Penny Lancaster addresses change in relationship with Rod Stewart after personal struggle
In an episode of Loose Women: The Podcast, the 54-year-old opened up to Coleen Nolan about how her relationship with Sir Rod Stewart is "different" to how it was when they first met
Penny Lancaster has candidly discussed the impact of the menopause on her relationship with husband Rod Stewart.
During a frank conversation with fellow Loose Women panellist Coleen Nolan on the ITV show's podcast, the 54-year-old menopause campaigner admitted that she and Rod were initially unaware of the changes menopause could bring.
She revealed that their relationship had evolved over their 25 years together, and acknowledged that many men might worry about whether their partner still finds them attractive.
Penny emphasised the importance of understanding that changes in libido during menopause are often physiological, not just related to the relationship itself.
Penny said: "Like you said, in a lot of relationships, having that conversation, but I didn't know about menopause, nor did Rod. But as relationships do progress, I mean, Rod and I have been together 25 years.
"And, you know, we'd have the discussions about how, obviously, our intimate relationship is different to what it was when we first met. And I think a lot of men might have concerns, like, 'Do you still fancy me?'"
She added: "And if the woman's not aware, you know, of the menopause, and that could be one of the reasons why the libido, the need for sex, isn't there like it used to be. It might not necessarily just be the relationship; it's that physiological thing as well."
Penny highlighted the critical need for early medical advice, alongside her view that the NHS's Health Check at 40 should educate women about menopause, providing them with a "head start".
It's aimed at those who are between 40 to 74-years-old and free of specific pre-existing conditions like heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes.
The NHS Health Check, conducted every five years by GPs or local councils, assesses the risk of developing health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and stroke.
In a previous report by Hello!, Penny detailed some of the other negative things that she experienced as a result of menopause. She was previously misdiagnosed with depression and given anti-depressants.
She also recounted mistaking her menopausal symptoms for Covid-19, experiencing extreme temperature fluctuations, while her husband tirelessly searched online for information to support her.
During a 2021 appearance on Loose Women, Rod described the ordeal: "It was frightening because she really wasn't the person I married. But we talked about it which I think is the most important thing a couple can do. And she explained it to me through the tears because Penny likes a cry."
He added: "We talked it through and I think that's what couples have to do. Men have got to get on with it, understand and come out the other end."
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