'It really means a lot': Andrea McLean reveals emotional impact of her book on menopause
Appearing on Lorraine yesterday, Andrea McLean discussed the impact that her book, Confessions of a Menopausal Woman, has had on the nation.
The Loose Women star admitted that actually, the book, which is to be released in paperback this Thursday, only came about as a result of a reluctant discussion.
Andrea confessed to Lorraine, "'That was the thing that started the book, the fact that I mentioned it on air, really reluctantly. Because I went to have a hysterectomy and I thought, I'm not going to mention it, because it means going head long into menopause.
MORE:Menopause weight gain: what they don’t tell you
"And we both work in this industry, everyone will think you're old!"
However, it seems her fans really resonated with her honest admission, as she explained, "But within 24 hours, 10,000 women got in touch wanting to know more information, and that's what led to the book.
"The only way to get a conversation started is to be really honest and really open."
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.
The 49-year-old presenter also discussed her upcoming tour with Lorraine. She said, “I’m going on tour! How mad is that?”
Andrea went on to reveal that the idea for the tour - which kicks off in May - came about because of the unexpected impact the book had on the women and couples up and down the UK.
She revealed, “I get people coming up to me in the street. I get a lot of hugs. And people are telling me, because of your book, I had the confidence to go to the doctor and get the help I needed.
MORE:Postmenopausal? 7 ways your body changes after the menopause
“I’ve also had men hugging me as I’m paying in car parks, saying, ‘you’re the woman who wrote that book. You’ve saved our marriage.’
"It really means a lot to me to have conversations like this. So I thought, why not bring everyone together in one room [on the tour], and we can have a laugh about it."
Opening up a discussion about the menopause can only ever be a good thing - we applaud you Andrea!
Amy Hunt is an experienced digital journalist specialising in homes, interiors and hobbies. She began her career working as the features assistant at woman&home magazine, before moving over to the digital side of the brand where she eventually became the Lifestyle Editor up until January 2022. Amy won the Digital Journalist of the Year award at the AOP Awards in 2019 for her work on womanandhome.com.
-
Iconic liquid eyeliner ideas – from a classic wing to graphic looks
Right this way for all the liner inspiration you need
By Lucy Abbersteen Published
-
Move aside burgundy, Pippa Middleton’s forest green coat proved this glorious jewel tone is *the* seasonal shade
Pippa Middleton once wore a gorgeous green coat to the Together at Christmas service and it's a tone we couldn't be without in winter
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Jo Whiley opens up on the drastic impact the menopause had on her life
"You lose your sense of self"
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
Meg Mathews five tips to overcome crippling perimenopausal anxiety
The Menopause isn’t just about no periods, getting hot flushes and looking like Samantha in Sex and the City, says Meg.
By Selina Maycock Published
-
The £6 Amazon best-seller that's proving brilliant for menopausal women in the heatwave
By Amy Hunt Published
-
Liz Earle reveals the herb you can add to your cooking AND cocktails to ease menopause symptoms over summer
By Miriam Habtesellasie Published
-
This woman has launched a beauty brand for menopausal women
By Samantha Simmonds Published
-
The personal story behind Lorriane Kelly's new self-help book ‘Shine’: 'I've struggled with the menopause’
By Lauren Hughes Published
-
Kate Garraway makes very surprising menopause confession
By Jenni McKnight Published
-
Gwyneth Paltrow reveals the perimenopause makes her 'furious for no reason'
By Amy Hunt Published