Celebrity Health – Lorraine Keane

Images of Lorraine Keane: Photography: Marc O’Sullivan @sparkyscoops1
Styling: Mary Greene at Divine Boutique
Hair: Dylan Bradshaw

For many years, TV presenter and journalist Lorraine Keane was best known for her work as the entertainment correspondent for TV3 and the anchor of celebrity show Xposé. After leaving these roles, she turned her attention to health advocacy, entrepreneurship and charity work. Lorraine is the brand ambassador for natural health supplement Cleanmarine MenoMin and has played a prominent role in raising awareness about women’s health issues, particularly surrounding menopause.

For 10 years now you have been a huge advocate for women’s health and have done so much to raise awareness about the perimenopause and menopause. Can you tell us how you first got started on this journey?

I didn’t realise I was in perimenopause for years. I started experiencing symptoms in my late thirties, which is quite early for most women. I thought I was losing my mind because I didn’t know what was happening to me. Then, I attended a women’s health talk, and they started listing symptoms of perimenopause. I realised I had most of them, and it was such a relief to know what was going on. But I was also upset with myself for not knowing earlier, especially since I’m a journalist and I love news and information.

A few months later, I was approached by Cleanmarine, who asked if I’d be interested in trying their supplement MenoMin. At first, I was skeptical but after meeting their nutritionists, I decided to give the natural route a try. Within two weeks of taking the supplement I started feeling better, like myself again. That’s when I knew I had to share my story. I was willing to shout it from the rooftops, because I’d suffered in silence for so long.

What other adjustments did you make alongside taking the supplement?

I was over-exercising at the time, like a lot of women do after 40. I was going out pounding the pavements, but I felt constantly exhausted. It turns out that after 40, we need less aerobic exercise and more strength training. Things like Pilates, weight training, and resistance exercises are better for our bone density and muscle mass, which naturally decrease after 40. Over-exercising can overstimulate the pituitary gland, making hormone imbalances worse.

Diet was another big change. I started focusing on more protein, green leafy vegetables, pulses, and getting the right vitamins like omega-3 and vitamins B and D. Even though I eat healthily most of the time, it’s hard to get the exact amounts of nutrients we need from food alone. That’s where the supplement really helped.

Do you feel like the conversation around perimenopause is changing now?

Oh, absolutely! When I first started talking about it, no one else was. It was tough because we work in a very ageist industry, especially toward women. People told me I was mad to talk about menopause openly. But I just felt it was the right thing to do. Now, things are so different. Everyone is talking about it – on radio, TV, in the streets. Even men are more open to understanding it, which is amazing. I think the more we share our experiences, the less taboo it becomes.

Do you have any tips for women who are looking to improve their health, especially those who want to take a natural approach?

For women who can’t or don’t want to take HRT, supplements are a great option. I always say try the natural route first. Educate yourself, listen to podcasts, read up, and talk to other women. We need to keep the conversation going so that perimenopause and menopause are no longer stigmatised. Whether you go for HRT or supplements, they both work best when combined with lifestyle changes.

Exercise is key, but do the right kind – more strength training, less cardio. Nutrition is crucial too; focus on getting enough protein and vitamins like omega-3s, vitamin D and B vitamins. But make sure any supplement you choose is scientifically proven. There’s a lot of “menopause washing” out there, where companies sell expensive products that don’t actually work.

We hear that you enjoy cold-water swimming. How has that helped you?

Yes, cold-water swimming became a big thing for me during lockdown! It wasn’t initially for perimenopause, but I think it’s helped with things like hot flushes. I live by the coast, and during the first lockdown, the beaches were closed for a while, but once they opened, I felt this urge to swim in the sea. The mental health benefits are amazing. You never have a bad day after you throw yourself in the freezing cold sea!

Finally, what advice would you give to women who feel guilty about taking time for self-care?

Women are always doing everything for everyone else, and we feel guilty when we focus on ourselves. But it’s so important to mind ourselves. Whether it’s exercising, eating well, or just taking time to do something you love, don’t feel guilty about it. Taking care of your health isn’t selfish – it’s essential.

Cleanmarine MenoMin is rich in omega-3, vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12 and D3, as well as rosemary extract, soy isoflavones, folate and biotin. To find out more visit www.cleanmarine.ie.

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