ZOE Science & Nutrition Recap: Davina McCall's menopause experience
Aug 26, 2025
Davina McCall, a well-known television presenter and health advocate, opens up about her challenging menopause journey, describing it as a quiet crisis. She emphasizes the need for open discussions to destigmatize this life phase. The conversation delves into how dietary changes can significantly impact menopause symptoms, particularly highlighting the role of soy isoflavones. Davina shares insights from her book, 'Menopausing', which aims to empower women navigating similar experiences, while also touching on the importance of gut health and lifestyle adjustments.
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Overwhelming Night Sweats And Lost Joy
- Davina McCall woke up drenched in night sweats at age 43 and feared she was seriously ill.
- She describes losing joy, increased crying and feeling like a stranger in her own body during perimenopause.
Anxiety, Memory Loss And Cognitive Overload
- Davina experienced low-level anxiety and new fears, like not wanting to drive at dusk, which felt out of character.
- She also began forgetting things and feared early-onset Alzheimer's before a doctor diagnosed cognitive overload.
Silence Fueled By Stigma And Career Fears
- Davina had no one to talk to about menopause because of family history and stigma in her industry.
- She avoided discussing it to not appear older, sexualized, or less employable in television.
