Penny Lancaster opens up about ‘terrible’ menopause experiences amid HRT deficiency
Penny Lancaster has opened up about her “horrific” experience of going through menopause, when at one point her mood swings got so bad she threw plates on the floor.
The 51-year-old TV presenter and model – who is married to Sir Rod Stewart – spoke about her experience reflecting on the importance of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and declaring it should be free for women.
This follows the Government’s announcement that it would limit the amount of certain HRT products women can access in a bid to improve overall care in the UK.
The measure was taken in response to concerns about a shortage of medicines leaving women desperate.
“I think men can get Viagra for free, so their hormones have been taken care of.”
Penny Lancaster, who is campaigning for more access to hormone replacement therapy, says many women are losing their jobs and high-profile positions.@tnewtondunn | #HRT pic.twitter.com/PAr0ldodDC
— The News Desk (@TheNewsDesk) May 3, 2022
Speaking on TalkTV’s The News Desk, Lancaster explained that her mood swings from menopause were such that one day, when her kids were fighting in the kitchen, she “snapped” and screamed while throwing plates across the floor.
She said the experience was “terrible” and left her in tears, adding, “It was one of those you know, ‘We have to get your mother to the doctor. Something is not correct.’
“Because I’m very calm and relaxed. I take everything with my step and I want everyone around me to be happy, like many mothers.
“We kind of balanced everything around us and everyone’s thoughts and feelings take precedence over our own.”
In October, Lancaster joined other big names like Davina McCall and Mariella Frostrup at a rally in Parliament Square where the crowd cheered as the government promised more support for menopause and a cut in the cost of HRT at the time.
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HRT can help relieve severe menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, low mood, anxiety and trouble sleeping.
Penny Lancaster and Davina McCall joined protesters outside the Houses of Parliament in October to protest ongoing prescription fees for HRT (Steve Parsons/PA)
Reflecting on the importance of the treatment, she said: “The demand for HRT comes from the confidence that women have now, after a lot of campaigning over the last two or three years, we don’t shy away from it.
“We’re not embarrassed to talk about it. We are brave enough to go to doctors and demand HRT.
“There should be a box of very, very simple symptoms that you just have to tick for a doctor to finally be able to say, ‘Okay, assign, assign your prescription. Here is the HRT.’
“Because it’s really, really devastating, and because of this tremendous demand, pharmacists and manufacturers just can’t keep up with the demand for the medicines that we need.”
She continued, “So I think the message is out and it’s going full steam ahead and let’s hope women get their hands on it and more importantly don’t have to pay for it.” I not in Scotland and Wales. So we have to keep going with that.”
“I believe men can get Viagra for free, so their hormones are watched.
“And women play an important role in the workplace and so many women have to lose their jobs and move away from very high-profile positions, right where men and women are in that position in their careers, where they could be promoted and become CEOs of companies and very talented women are lost.”
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https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/penny-lancaster-discusses-hideous-menopause-experience-amid-hrt-shortage-41612361.html Penny Lancaster opens up about ‘terrible’ menopause experiences amid HRT deficiency
