Myleene Klass, the renowned presenter from Loose Women, has revealed that she is navigating the challenging symptoms of perimenopause. At 47, Myleene has been battling severe exhaustion, disrupted sleep, and debilitating migraines—symptoms commonly associated with this natural phase of life, as outlined by the NHS.
“I’m at the right age for perimenopause, and it’s making me so exhausted,” Myleene shared. “Unlike my auntie, I don’t get hot flushes, but the fatigue and sleepless nights are relentless. The migraines are also terrible.”
Despite these struggles, Myleene has adopted a resilient mindset, determined to “get on with it like everyone else.” She credits her fiancé, Simon Motson, for his unwavering support: “The first thing I do when I wake up is open my eyes, and he hands me a coffee. We go through this together.”
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Myleene and Simon are raising their five-year-old son, Apollo. Additionally, Myleene is a mother to two daughters, Ava, 17, and Hero, 13, from her previous marriage to Graham Quinn.
She emphasizes the importance of breaking the silence around women’s health issues, particularly menopause, which was once heavily stigmatized. “Many women had to struggle in silence,” she explained. “I’m doing my research now and trying to find all the answers. People talk about it more openly today, but it wasn’t like that when you hit your 40s.”
Myleene is a passionate advocate for women’s health. In 2023, she celebrated progress after the government introduced new policies to better support women who suffer miscarriages. Having endured four miscarriages herself, she has spoken openly about the mental toll of baby loss and the urgent need for improved care.
Her campaigning has contributed to important legal reforms allowing individuals experiencing pregnancy loss at any stage to take leave from work—an important change from the previous rule requiring three consecutive miscarriages before medical support was provided.
Perimenopause, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, can last from months to several years. According to Bupa UK and the NHS, common physical symptoms include hot flushes, sleep difficulties, palpitations, headaches, migraines, muscle joint pain, and weight gain.
Changes in menstrual cycles are often the first sign: periods may become irregular before ceasing altogether. Mental health symptoms can include mood swings, anxiety, low mood, reduced self-esteem, and memory or concentration problems commonly referred to as brain fog.
These symptoms can significantly impact daily life, affecting relationships, social interactions, family dynamics, and work.
To alleviate symptoms, the NHS recommends a balanced diet, regular exercise, and mental wellness care. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol intake are also beneficial.
Every woman experiences this transition uniquely; some have many symptoms, while others have few or none. Anyone suspecting they may be entering perimenopause or menopause is encouraged to seek advice from a GP or pharmacist for appropriate support and treatment.