Lorraine Keane is no stranger to the spotlight as an IFTA-nominated broadcaster and journalist. Here, she shares her approach to hormone health and the award-winning supplement that changed her life.
The media industry can be notoriously tough on women as they age. But Lorraine Keane, one of Ireland’s most celebrated broadcasters, felt it was time to speak up about perimenopause and share her personal story to help others. Here, she gives an insight on her journey and the tools she utilised to continue to lead a healthy and thriving life, both on and off air.
How Important Are Supplements to Your Health Regime and How Do They Help You?
“It is so important to supplement our diet for our present and future health. Our food goes on so many journeys that sometimes some of the goodness is gone by the time it arrives on our plate. But choosing the right supplement can be a bit of a minefield. I love that I can assure women that Clearmarine MenoMin really works for so many women and it should definitely be the first thing you try if you have a hormone imbalance or perimenopause or menopause symptoms. This year Clearmarine MenoMin won Best Womens Product in the Irish Pharmacy News Retail awards, I am not surprised. It has changed my life, so much so I’ve been shouting it from the rooftops for almost seven years now.”
How Do You Stay Active?
“I take the stairs instead of the lift, walk or cycle if I don’t need to take the car and do pilates two or three times a week. I also sea swim, well its more like a prolonged dip (laughs). I find the cold water really good for my skin, metabolism and mind.”
Have You Suffered From Your Hormones and in What Ways?
“I’ve suffered with my hormones my whole life. I’ve always had long periods (no-one told me that 7-10 days was too long and that periods should last 3-5 days max). Because of this every symptom was longer, PMS, low moods, low energy, low libido, hormonal skin breakouts, hair loss etc.”
Taking Care of Our Health and Hormones as Early as Possible is Crucial. How Do You Teach Your Daughters?
My daughters – and husband (laughs) – could probably host their own hormone talk at this stage. They’ve had to listen to me for so long. I am so proud to know that my daughters and their girlfriends, cousins, will never suffer in silence like I did. They know it’s absolutely essential to be educated on their hormone health and know all options available to live their best life.”
Any Health Regrets or Things You’d Do Differently if You Could Get a Do-over?
“Yes, I would know about the pituitary gland and how vital it is for a woman’s mental, physical and emotional health. Our hormones run our bodies. If they are not producing the right amount, at the right level everything is affected.”
Becoming the Poster Girl for Perimenopause Was a Brave Move, What Made You Want to Speak Out and Have You Had Any Regrets About Your Decision?
“It was so difficult coming out and sharing my story, not only because it is such a personal, private thing, but especially considering the business I am in and how ageist it can be towards females in particular. In the past, anything attached to the word menopause, peri or otherwise was seen as something old or decrepit. For generations past it may have been your last stage of life, but that is not the case anymore. We are living longer, to 80, 90 even, so post-menopause I hope to have another 30 maybe even 40 years ahead, so we need to look forward to post-menopause. When you think about it, it should be the best stage in your life as a woman, no more periods, no more period pains, no more worrying about what to wear in case it arrives, or leaks, having to be constantly prepared, I cannot wait. I hope me coming out and sharing my story has changed the narrative. Because guess what? I feel anything but old and decrepit. I feel fabulous, even sexy. And most importantly I feel empowered. I know how to take care of myself and I don’t feel guilty about doing so. I don’t fear menopause because I know what to expect, how to manage my symptoms and can look forward to coming out the other side and living my best life. Sharing my story and hosting Hormone Health Events with a panel of experts has been the best thing I have ever done. It has not only helped other women but those other women’s stories continue to help me too. When women support women powerful things happen.”
My next Let’s Talk Hormone Health Talk is in Limerick on the 27th October, you can find out more here and book on eventbrit.
Why Do You Think Women Are Still Reluctant to Share Their Experiences With Each Other?
“It’s like anything… when it’s been unspoken forever, it’s a taboo subject, there’s a stigma attached, but look how far we have come with regards to our mental health in this country. We just need to say the word ‘menopause’ over and over again ‘menopause, menopause, menopapuse’ [laughs]. When I chose to talk about menopapuse and share my story, no one was talking about it. It was extremely difficult, but look how far we have come in seven years. Three full weeks were dedicated to the subject on national radio last year. That is phenomenal. We have started now and no one is going to stop us. Irish women have been putting everyone before them for generations, the old 'oh don’t worry about me, I’ll be grand’. We have to stop settling for ‘grand’. I always say ‘I do not peak at grand, I peak at fantastic!’ It is possible when you know how.”