perimenopause, that certainly can’t be said for the 47 year old.
And it’s that warm and honest nature which has earned her plenty of fans, and is part of the reason women trust her with their wardrobes on This Morning. It has also won her high-profile jobs throughout her career, such as hosting Britain’s Next Top Model and presenting on Capital FM.
Away from the spotlight, Lisa is happily engaged to entrepreneur George Smart – so happy, in fact, that she doesn’t want to risk upsetting things by actually marrying him! Here, Lisa opens up about being a ‘girl’s girl’ and her experience of perimenopause…
You got engaged in 2016. Have you started wedding planning? No – I do want to get married to George, but I don’t want the whole production, so that puts me off. We’ll probably do something lowkey, but then I also don’t want to offend people if we have a small wedding, so I just run away from it. I feel content with him so it doesn’t feel like I have to rush. We love each other and know we want to be together forever. The wedding will be the icing on the cake, but it’s not necessary at this stage.
How does George find having a famous partner?
It doesn’t really bother him. He’s very cool like that. If we do a red carpet, he’ll tell me to go do the pictures and he’ll meet me inside.
You began perimenopause just over a year ago. What symptoms do you find the hardest?
It’s a whole mixture of things that flare their ugly heads unfortunately, but hot flushes are the most awkward because you feel aware and almost embarrassed of people looking. You’re thinking, do they know? It comes out of nowhere as well, but then it goes again really quickly, which is a relief. It’s a rollercoaster. If I get them at night then I don’t sleep very well and it has a knock-on effect. My brain also feels foggy and groggy. Sometimes things that are simple become really difficult. Not always, just occasionally, but I’ll get hit by this cloud of fog.
Do you think it’s important to talk about your experience? Everyone’s journey is different, but it’s good to talk because otherwise we’d all be thinking, what is wrong with me? It’s nice for women to know they are not going through this alone. You can give yourself a bit of a break when you know what is happening. I just like talking and sharing anyway. I’m a real girl’s girl. I think it comes from being the oldest of three girls. I’m a ‘bossy mummy’ type, even with my own mum!
Are you still having therapy?
I don’t see a therapist any more, it was just for a year in 2014. I had CBT [cognitive behavioural therapy] to address things that happened in the past, which contributed towards feeling quite anxious and depressed at times.
How do you feel about your decision not to have children?
I never found the right person at the right time. It wasn’t a priority, and the same for George. We have a wonderful life and have taken a step back and thought, actually, we’re really lucky. Plus, we have children around us all the time anyway.
You’re an ambassador for femtech brand Become. How does their clothing help with your menopause symptoms?
It’s amazing new technology that is the first of its kind. It has this amazing fabric that controls your temperature. There are very basic staples you can easily incorporate into everyday life, like a night dress for when I’m going through those hot nights.
LISA SNOWDON TELLS ok!’s JOSIE COPSON ABOUT DEALING WITH PERIMENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS, HER LONG ENGAGEMENT AND BEING ‘A GIRL’S GIRL’
‘we love each other and know we want to be together forever’