Gemma Collins has sparked fresh conversation online after sharing a radiant new look alongside a deeply personal update about her ongoing battle with perimenopause — the hormonal transition leading up to menopause.
The 45-year-old reality star appeared noticeably glowing in a recent social media post, where she opened up about the physical and emotional challenges she has been experiencing in recent months.
But behind the fresh-faced appearance, Gemma revealed she has been struggling with unsettling symptoms, including memory lapses and difficulty concentrating — something she says has been affecting her daily life in unexpected ways.
“Perimenopause is honestly awful,” she admitted. “I’ve lost two sets of car keys in one week and I genuinely don’t know where I put them. My memory is just not what it used to be — it feels so strange.”
She described the experience as almost “out of body,” adding that her usually sharp mind has felt clouded and inconsistent, leaving her confused and frustrated at times.
Despite the difficulties, Gemma tried to keep her signature humour intact, joking about needing “witchy powers” to help locate her missing belongings, while still acknowledging the seriousness of what she is going through.
The former TOWIE star also revealed she has taken proactive steps to better understand her health, reaching out to a specialist menopause care team for support. She said speaking to medical professionals helped her feel reassured and more in control.
“I finally feel listened to,” she said. “There’s help out there, and women shouldn’t feel embarrassed to ask questions about what’s happening to their bodies.”
Gemma shared that she has undergone at-home testing to monitor hormone levels, describing the process as empowering after months of uncertainty.
Her openness has resonated with many fans, particularly women experiencing similar hormonal changes, with many praising her for speaking candidly about a topic still often considered taboo.
Gemma first revealed she was entering perimenopause last year, when she began noticing early symptoms such as fatigue, mood changes, and unusual physical sensations. At the time, she admitted she felt “off” and struggled to understand what was happening.
Alongside her health journey, Gemma has also been open about her long-standing dream of becoming a mother.
She has previously shared her heartbreaking fertility struggles, including multiple miscarriages and challenges linked to her reproductive health. The star has spoken in the past about her desire to explore options such as surrogacy or fostering.
Despite setbacks, she continues to hold onto hope, saying she is focused on improving her health and wellbeing in preparation for motherhood in the future.
Gemma has also made significant lifestyle changes in recent years, including weight loss and dietary adjustments, which she says have helped her feel more positive about her body and future plans.
“I’ve never had anything come easy,” she once said. “But I never give up on what I want.”
Now, her latest post reflects a more vulnerable side of the star — balancing confidence, humour, and honesty as she navigates a complex stage of life in the public eye.
Fans continue to send messages of support as Gemma uses her platform to highlight the realities of perimenopause and women’s health more broadly.
