BBC presenter Gabby Logan has candidly opened up about a health condition that left her struggling to find the right words during live broadcasts. The 52-year-old sportscaster, who fronts major BBC events including the London Marathon, admitted she experienced memory lapses and 'brain fog' as a symptom of perimenopause.
Memory Struggles on Air
Gabby revealed that she found herself 'umming a bit' and using repetitive language like 'very, very, very' when she couldn't recall names or words. She said: 'I didn't realise when I first started to experience the symptoms, [and] it was so alien to me to not be able to recall that I was starting to think, Oh God, I just can't remember stuff any more.'
The Menopause Charity notes that many women describe perimenopause brain fog as having their mind clouded with 'cotton wool'. For Gabby, discovering the cause was a relief: 'When I realised it was a symptom of perimenopause, it was actually a relief, like it normally is when you realise something is part of a process and you can do something about it.'
Coping Strategies and HRT
To manage her symptoms, Gabby now keeps a piece of paper on set where she jots down names as a safeguard. She has also committed to mentally challenging activities, such as memorising six-digit numbers and resisting the urge to Google information she already knows. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been beneficial in enhancing her memory function.
Speaking to Good Housekeeping, she said: 'Fortunately, HRT has been great and I try to do regular exercise for my brain now, whether that's testing myself on remembering numbers or people's names.'
Strength Training for Menopause
Last year, Gabby launched The Menopace Strength Test alongside fitness specialist Annie Murray, emphasising the importance of strength training for women experiencing menopause. The programme includes nine exercises assessing grip, strength, endurance, stability, and aerobic fitness.
Gabby explained: 'It's so important for women to feel empowered during menopause and prioritise health and wellbeing to embrace this new chapter with confidence. Strength training has been a game-changer for me, and for building my confidence. It's not just about physical fitness, it's about reclaiming energy, resilience, and self-belief.'
Annie Murray added: 'Strength and fitness training is incredibly beneficial for women, especially if they are approaching and going through menopause. As oestrogen levels decline, it can lead to reduced muscle and bone mass, which are important for long term health. Strength training helps counteract these changes by stimulating bone and muscle.'
Gabby has also written a book, 'The Midpoint Plan', examining healthy living through middle age, and continues to advocate for women's health during menopause.
