Broadcaster Emma Barnett has candidly shared her personal experiences with perimenopause, revealing how she felt as though she had been "mugged" when diagnosed at the age of 38. Now at 40, Barnett expressed that this was the first time she had questioned her identity as a woman, stating, "I'd really quite like to be a bloke." Her reflections were shared during the premiere episode of her new BBC podcast, Ready to Talk with Emma Barnett, which debuted on Friday.
Perimenopause typically occurs around the age of 46 and is characterized by symptoms associated with menopause, even though menstrual cycles have not yet ceased. Common symptoms include anxiety, mood swings, brain fog, hot flushes, and irregular periods. During the podcast, Barnett expressed that the experience of perimenopause has made her feel as though she lost her identity, and she is still on a journey to rediscover who she was before this phase of life.
In a heartfelt conversation with her friend and fellow broadcaster Kate Thornton, Barnett shared, "I do feel there has been a theft. I do feel there's no emergency number to call. 'I'd like to report a crime. Yeah, someone stole me.'" Thornton echoed Barnett's sentiments, discussing her own struggles with perimenopause, particularly the shift from being a multitasker to feeling entirely incapable.
Emma Barnett has been an advocate for women's health issues, previously addressing her own challenges with endometriosis in her 2019 book, Period: It's About Bloody Time. During the podcast episode, she mentioned the nerves that come with sharing intimate parts of her life but emphasized the importance of creating a safe space for discussions about such topics. "I'm usually the interviewer... It's not easy to share, and I know that," Barnett remarked, highlighting the significance of vulnerability in storytelling.
As the episode concluded, Barnett expressed her hope for the normalization of conversations surrounding perimenopause and the hormonal changes that women experience from their 30s onward. "It doesn’t mean what happens feels any less extraordinary or outrageous, but how we meet it could change," she noted, advocating for greater awareness and understanding.
A growing number of women are turning to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to alleviate the symptoms of menopause. HRT helps to stabilize estrogen levels, often in conjunction with a synthetic or bioidentical form of progesterone. However, it may not be suitable for individuals with a history of certain cancers, blood clots, or high blood pressure.
In addition to HRT, women can improve their well-being by:
Eating a balanced diet that is low in fat and high in calcium to strengthen bones and protect heart health. Exercising regularly to help reduce anxiety and stress, while also guarding against heart disease. Quitting smoking to prevent heart disease and mitigate hot flushes. Avoiding alcohol, which can exacerbate hot flushes.Research also suggests that incorporating plant estrogens found in soy and red clover may provide relief from symptoms. Furthermore, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may be recommended for women over 40, either alongside HRT or as an alternative treatment, depending on individual circumstances.
