OLYMPIC champ Dame Kelly Holmes says symptoms of the perimenopause “are killing me”.
The 52-year-old said she suffers constant pain, aches and night sweats.
Dame Kelly, who won two running golds at the 2004 Athens Games, added: “As much as I’m in denial, it has had an effect on my body.”
She said her symptoms include “body aches, constant pain throughout the body, feeling lethargic”.
Dame Kelly said it is tough “as someone who is in tune with their body”, adding: “I think I’m in denial of age completely.”
Perimenopause is the transitional period before menopause as women’s hormone levels change, but before periods have stopped.
It usually starts between 45 and 55, the NHS says.
Dame Kelly exercises to cope but says sometimes she is “too knackered”.
Mental health is less often discussed when it comes to perimenopause and menopause.
But Dame Kelly, who has been open about her own past mental health struggles, said: “The one thing with the hormonal changes – and men get it as well at certain ages – hormonal changes in the body can really affect your mental health.
“And I think women have to understand how so connected and interconnected your mental and physical health are, because if one is not in tune, the other one will be affected, whatever way around that is.
“When you feel your body’s a mess, that’s going to affect your head.
“But if you go into the gym or you go and do some exercises, at least you are doing it knowing that you’re benefiting yourself by doing it – even if those changes are still happening.”
