Prue Leith, the 86-year-old former judge of The Great British Bake Off, has credited hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with maintaining her youthful appearance and active sex life. In a candid interview, she revealed that a testosterone gel, part of her HRT regimen, has been 'great for libido'.
Leith, who is stepping down from the baking show after nine years, originally began HRT following a hysterectomy at age 40. She uses progesterone tablets, oestrogen patches, and 'dabs' of testosterone gel, which she says makes her 'feel better and younger'. She told Saga Magazine that without HRT, she would face menopause symptoms in her 80s, which she described as 'horrendous'.
The restaurateur addressed the topic of intimacy among older couples, noting that doctors often lack studies on sexual activity in later life. She said: 'I asked a doctor, "What's normal?" She said there are no studies because it's just imagined people my age don't.' Leith added that she doubts she would be 'active in every sense' without HRT.
When asked about her youthful appearance and continued work, Leith said: 'When people ask, "How do you look so young? How are you still working?" Well, that's the secret.' Despite reported links to breast cancer, she has no plans to stop using HRT.
Leith, who lives in Oxfordshire, will be replaced on Bake Off by celebrity chef Nigella Lawson. She expressed confidence in her successor, saying: 'She doesn't need any advice from me. She's so good and she will bring a whole fresh look and she'll be wonderful.'
