Sophie Wessex opens up about her menopause experience in incredibly honest royal first
Sophie Wessex has shared details of her menopause experience
Sophie Wessex has opened up about her menopause experience in an incredibly honest royal first.
- Sophie Wessex got candid about the menopause in a super honest chat during a recent royal engagement.
- The Countess of Wessex is the first royal who has openly chatted about the change and her own menopause symptoms, having become a patron of Wellbeing of Women, a pivotal women's charity.
- This royal news comes after Prince Harry shared the harrowing memory that comes to mind whenever he thinks of Princess Diana.
Opening up about her own experience with periods and the stages of menopause, the Countess of Wessex shared the struggles she faced going through her body's natural changes but also gave an insight into the positivity she has taken from it.
During a recent engagement, Sophie, who is married to the Queen's youngest son, Prince Edward, had a candid chat about taboo topics surrounding women's health.
As part of her new role as Patron of Wellbeing of Women, a charity dedicated to changing the lives of women and girls, Sophie got honest about both the highs and the lows of her own periods and the menopause.
In a video shared on The Royal Family Instagram page, Sophie can be heard saying, "We all talk about having babies. Nobody talks about periods. Nobody talks about the menopause. Why not?"
"It's something that happens to us 12 times a year; it's something that's incredibly normal but it's something that is very hidden. And I think it's time to say, 'Enough!'"
Sophie, who lives at Bagshot Park with Edward and their children, Lady Louise Windsor, 17, and 13-year-old James Viscount Severn, urged women to see the menopause in a happier light but admitted that it impacted her brain in a big way.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
"Really, we should be celebrating the fact that we don't have to have periods anymore. It should be a liberation. But it feels like it's a shackle. Because it's described as something that's incredibly negative.
"And, one, yes it's an admittance of the fact that we're getting a bit older; we're not as young as we were before. We're not being, to use the word 'productive'. We're past that stage, which is quite a moment isn't it?"
A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)
A photo posted by on
"You suddenly can't remember what on earth it was you were talking about. Try being on an engagement when that happens," the Countess joked.
"Your words just go. And you're standing there going, 'Hang on, I thought I was a reasonably intelligent person.' What has just happened to me?
"It's like someone has just gone and taken your brain out for however long before they pop it back in again, and you try and pick up the pieces and carry on."
We applaud Sophie for helping to normalize the conversation around menopause.
Caitlin is News Editor for woman&home, covering all things royal, celeb, fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Caitlin started on local papers and titles such as Cosmopolitan, Now, Reveal and Take a Break while studying for her Multimedia Journalism degree. She also worked in Fashion PR as a Press Assistant for Arcadia's Topshop before becoming a part of the Now team. Caitlin went on to add the likes of Woman, GoodtoKnow, WhatToWatch and woman&home to her writing repertoire before moving on to her current role.
-
M&S has the dreamiest white summer dress just like Kate Middleton's
Princess Kate's Zimmerman summer dress has long been discontinued - but M&S have just dropped a rival piece that looks so similar
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
What year is Blue Lights set in and where was it filmed?
Blue Lights is back for another season...
By Jess Bacon Published
-
Duchess Sophie's beachy curls and golden tan lines proved she nails the fresh-off-holiday aesthetic
Duchess Sophie's beachy curls from 2011 was a gorgeously voluminous hairstyle that we can't help wishing she'd bring back
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie’s relaxed updo hairstyle and statement gold studs is a timeless combination we can't wait to recreate
Duchess Sophie's updo and gold studs is the perfect sophisticated combination if you want your look to make an impact this season
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie's shaggy bob with subtle highlights has got us ready to book a salon trip
Duchess Sophie's shaggy bob from May 2003 was a fabulous hairstyle that accentuated her features and it deserves another chance to shine
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
The unlikely royals teaching Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis how to be 'spares'
There are apparently two royals setting an example to Prince William and Kate's younger children as they prove they're 'up to the task'
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie’s snake print two-piece is the most elegant way to wear animal print, and it’s right on trend for spring
Duchess Sophie's snake print two-piece was styled with a sleek white blazer and we want her to bring back this gorgeous look this season
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie’s subtle smokey eye look is the perfect way to add depth and impact to your makeup no matter the occasion
Duchess Sophie's subtle smokey eye look incorporates shimmery eyeshadow and taupe tones for a gorgeously brightening effect
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie's soft grey trench coat is the timeless transitional piece we all need for chilly spring days
Duchess Sophie's trench coat was layered over a gorgeous pastel blue dress and the combination was the epitome of spring elegance
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie’s flattering hair trick to 'balance' her features is so easy to adapt for an effortlessly chic look
Duchess Sophie's flattering hair trick is something she's favoured for decades and it suits both longer and shorter styles
By Emma Shacklock Published