British journalist Mariella Frostrup appeared on Lorraine this morning to dispel myths surrounding the menopause, as well as preview her new show 'Britain's Novel Landscapes'.
Speaking to host Christine Lampard this morning, Mariella discussed the current issues surrounding the menopause.
Mariella said: “I think the reasons, that I investigate in my book on the topic of menopause, is down to the centuries of misappropriation, misdiagnosis.
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“Menopause has been written about and diagnosed by the very people who would never experience it, the other half of humanity, men.
“I think it comes with its connotations, women have been made to feel ashamed of it and embarrassed about the fact that they are going through it."
The 59-year-old also spoke up on the socio-economic issues surrounding the menopause, and how this can affect accessibility issues.
She continued: "The worst part about it is just how badly women are served in terms of medical diagnosis, the support from doctors, and it’s a total postcode lottery.
“In terms of whether you are going to get a GP who understands what you are going through; or someone who patronises you and says ‘I don’t rate HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)’.
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“You’re usually thinking ‘I don’t really care if you rate it or not, just give it to me’, and also all the other potential supports you can have through this period if you don't want HRT.
“My argument isn't that everyone should be forced to go on HRT but just that it should be presented to you as a choice, and it shouldn’t be a socio-economic decision, and not something that women are priced out of."
Mariella also touched on the work that politician Carolyn Hariss MP has done surrounding HRT accessibility, saying: "It's incredibly important that the work that Caroline Harris MP has done recently in making it much more affordable for women and id like to see it be free for all women across the UK.
“The most important thing is to dispel all the mythology surrounding the menopause, and its a phase in our lives that 50 per cent of the population will go through.
“I'm at the other side of it and I've lived to tell the tale, and its really not as bad as it is impressed upon us.
“It's the ignorance that shapes our opinion of the menopause.”
You can watch Mariella's new show on Channel 4, on Thursday February 17, at 9pm ,where she explores the life and times, and landscapes, of classic British women writers.
