Penny Lancaster was seen in tears on Good Morning Britain as a host of celebrities raised awareness about menopause issues. The 52-year-old, married to Rod Stewart, previously dismissed her menopause symptoms as Covid-19 during lockdown.
New guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission means employers in England and Wales could now be sued if they fail to make 'reasonable adjustments' for women dealing with menopause. This comes amid concerns over the number of women leaving their jobs due to symptoms.
Speaking on Loose Women, Lancaster said: 'When I first had my symptoms, it was during lockdown so initially, I thought it might be Covid, with the heat and the flushes. They were disrupting my sleep so I couldn't function.' She added that many women are 'constantly in denial' about menopause.
A 2019 Bupa survey revealed that almost 900,000 women in the UK have left their jobs because of menopause symptoms. The Human Rights watchdog suggests that women suffering from brain fog should be given quiet rooms and fans.
TV star Kerry Katona, who also appeared on GB News, said she does not see menopause as a disability but acknowledged symptoms can be 'debilitating'. She described the embarrassment, depression, and mood swings that affect not just the woman but everyone around her.
