Real Housewives of Cheshire star Seema Malhotra has revealed that she was left 'completely in the dark' about the menopause.
The 50 year old businesswoman, who recently shared the secrets behind her youthful appearance as she reached her milestone birthday, started the menopause at the age of 47 following a hysterectomy in 2016.
Seema, who is the founder of online fashion brand Forever Unique, exclusively revealed to OK! that she was 'scared' of her ovarian cysts becoming 'sinister' and made the decision to have her ovaries removed on November 9 2021 at the Spire Manchester Hospital.
The entrepreneur, who is mum to sons Neil, 25, and Aaron, 22, described her 'lowest moment' since opening up about the menopause to her husband Sandeep, 51, who is the CEO of Forever Unique, along with tackling the subject on the ITVBe reality series.
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Speaking to OK! about the menopause, Seema said: "My lowest point was not knowing or understanding the early signs. I was completely in the dark about the menopause and had no idea why my mind and body was feeling the way it was.
"In British-Asian culture it wasn't something we spoke about growing up. I live in a house full of men so I didn't know who to turn to in the beginning and I got myself in a rut.
"It is so important to openly talk about it. I even speak to my employees about the menopause as they have seen me go through it."
Meanwhile Seema described how she has been supported by her husband of 28 years and added: "Sandeep has been great because he understands what I am going through as this has been going on for months.
"He was really worried as I was in and out of hospital several times. It is so important to have the support of your loved ones and as a British-Asian family I have been very open, even to my sons, all about the menopause so they are armed with the knowledge they'll need to support their partners later in life."
Seema, who is recovering from having her ovaries removed following painful cysts, described how she was 'really concerned' about the 'complications' if she did not go through with the operation.
She said: "I was suffering from several ovarian cysts and I was really concerned if there was any complications. Most cysts are benign and leave nothing to worry about.
"But I was having abdominal pain, bloated tummy and discomfort in my pelvic area – I was just scared of it being anything more sinister like ovarian cancer."
However mum-of-two Seema revealed how she felt a 'sense of relief' after the operation was confirmed to make her free of pain.
Seema shared a snap to her 251,000 Instagram followers in a hospital gown and was inundated with good luck messages from her friends.
Real Housewives star Lystra Adams penned: "Thinking of you."
Tanya Bardsley wrote: "Good luck angel love you."
"Wishing you a speedy recovery," Christine McGuinness added.
Seema, who has starred on the hit reality show for five years, added: "All of my fellow housewives contacted me and sent me well wishes.
"They have all been so supportive and at times like these you need your friends."
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