- Actress Sarah Lancashire Opens Up About Challenging Menopause Symptoms
- Struggles with Mental Fog and Hot Flashes at National Television Awards
- Previous Battles with Depression and the Importance of Open Conversation
Sarah Lancashire, an actress, claims to be experiencing “the most terrible menopause” as a result of which she experiences mental fog.
The star of Happy Valley reported experiencing hot flashes during last week’s National Television Awards (NTA).
She said that she required two fans “pretty much on my face the entire time” to remain comfortable during the ceremony.
In Happy Valley, Lancashire, 58, portrays Sergeant Catherine Cawood.
The actress claimed the award for best drama performance at the NTAs, and Sir Ian McKellen also presented her with this year’s special recognition award.
Speaking about brain fog, she described a recent shopping trip where she had forgotten what she had gone out to purchase.
She said, “The other day I was in Sainsbury’s and found myself standing in the aisle, unable to recall why I was there.”
“It strikes you out of nowhere. I also cannot recall events that occurred thirty years ago.”
The actress claimed she attempted to conceal her cooling measures at the NTAs at the O2 Arena.
I brought one of my closest friends with me, and his job was to keep an eye out for the cameras and let me know if they appeared to be panning across to us so I could hide the fans,” she said.
She reported using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to alleviate menopause symptoms.
“I am currently using the gel, but it is not working well for me, so I may try the patches next,” she said.
Additionally, the actress has previously discussed her struggle with depression.
In 2016, Lancashire said that her twenties were a “write-off” and that she had experienced both happy and bad times.
In my early years, depression hindered me because I was too incapacitated and terrified to explain why I couldn’t take a train from Manchester to London for auditions,” she explained.
I firmly believed I would lose my job if I confessed it.
What exactly is menopause?
Menopause occurs when menstruation ceases, which typically occurs around the age of 51.
This signifies the conclusion of the reproductive years and the beginning of a new stage of life.
Perimenopause is the intermittent time before menopause. On average, it begins at 46.
During this time, many women note that their periods have become unpredictable or heavy, and they experience new emotions or physical problems.
When periods haven’t occurred for a year, you can state that you’ve been through the menopause (last period).
For some, it can occur naturally or as a result of treatment for another condition.
Lancashire stated that she was diagnosed with clinical depression at the age of 18 and that she struggled to leave her bed while working on Coronation Street in the 1990s.
The actress stated that her illness was “absolutely debilitating” and ultimately led to a nervous breakdown.
“I was terrified of being judged and misunderstood,” she explained. I struggled along. It was the worst possible decision I could have made.”
Lancashire added that being in the public view “makes you fearful of speaking openly about things, which is precisely why you should do so.”
