Broadcaster Lottie Ryan
Hitting 40, broadcaster Lottie Ryan is embracing life’s transitions. From the adrenaline of live broadcasting to the raw realities of perimenopause Lottie Ryan has never been one to shy away from the truth – on air or off. Known for her quick wit and warmth, the Irish broadcaster thrives in the unpredictable world of live media. But in recent years, motherhood and the onset of perimenopause have shifted her focus toward deeper, more vulnerable conversations. Here, she opens up about embracing her 40s with confidence, breaking the silence around menopause, and why she believes sharing the messy, unfiltered side of life is not an act of bravery, but a necessity.
Broadcasting demands quick thinking and adaptability, what do you love most about the pace and pressure of live media?
“Live media has a pulse, and I love it. There’s something addictive about knowing you’ve got to think on your feet and roll with whatever’s thrown at you in the moment. You can’t fake it, you can’t edit it, it’s raw and real, and that’s where the magic happens.
It keeps you sharp, it keeps you human, and it makes every day different. I thrive on that mix of adrenaline and connection.”
Has motherhood changed your perspective on the kinds of stories you’re drawn to tell?
“Completely. Motherhood cracked me open in ways I didn’t expect. I’m more empathetic, more vulnerable, and probably more fearless when it comes to sharing the messy, human parts of life. I used to feel I was talking to an audience, but now I feel like I’m in conversation with a community. We’re all figuring it out together, and I’m far more drawn to stories that reflect that real, unfiltered side of life.”
How did you connect the dots between your symptoms and perimenopause?
“At first, I didn’t put two and two together; I just thought I was stressed, tired, maybe run down. It wasn’t until I had a conversation with my mum about what she’d gone through, then spoke to my childhood best friend who’s a women’s health physio, that I started to think, ‘Hang on… this could be hormonal. The final piece was finding a GP who specialises in women’s hormones. That’s when the puzzle started to come together.
But I’ll be honest, it felt like I had to fight for that clarity. It wasn’t straight forward, and I had to push to get the right help.”
What kind of toll did this transition take on you?
“Before I knew what was going on, I felt like I was losing control of my mood, my memory, even my sense of self. Once I got answers, it was like the fog lifted. I still have days where I have to manage things, but now I understand why they’re happening, and that makes all the difference.”
Alongside HRT, you’re managing symptoms with supplements. How did you decide which ones to try?
“I’ve always believed in using every tool available to feel my best, so I spoke to professionals, did research, and asked women I trust about what worked for them. I’ve really noticed benefits from MenoMin. It’s essentially designed to support things like hormonal balance, brain health, skin elasticity, energy levels, and mood*, all areas that can take a hit during perimenopause. Since I started taking it, I’ve had fewer of those crushing fatigue days, fewer night sweats, less hair loss, and I’ve even noticed my skin looking healthier. It’s a hugely important part of my toolbox and helps me feel more like myself.”
In addition to supplements, have you made other changes to support your hormonal health?
“Yes, it’s been a lifestyle overhaul. I’m really protective of my sleep now. I switch off screens earlier, I have a winddown routine, and I don’t mess with it! I walk every day, even if it’s short, because movement clears my head. I’ve also become much more deliberate about rest and saying no to things (and people!) that drain me. Boundaries have become my best friend.”
For some reason it still seems brave to speak publicly about menopause, what gave you the confidence to do that?
“I don’t see it as brave; I see it as necessary. Silence doesn’t help anyone. If we want better understanding, better care, and better conversations, someone has to go first. I’m happy to be that person.”
Was there anything about perimenopause that surprised you?
“Probably the anxiety. I always thought menopause was more about hot flushes and trouble sleeping; I had no idea how much it could affect your mental health. That was the biggest shock for me. I was also surprised by how invisible it can be to the outside world. You can be going about your day, smiling, working, showing up for everyone, while internally you’re trying to manage this huge shift in how your mind and body feel.”
Has this affected the way you see yourself going into your 40s?
“If anything, it’s made me more excited about what’s ahead. It’s about stepping into my 40s with more confidence, clarity, and intention. The changes I feel are internal, more rooted, more unapologetic, and that’s a kind of ageing I can really get behind. I know myself better than I ever have.”
If you could change one thing about the way perimenopause is talked about, what would it be?
“I’d stop treating it like an embarrassing footnote and start treating it like the major life stage it is. Puberty, pregnancy – we talk about them openly, we prepare for them, we support people through them. Perimenopause deserves the same. It’s not an ending – it’s a transition, and one that can be incredibly empowering when you understand it. I want it to be part of everyday conversation, with the same openness, empathy, and respect we give to any other stage of womanhood. Women are incredible, and no stage of our lives should be downplayed or dismissed. We deserve more.”
What would you like to share with other women who might be experiencing symptoms but haven’t yet made the connection?
“Trust yourself. You know your body better than anyone. If something feels off, don’t let anyone dismiss it and don’t dismiss it yourself. Talk to people, ask questions, and keep pushing until you get answers. You’re not overreacting. You’re not alone.”
What’s next for you?
“There’s a lot on the boil right now! I’m developing projects around women’s health that I’m hugely passionate about, there’s a new season of my podcast “No One Else Will Listen” in the works, and a project that is in the beauty world, which I’m very excited about. I’m at a point in my career where I only want to take on work that moves the needle – whether that’s changing the way we talk about something or making people feel genuinely seen.”
* Cleanmarine MenoMin is rich in Omega-3, vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12 and D3, as well as rosemary extract, soy isoflavones, folate and biotin. MenoMin contains Omega 3 DHA to support brain function, vitamin B6 to help regulate hormonal activity, biotin to help maintain normal mucous membranes hair and skin, as well as vitamin B2 to reduce tiredness and fatigue and vitamin D to help maintain healthy normal bones.