Singer Natalie Imbruglia, 51, has shared details of her midlife diagnoses with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), stating that these neurodivergent conditions do not feel like a negative but rather a "superpower." She also spoke candidly about experiencing significant anger and emotional turmoil during perimenopause.
Imbruglia, known for her 1997 hit "Torn," explained in a recent interview that while her neurodiversity is a source of strength, it contributes to nervousness before performances, a feeling exacerbated by perimenopausal symptoms. She described the perimenopause period as a "grieving process" where she felt a loss of personality and experienced intense anger and anxiety. She found relief and management through Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) creams and expressed gratitude that perimenopause is becoming a less taboo subject.
Navigating Motherhood and IVF
In separate discussions, Imbruglia also addressed assumptions made about her decision to become a solo mother. She welcomed her son, Max, in 2019 at the age of 44 via IVF with a sperm donor. Imbruglia stated she was "really upset" by the narrative that she chose solo motherhood over a relationship with a man, emphasizing that biological clock realities necessitated the decision. She credited advancements in medicine for providing options previously unavailable to women.
Imbruglia described her IVF experience as "pretty brutal" and advised women to thoroughly educate themselves about the process, sharing that much of the emotional and physical toll, particularly the "freefall" after treatment without adequate support, is not widely discussed. She recommended seeking information from doctors and leaning on friends for support during what can be an isolating journey.
Imbruglia's career began with an acting role on the Australian soap opera "Neighbours" before she launched her music career. Her debut album, "Left of the Middle," achieved significant success, selling seven million copies worldwide, with "Torn" becoming a global hit. She has since released several other albums and ventured into acting, appearing in films such as "Johnny English."