Perimenopause at 38? I felt robbed, says Emma Barnett

Perimenopause at 38? I felt robbed, says Emma Barnett

Broadcaster Emma Barnett has recently shared her personal experience of going through perimenopause at the age of 38, describing it as feeling like she had been “mugged, robbed. At 40 years old, Barnett expressed that it was the first time she did not want to be a woman and wished she could be a man instead. Speaking on her new BBC podcast, Ready to Talk with Emma Barnett, she opened up about her journey with perimenopause which began at an earlier age than usual.

Perimenopause typically occurs around the age of 46 and is characterized by symptoms of menopause while still having menstrual periods. Symptoms include anxiety, mood swings, brain fog, hot flushes, and irregular periods. In the podcast episode, Barnett shared her struggle with feeling like she had lost her sense of self and is still waiting to reclaim her identity. She expressed how perimenopause made her feel like a part of her had been stolen and emphasized the lack of resources available to women going through this phase.

Barnett, who previously hosted Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, mentioned her book Period: It’s About Bloody Time, where she discusses her battle with endometriosis. She has now transitioned to hosting the podcast to share stories, provide her perspective, and create a safe space for others to discuss their experiences. Through sharing her journey, Barnett aims to normalize conversations around perimenopause and encourage a shift in how society perceives and addresses this natural phase in women’s lives.

During the episode, Barnett also discussed treatment options for menopausal symptoms, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to stabilize estrogen levels. She highlighted the importance of lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking and alcohol to manage symptoms. Additionally, plant-based estrogen sources like soy and red clover were mentioned as potential aids. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may also be offered to women over 40 as part of a holistic approach to managing menopausal symptoms

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More