BBC Sport presenter Gabby Logan has opened up about her struggles with a condition that left her struggling while live on air.
Gabby has spoken about how battling perimenopause led to her experiencing memory lapses and 'brain fog' during broadcasts. The symptoms often caused her to struggle to "find the right words at the right time", resulting in her "umming a bit" on air while hosting major events like the Olympics.
The star, who celebrates her birthday today (April 24), has spoken candidly about her experiences with perimenopause, which can cause symptoms such as brain fog. This can leave those suffering feeling like they have "cotton wool" brains, often leading to worries about dementia.
It is estimated that around 13 million women in the UK are currently perimenopausal or menopausal. But its impact is not limited to cognitive issues, as BBC star Gabby revealed that perimenopause also took a toll on her personal life.
She said it nearly destroyed her sex life with her husband, former Scotland rugby player Kenny Logan. The couple, who have been married since 2001 and have twins Lois and Reuben, faced further challenges when Kenny was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022 and underwent surgery.
Gabby, a former gymnast who represented Wales in the 1990 Commonwealth Games, told The Telegraph that she found herself struggling to recall facts and figures. She revealed: "I didn't realise when I first started to experience the symptoms, [and] it was so alien to me to not be able to recall that I was starting to think, 'Oh God, I just can't remember stuff any more'.
"I was always so good at recall. I got through a law degree basically just by going, 'Ah, page 32, Smith versus Cook'. I was always good with names, finding the right word at the right time, and I'd find myself umming a bit or using 'very, very, very'..."
Gabby added that she found relief when she realised her symptoms were part of the perimenopause process, and she could do something about it, reports Surrey Live. However, she also experienced a decline in her libido, telling The Sun: "My libido was definitely affected by the menopause and perimenopause.
"I found I didn't want to have sex with my husband as much, and it felt like something I was going to have to do even if I didn't really want to. It was almost like, 'Is this going to become a duty?'
"So many women say this and I didn't want to become one of them." After being prescribed hormone replacement therapy, Gabby's memory and sex life showed significant improvement.
To further boost her memory, she actively challenges herself with mentally stimulating tasks such as memorising six-digit numbers and resisting the urge to Google familiar information. Gabby's journey inspired her to write 'The Midpoint Plan', a book that offers guidance on managing the challenges of midlife.
In a Good Housekeeping interview, Gabby confessed: "Feeling slightly unsure about things was such an unfamiliar feeling and I thought, 'Oh, God, am I going to keep doing my job if I can't recall somebody's name?'"
"Fortunately, HRT has been great and I try to do regular exercise for my brain now, whether that's testing myself on remembering numbers or people's names."
Gabby also shared on Anna Richardson's 'It Can't Just Be Me' podcast in 2023 that her sex life showed considerable improvement. She stated: "I felt definitely a massive improvement there and that was important to me.
"I had a very healthy relationship with my husband and I loved him and fancied him and I couldn't understand why I didn't want to have sex with him as much or why it was something that I felt I was going to have to have."
What does the NHS say about perimenopause?
NHS guidance on perimenopause and menopause advises that maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and prioritizing mental wellbeing can help alleviate symptoms and support overall health during this phase.
Symptoms include:
- changes to periods
- mood swings or brain fog
- hot flushes
- difficulty sleeping
- palpitations
- headaches and migraines that are worse than usual
- muscle aches and joint pains
- changed body shape and wieght gain
- skin changes, including dry and itchy skin
- reduced sex drive
- vaginal dryness and pain, itching or discomfort during sex
- UTIs
- sensitive teeth, painful gums or other oral health issues
The NHS advises that there are a number of practical steps you can take to ease the affects of perimenopause. These include:
- Ensure you get plenty of rest and maintain regular sleep routines.
- Consult with a doctor before taking any herbal supplements or complementary medicines.
- Engage in conversations with others who are experiencing similar situations, such as family members, friends or colleagues.
- Partake in relaxing activities like yoga, tai chi or meditation.
- Maintain a regular exercise routine, incorporating weight-bearing activities where your feet and legs support your weight, such as walking, running or dancing.
- Include calcium-rich foods like milk, yoghurt and kale in your diet to keep your bones healthy.
- Adopt a balanced and nutritious diet
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