Moses KaneModel and television presenter Penny Lancaster, 55, made candid revelations about her sex life with husband Rod Stewart during an appearance on James Martin's Saturday Morning on March 21, 2026. The mother-of-two discussed how she and the 81-year-old rock legend maintain passion after nearly two decades of marriage, despite navigating the challenges of menopause.
Lancaster appeared on the ITV breakfast show to promote her new autobiography "Someone Like Me," but it was her frank discussion about intimacy and women's health that captured viewers' attention. Her openness comes at a time when menopause remains an under-discussed topic, with many women suffering symptoms in silence rather than seeking medical support.
The Reality of Maintaining Intimacy During Menopause
Speaking to chef James Martin, Lancaster revealed that she and Stewart have maintained their "great connection" through deliberate effort. "It's about flirting, creating private moments, keeping the romance alive," she explained. The former Loose Women panellist described her husband as "demanding" in the romantic sense, noting that he "lays it on thick" when it comes to keeping their relationship vibrant.
For many women experiencing perimenopause and menopause, changes in libido and intimate health present significant challenges. Physical symptoms including vaginal dryness, reduced sexual desire, and discomfort during intercourse affect the majority of women during this transition. Lancaster's willingness to discuss these topics publicly helps normalize conversations that women desperately need to have with healthcare professionals.
Medical experts emphasise that changes in sexual function during menopause are treatable. Women experiencing symptoms should consult their GP or a specialist rather than accepting diminished intimacy as inevitable.
Breaking the Silence Around Menopause Symptoms
Lancaster's television appearance reflects a growing movement of women in the public eye speaking openly about menopause. The condition, which typically occurs between ages 45 and 55, brings a constellation of symptoms beyond the commonly known hot flushes. Sleep disturbances, mood changes, brain fog, joint pain, and changes in skin and hair all impact quality of life.
Recent research shows that nearly 80% of working women experiencing menopause symptoms feel unable to discuss them with their employers or healthcare providers. This silence extends to intimate relationships, where communication breakdown can strain even strong partnerships like Lancaster and Stewart's 19-year marriage.
The television personality's decision to share her experiences aligns with broader efforts to improve menopause care in the UK. Women's health advocates have long argued that medical training inadequately prepares doctors to support patients through this transition, leaving many without proper guidance on treatment options.
Medical Options for Menopause Management
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) remains the most effective treatment for menopause symptoms, yet uptake varies widely. Some women hesitate due to concerns about cancer risk, despite updated NICE guidance showing benefits often outweigh risks for most women under 60. As explored in recent coverage of HRT and cancer risk explained by doctors, individual risk assessment with a qualified healthcare provider is essential.
Non-hormonal treatments including certain antidepressants, cognitive behavioural therapy, and lifestyle modifications also provide relief for women who cannot or prefer not to use HRT. Vaginal oestrogen, applied locally, treats intimate symptoms with minimal systemic absorption and is suitable for most women, including those who have had breast cancer in some circumstances.
Lancaster's openness about maintaining intimacy suggests she has found effective management strategies. This discretion is appropriate given that menopause treatment must be personalised based on individual symptoms, medical history, and preferences.
The Importance of Comprehensive Women's Health Screening
Beyond menopause management, Lancaster's age group requires vigilant health monitoring. Women's health screening over 50 includes breast cancer screening via NHS mammography, cervical screening, bone density assessment, and cardiovascular risk evaluation — all of which become increasingly important during and after the menopause transition.
Sexual health complaints during menopause may signal underlying conditions requiring medical attention. Persistent pain, unusual bleeding after periods have stopped, or other concerning symptoms warrant prompt GP consultation rather than self-diagnosis or over-the-counter remedies alone.
The conversation between Lancaster and Martin touched on the importance of maintaining overall health and wellness. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, stress management, and maintaining social connections all contribute to better outcomes during the menopausal transition.
How to Start the Conversation with Your Doctor
Many women hesitate to raise intimate health concerns with their GP, often due to embarrassment or a belief that symptoms are simply part of ageing. However, GP surgeries are increasingly equipped to handle menopause consultations, and many now offer dedicated menopause clinics.
When booking an appointment, it helps to keep a symptom diary for two to four weeks beforehand. Note which symptoms occur, how often, and their severity. This information helps doctors assess whether symptoms are affecting daily life and which treatment approach suits best.
Women whose symptoms are not adequately controlled by their GP should ask for referral to a specialist menopause clinic. Waiting lists exist, but the British Menopause Society maintains a directory of accredited specialists across the UK.
Public Reactions and Cultural Impact
Viewers responded positively to Lancaster's candour on social media, with many women thanking her for normalising discussions about ageing, intimacy, and women's health. Her appearance reflects broader cultural change: where menopause was once a taboo topic, it is increasingly discussed in mainstream media, workplaces, and healthcare settings.
Lancaster and Stewart's 19-year marriage, with its 26-year age gap, has long fascinated the public. But what resonated most from the James Martin interview was not the celebrity angle, but the recognition that menopause affects intimate relationships in ways that many couples struggle to discuss openly.
Her autobiography "Someone Like Me" promises to cover these transitions in depth, potentially reaching readers who might not otherwise encounter frank discussion of menopause and women's health in their daily lives.
Seeking Professional Support
Women experiencing menopause symptoms that impact daily life, relationships, or work should consult their GP promptly. Early intervention typically provides better outcomes than waiting for symptoms to become severe.
Symptoms warranting prompt medical attention include irregular or unexpected bleeding, severe mood changes, and any physical symptoms causing significant concern. Sexual health issues deserve the same clinical attention as other menopause symptoms.
Expert Zoom connects patients with qualified health professionals who provide personalised advice on menopause management, hormone therapy options, and comprehensive women's health care. Professional medical guidance ensures treatment decisions are based on individual circumstances rather than generalised information.
Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about menopause and women's health. Readers should consult qualified healthcare professionals before making any decisions about medical treatment or health management. Individual circumstances vary, and only a doctor who knows your medical history can provide appropriate personalised advice.
Sources: HELLO! Magazine, Entertainment Daily, BritBrief
