Anita Rani Opens Up About 'Crippling Anxiety' During Menopause

Anita Rani, 48, has revealed she is experiencing "crippling anxiety" for the first time as a result of the "overwhelming" symptoms of menopause.

The radio and TV star shared an emotional video on Instagram on Monday detailing her experience with hormonal changes. In the video, she spoke about the profound impact these changes are having on her.

"I have been experiencing something that I have never in my life experienced before and it has taken the wind out of my sails actually," Rani said. "I am suffering crippling anxiety. I am overwhelmed, I am unsure, and for somebody who has dealt with life like this... With the power of a first born Indian daughter who bosses life also just copes! I'm f[redacted]ing great at it, this is like 'What the hell is going on?'... Every mechanism I have in place to just deal with stuff that's just come easily for way over 40 years to me is crumbling beneath my feet."

Rani questioned whether she should take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or "feel the feels" associated with menopause.

"Am I supposed to feel this? Am I supposed to go 'Oh okay, something is naturally going on'? Well, we're not tolerating the bulls[redacted]t anymore. We're not taking that from that person. Maybe I don't need to spin all the plates at once... Is that I'm meant to do? Maybe I'm meant to feel my feelings. Also I get teary. I've never got teary. I've been brought up to just boss and do and feel for other people but not for myself. And so right now we're in a situation gang..."

Fellow presenter Zoe Ball responded to Rani's post with a message of support. "Oh darling girl. It is so overwhelming when it comes. I hear you. It was by far my biggest symptom with menopause and undid me quite a bit. Sending you so much love x," Ball wrote in the comments.

Rani, whose parents are from India, also highlighted the lack of open discussion about health issues, particularly menopause, among Asian women. "Because I just don't think Asian women talk about it. I don't think women talk about it but brown women, we don't talk about s[redacted]t do we? So that's why I'm telling you. Can anyone else relate? Send me your tips," she added.

She captioned the post: "Not my usual kind of post - but something I really wanted to share in case anyone else is feeling similar... Recorded while out and about doing the thing that has always made sense for my mental health - going for a run. All tips welcome, gang!"

Menopause is defined as the cessation of menstruation, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. It is a natural part of aging caused by decreasing estrogen levels. While some women experience few symptoms, others may suffer from hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and brain fog. HRT is a primary treatment for severe symptoms that can disrupt daily life.

Rani was previously married to technology executive Bhupinder Rehal for 14 years, with the couple separating in September 2023. She later began a relationship with musician Alex Lavery, making their public debut in September 2025. Reflecting on her life in her forties, Rani had previously told Love Sunday Magazine that she felt she was entering "chapter two" of her life, describing it as a time focused on herself and her own wants.

She has spoken candidly about finding freedom after her divorce, noting that her upbringing, by Indian-born Hindu and Sikh parents, influenced her approach to life. Rani admitted that divorce was considered a "cardinal sin" in her family, and while it was difficult to discuss, she wanted to articulate her current feelings about her life, stating she is "answerable to no one."