Prue Leith Shares Candid Details on Testosterone Gel and HRT Benefits
Celebrity chef and Bake Off judge Prue Leith has made a remarkably frank admission about her personal life, revealing that she uses testosterone gel to add spice to her sex life and maintain her health at the age of 86. In an exclusive interview with Saga Magazine, Leith discussed her marriage to husband John Playfair and her unwavering commitment to hormone replacement therapy.
HRT Regimen and Libido Enhancement
Prue Leith explained that she incorporates testosterone gel into her daily routine alongside oestrogen patches and progesterone pills. She enthusiastically endorsed the combination, stating, "It's great for libido. You feel better and younger." The television personality emphasised that this medical approach is crucial for her active lifestyle and overall well-being.
When questioned about sexual activity in older couples, Leith recounted asking a doctor what constitutes normal behaviour. "She said there are no studies, because it's just imagined people my age don't," Leith revealed. She firmly believes that hormone replacement therapy enables her continued vitality, noting, "I don't think I'd be active in every sense without hormone replacement therapy."
Health Benefits and NHS Savings
The Bake Off star remains steadfast in her support for HRT despite acknowledging a minimal increased risk of breast cancer. "HRT must save the NHS money," Leith argued. "It prevents acute depression, heart disease, strokes, but there's a puritan thing where they think it's wicked to make yourself younger than you are."
Leith expressed no intention of discontinuing her treatment, explaining that stopping would trigger menopausal symptoms at her current age. "I always say, 'Why?' HRT has an increased risk of breast cancer, but it's tiny and if I came off it now, I'd go through menopause symptoms at 86, which would be horrendous," she told the magazine.
Personal Life and Career Decisions
Prue Leith married fashion designer John Playfair, 78, in 2016 after they first met in 2011. She humorously recalled their initial encounter at a dinner party where she felt like an awkward third wheel and made a quick exit. The following day, Playfair appeared at her doorstep, having immediately recognised their connection.
Recently, Leith announced her departure from The Great British Bake Off after nine years as a judge. She explained that the desire for more leisure time ultimately influenced her decision. "Finally, though, the desire to work less and play more got to me," Leith confessed. "Bake Off and its offshoots such as The Great American Baking Show and even the Christmas specials are all filmed in the summer, which has meant I could never have a summer holiday."
A holiday to Madagascar helped crystallise her choice, as she realised continuing would prevent future travel opportunities. Nigella Lawson has been confirmed as her replacement, joining co-judge Paul Hollywood when filming resumes in April.
Despite stepping back from Bake Off, Leith remains active in public life, recently appearing on the runway during London Fashion Week for the Vin+Omi show. Her candid discussion about health, relationships, and career transitions offers a refreshing perspective on ageing and vitality in the public eye.
