Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse has revealed the physical and emotional challenges she faces while navigating perimenopause. The 45-year-old professional dancer shared how hormonal shifts have impacted her sense of identity and her approach to motherhood.
High cortisol and the risk of type 2 diabetes
The physical manifestations of Mabuse's perimenopause have extended beyond simple fatigue. As reported by Women's Health UK, the dancer experienced a dramatic shift in energy levels and significant pain in her knees starting early last year. These physical changes were accompanied by more serious medical concerns, including inflammation and high cortisol levels.
Furthermore, Mabuse discovered she faces an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a condition that runs in her family. This intersection of hormonal changes and genetic predisposition highlights the complex health landscape women face during midlife transitions.. For a professional dancer whose career relies on pyhsical precision, these symptoms present a unique challenge to her professional longevity.
The 'Which Motsi am I?' identity struggle
The psychological impact of perimenopause has led Mabuse to question her very sense of self. She described a sense of unpredictability that made her feel disconnected from her own personality. The dancer recalled the uncertainty of her daily moods, asking herself every morning, "Which Motsi am I meeting today?"
This emotional volatility often left her wondering if she would wake up to a version of herself that was happy or one that was prone to tears. This internal conflict underscores the mental health dimension of perimenopause, which is frequently overshadowed by its physical symptoms. The report highlights how these shifts can create a profound sense of instability in one's identity.
Therapy's impact on her eight-year-old daughter
To manage these mental health challenges, Mabuse turned to professional therapy, which has had a transformative effect on her personal life. Beyond helping her cope with her own emotions, the therapist has influenced how she interacts with her eight-year-old daughter.
According to the report, therapy has enabled Mabuse to approach parenting with more intentionality. She has learned to take her daughter's words more seriously and uses specific questioning techniques to better understand her child's mental state. This suggests that managing one's own hormonal health can have a ripple effect on family dynamics and child development.
A shift from weght loss to strength via WeightWatchers
Mabuse's relationship with her body has also undergone a significant evolution. having served as an ambassador for WeightWatchers since 2023,she has successfully lost two stone. However, she noted that her motivations have shifted away from the pressures she felt as a young dancer.
While she was once haunted by external pressures to lose weight, Mabuse now views her health journey through a different lens. She stated that her goal is not about "becoming smaller," but rather about "becoming stronger." This perspective marks a departure from traditional diet culture, focusing instead on functional strength and resilience during a period of bodily change.
What medical steps are being taken for her cortisol levels?
While Mabuse has been transparent about her symptoms, several details regarding her clinical management remain unaddressed in the Women's Health UK interview. It remains unclear what specific medical interventions or hormone replacement therapies she is utilizing to manage her high cortisol and inflammation.
Additionally, the report does not specify how she is managing the knee pain within the context of her demanding role on Strictly Come Dancing. Whether she is working with specialized sports physiotherapists or medical doctors to mitigate these specific perimenopausal symptoms is a key piece of information for those following her health journey.
Comments 0