TV personality Lorraine Keane has opened up about the stigma around the topic of menopause and perimenopause — and how while things have come “so far” in the last few years, “we do still have a very long way to go”.
“At that stage, I was about 40. And I said, ‘I’m not in the age group demographic yet, so why would I age myself — absolutely not’. But they said that perimenopause and menopause is actually your fourth natural life stage as a woman.”View gallery Lorraine recalled how she didn’t know much regarding the topic of perimenopause or menopause, as she didn’t think it was something related to her at the time.
“They said no, because it had been such a taboo subject for so long that people wouldn’t come out and talk about it — so unless you’re brave enough to come out and call it what it is, they won’t listen. Lorraine added that while she feels there’s a stigma still around the topic of menopause and perimenopause, things are improving — especially in the last 12 months.
The Dubliner added that the ‘natural boost’ — including “generally looking after yourself and your wellbeing” — is another crucial step. She said, “It’s been amazing, just spreading the world with all of these wonderful women and experts — and to know that we’re helping other women out there.” “Although I got my voice trained and we all learned how to play piano, he never really wanted us to make it our career. So, as much as I wanted to, I started looking at other careers where entertainment of some sort was involved.
“My course coordinator put my name in a hat, and I went in and did an audition. I was offered a job — and so at the end of my year of college, I thought I was going to be going to DCU for three years to study Communications and Media.