As soon as she appears on screen for our video chat, Mariella Frostrup is an absolute delight – straight-talking and passionate, but a delight nonetheless.
After becoming one of the most recognisable faces and voices on radio and television (she’s also the voice of the London Overground) over three decades, she’s spent the past few years transforming into a voice of a generation when it comes to menopause awareness.
“As a woman of my generation I’ve grown up suffused with shame about almost everything to do with my body,” she tells us.
“Menopause just seems like the final insult to me. It was this thing that I knew nothing about, and nobody else seemed to know anything about, and it came with so many challenges.
“It comes at a time when you’re already feeling really vulnerable and like the world might be passing you by, and suddenly you feel not fit for purpose – that’s devastating and completely wrong.”
Two years ago Mariella, who turns 61 next week, stepped away from her role as a presenter and host and wrote Cracking The Menopause to help separate fact from fiction and empower women before, during and after what was once only referred to as “the change”.
Then, last year she took her advocacy one step further and founded the Menopause Mandate, a coalition of campaigners with Davina McCall and Carol Vorderman as patrons.
While both are useful tools for conversation and change, her latest role as ambassador for the Always Discreet “Squeeze the Day” pelvic floor campaign, working with Dr Philippa Kaye, may seem a little more playful, but with only 9% of women doing pelvic floor exercises as often as they should, it’s no less important to Mariella.
この記事は OK! UK の November 13, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は OK! UK の November 13, 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Cheesy does it
These gloriously gooey and tantalisingly tasty cheese-based dishes are perfect for comfort food season
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VAPING
E-cigarettes have never been more popular but vaping isn’t the risk-free alternative to smoking that people might think it is
I love the process of applying full glam'
Celebrity make-up artist and queen of the smoky eye' Hannah Martin shares her top tips for looking and feeling your best this festive season
For the first time in 35 years, I don't wake up frightened of my illness'
Loose Women panellist Denise Welch opens up about her many battles, including her lifelong struggle with numbers
"The more I talk about it, the easier it becomes'
TV favourite Shirley Ballas is sharing her own struggles with bladder health to help others suffering in silence
'Now I have to learn how to trust someone else'
Stand-up Katherine Ryan on her family's changing dynamic, her latest tour and getting great ideas for dinnertime with a new food campaign
When I look at some people and they hate their job, I feel sorry for them'
Good Morning Britain's Charlotte Hawkins on her love for her work and how classical music can calm pets
'I didn't know if I'd ever get married...it was just perfect
Grantchester star Melissa Johns invites OK! readers to share in her very special wedding
I consider Simon and Amanda family now our children hang out together'
Alesha Dixon on the secret to her success, the lasting bond with her fellow BGT judges and why young people should follow their dreams
'It feels like your world is completely ripped to pieces
After her recent miscarriage, Paris Fury reveals how she's made peace with this tragic event