Lucy-Jo Hudson, 43, has opened up about her experiences with perimenopause, detailing how it impacts her acting career and emotional well-being. The actress, known for her role as Katy Harris in Coronation Street from 2002 to 2005, shared her candid update on Instagram.
Hudson described facing increased rejection in her acting career in recent times. She wrote in her post that after 25 years in the industry, both life and the professional landscape have changed, affecting her career. "I'm navigating perimenopause, motherhood, business and trying to look after myself," she stated.
Perimenopause, the transition period before menopause, typically begins in a woman's 40s, though it can start earlier. During this phase, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen. The process can last from a few months to a decade, with symptoms becoming more pronounced in the final years leading up to menopause. It concludes when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.
"I get seriously overwhelmed, I struggle to control or even understand my emotions," Hudson elaborated, noting that these feelings intensify when she doesn't prioritize self-care. She emphasized the importance of wellness not being about perfection, but about finding ways to feel like oneself again.
Beyond her perimenopause journey, Hudson is also managing motherhood to two children, building her business, and handling daily domestic responsibilities. She described the significant mental load of motherhood alongside work and other commitments.
Earlier this year, Hudson announced her engagement to Lewis Devine, her boyfriend of eight years. The couple, who share a blended family with Hudson's two children, celebrated their engagement in a private moment at the Lake District. Hudson was previously married to Coronation Street co-star Alan Halsall from 2009 to 2018, with whom she shares a daughter. Her son Carter is with Devine.