'Brain fog, forgetfulness and hot flushes': Beverley Knight reveals harrowing menopause ordeal

Multi-award-winning singer-songwriter and West End stage actress Beverley Knight, whose three-decade career includes chart-topping records and acclaimed West End performances, has spoken candidly about her menopause journey

The Wolverhampton born star was speaking on star-studded podcast “Midlife, Messy and Marvellous,” hosted by coach Marverine Cole.

Currently mid-way through the Marie & Rosetta theatre run in London, Beverley joined Marverine to share deeply personal experiences of perimenopause - from brain fog, forgetfulness and hot flushes to severe anxiety she’d never previously known.

Beverley, 53, described one of her most frightening moments while performing in The Drifters Girl, when severe palpitations forced her to stop mid-song, gasping: “I can’t breathe.”

Rushed to hospital and tested, she learned the cause was menopause-related, and she goes on to open up much further to Marverine.

Beverley credits her energy to rigorous self-care, a strict diet, stress control, good sleep and hydration. On advice for other women she says take control of your health by leaning on doctors and health experts to help you thrive and “Find foods you really enjoy and load up on them. Enjoy yourself, don’t beat yourself for having the odd treat, but be mindful.”

“Midlife, Messy and Marvellous” was devised by Marverine Cole, as an initial six-part series designed to inspire women navigating the chaos of midlife and menopause.

The season launched with ITV Loose Women panellist and West End star Brenda Edwards, who candidly shares her journey through early menopause after a stage three breast cancer diagnosis and how she has coped with profound personal loss.

The series is available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.