Martine McCutcheon has been supported by fans after she issued a health update.
The 46-year-old is renowned for her role as Tiffany Mitchell in EastEnders. Martine quickly established herself as a fan favourite on the BBC show before she exited Walford in 1998.
The former soap star has built up a large following on Instagram and is regularly open about her well being with her 559,000 followers. She has taken to the social media platform to detail her experience with peri menopause.
READ MORE: Stacey Solomon left alone with kids as Joe Swash takes ill
She said: "I have the hot flushes, the insomnia, the brain fog and fatigue … The list goes on doesn’t it?! And to be honest, having lived with M.E/CFS and fibro since my 20’s, those symptoms seem to be something I can cope with… (touch wood!)"
However, Martine said she was also suffering with "crippling anxiety" and wants to raise awareness as she added: "A kind of irrational anxiety that makes no sense whatsoever! You feel like you’ve lost your own damn mind! Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t seem to hear about this side of it as much. I wanted to share this, just incase any of you out there feel the same and feel scared or worried - You aren’t alone! I’m pleased to report after going through a phase of not even feeling confident enough to drive (That’s SO not me!) that I’m now feeling much better and I’m working my way back to my own “normality”.
Martine added: "I changed from the HRT patches to the gel and it made a big difference within days for me… I was thinking maybe the HRT wasn’t going to work for me and I know many women who can’t use it, manage to find other ways to get through this phase comfortably.
"But the gel has really made a difference, so I’m feeling grateful for that - although I’ve also had a few anxious days again lately, so I’m still tweaking and working out the most efficient combo to be the best I can be. I’ve just had a brisk walk, I’ve meditated and I now feel much calmer and content. I’m sending any of you going through the peri meno/meno all my love, strength and the belief that you WILL be the true you again - With bells on… And that the best is yet to come! We can do this!"
Martin was supported by fans who praised her for being open with her symptoms.
Emma said: "Yes yes yes x no one tells you about this growing up. Thank goodness women talk more now so yoh don't feel like you're going mad. Sending hugs and thank you for sharing"
Liz added: "Thank you for sharing!"
Eve posted: "Love this, keep talking about it please"
Receive newsletters with the biggest and breaking TV and showbiz news by signing up here
For more celeb news, videos and pictures follow our designated Facebook page HERE
Mango shoppers desperate to buy 'stunning' midi dress they 'need'
ITV Emmerdale Jonny McPherson's 'unexpected' home and romance with former co-star
Ant and Dec halt Saturday Night Takeaway to make announcement over new ITV show
Helen Flanagan shares heartfelt message for Scott Sinclair following rumoured split
ITV Coronation Street's Dame Maureen Lipman's life, tragic losses and show exit admission
