Nicola Sturgeon appeared on Wednesday episode of Loose Women to discuss the menopause, as well as having a fiery debate on facemasks.
The First Minister joined Christine Lampard, Carol McGiffin, Gloria Hunniford and Judi Love on the ITV show for a chat.
During her appearance, the FM added that discussing the menopause isn't something she is "entirely comfortable" with as it is "deeply personal" but she felt moved to speak about it so that she can help others in the future.
She continued: "There is still a lot of stigma around it, and even for people like me who know I have a platform and know how important it is to talk about it, I still feel uncomfortable.
"Obviously I'm in the foothills of it, and quite anxious given the public nature of my job and how I would cope with it."
The FM added that it would have been easier for her to have women in similar positions talking about their own experiences of menopause "like Angela Merkel or Hilary Clinton" for guidance.
And she said: "I feel a responsibility for the next generation of women, so they can read and say 'this is what it was like'."
Viewers of the ITV talk show enjoyed seeing the First Minister's appearance, and determination to break the taboos of menopause.
One wrote: "Never watch #LooseWomen thought I'd watch as @NicolaSturgeon was on. Is the McGuffin person always so stuck up and ignorant? NS is great advocate for woman's health issues, talking openly about menopause, miscarriage, and not having kids."
"Well done, @NicolaSturgeon for your handling of @McGiff and the #LooseWomen crew. Also for your honesty, talking about your own vulnerabilities; from menopause to miscarriage. You came across brilliantly, with a massive heart, and I’m proud to call you our FM of Scotland," another penned.
However, one viewer thought the political debate overshadowed the discussion of menopause, writing: " @loosewomen interview about menopause with @NicolaSturgeon ruined by carols contempt towards her! attempting (and failing) to grill her on politics and only about 2 minutes talking about the subject she was supposed to be on the show for!"
Despite appearing on the show to discuss the menopause, the FM was embroiled in a heated debate with panellist Carol McGiffin.
It came after a video posted on social media appeared to show the SNP leader not wearing a mask during a visit to a barber's in East Kilbride on Saturday.
At the time, there was still a legal requirement to wear a face covering in most indoor public places in Scotland, including shops, public transport and hairdressers.
Gloria referred to her as being "only human" but Carol demanded to know what set her apart from Boris Johnson and his 'Partygate' scandal.
The FM replied: "It's fair to ask what's the difference and people will make up their own minds.
"I was called into a barber shop and for literally a few seconds I forgot, then immediately I put a mask on.
"I think that’s something people have done over the past couple of years, I think it’s right I get a harder time, but is that the same as having six parties at the strictest part of lockdown and presiding over a culture of rule breaking at Downing Street?
"I don’t think these things are an equivalent."
Loose Women airs weekdays on ITV at 12:30
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