Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has reflected on going through menopause, calling it 'a very, very difficult time indeed'.
The professional dancer, 62, is fronting a new QVC campaign to get women talking about the huge life milestone in the hope that they don't feel as blindsided by it as she did.
New research by the telly and online shopping portal for their Menopause Your Way campaign found that Shirley was not unique in feeling overwhelmed by the hormonal changes that were sweeping her body. The study found that only one in 10 (9%) feel prepared for this life-changing event.
Shirley said: 'I never thought about menopause. It throws you out of sync. But it’s not just a list of symptoms. I just didn’t have any support. My son could see I was in the darkest time of my life. He was the first person who actually sat down and said “tell me whats going on”. And I have to say, that was life changing.
‘It is a taboo subject for me but when QVC asked me to part of this campaign, I thought “if it can help one person or it can help many, it’s worth sharing the story".'
Other disappointing results include that two in five (39%) say they know about menopause symptoms but do not have a clear enough understanding of how to manage them; and more than a quarter surveyed (26%) said that the menopause is represented in society as something that only happens to ‘older’ women. This is despite the findings revealing that for a third, (31%) the menopause started at a much younger age than expected.
A third 0f respondents (37%) said that they never discussed it with another female relative.
Shirley added: 'My experience going through the menopause was an emotional and scary experience on so many levels. The ordeal is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life – it was a very, very difficult time indeed. It’s such a huge milestone and yet, it’s talked about so little.
'Discussing the menopause shouldn’t be seen as taboo but I understand why talking about it can be embarrassing. It is after all a natural part of life that half of the population experience and it needs much more communication. Looking back at my experience of the menopause, I would tell my younger self to reach out for help, the minute my body started to change. By working with QVC to be part of its Menopause Your Way video, we are aiming to reach people who need support, and make sure no one is ashamed to say how they’re feeling.'
Emma Gritt is the Multiplatform Director of Women's Health UK.
I am passionate about all things "woo", beauty gadgets and treatments; cooking; travel; spa visits; gardening; lusting over homeware; animals and nature. I'm also a huge bookworm, and always have at least two books on the go!
When I'm not working, I enjoy playing tennis, swimming, cycling, pilates, and looking for new treasures to sell in my antiques cabinet.
Prior to joining WH in 2022, I worked as a digital journalist and senior editor at national newspapers, radio stations and at international content agencies.
