‘I have a voice. And no, I will not f***ing chill out’

Naked Attraction host Anna Richardson on speaking out about the menopause, dating and wanting to be a mum

- ELLIE KIRWIN-JONES

Having been a taboo subject for too long, the menopause is something women are finally having a candid discussion about. At first, the subject was spoken about quietly, then stars including Davina McCall and Penny Lancaster raised the volume as they opened up about their personal experiences. And now, Naked Attraction host Anna Richardson has added her voice in a truly inspiring roar.

The comic and presenter, 52, told the Menopause Monologues event that while there are many funny anecdotes around the transitional period, she endured a “period of suffering”.

She said, “Do you know what? For me, it isn’t funny. It’s really quite painful. It’s been quite disruptive. It’s very difficult.”

Reciting the words parroted by so many doctors – “I mean, it’s natural, like childbirth. What’s the worst that can happen?” – she then listed more than 40 symptoms women can face.

“It’s only a bit of joint pain,” she told the audience. “It’s only a bit of dizziness and a panic attack. It’s only a bit of bleeding gums, mouth ulcers, and it’s only a labia fusing together.”

She drew a loud cheer and applause when she closed with, “I have a voice. And you might have noticed, I’m not afraid to use it. I’m Anna Richardson. And no, I will not f***ing chill out.”

Speaking during World Menopause Month, Anna joined the event in London, staged by Boots, to help women understand menopause and dispel myths about HRT. Sharing the platform were Gabby Logan, 49, Sally Phillips, 52, Karen Arthur, 54, Shappi Khorsandi, 49, and Andrea McLean, 53.