Penny Lancaster thought she had COVID when she first had menopause symptoms

Penny Lancaster has revealed she thought she had COVID when she started getting symptoms of the menopause.

The Loose Women star, who is married to rocker Rod Stewart, said that she started experiencing some symptoms during the coronavirus pandemic but that she was "in denial" and initially didn't realise what it was.

Opening up on ITV's Lorraine, she said: "When I first had my symptoms, it was during lockdown so initially, I thought it might be COVID, with the heat and the flushes. They were disrupting my sleep so I couldn’t function."

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“Not every woman suffers the same way, some women almost manage to find excuses, maybe, for the bad times they’re going through in their life," she went on.

“You’re constantly in denial," said the TV star, 51.

"Maybe you’re thinking, ‘I’m not getting that old, it can’t be menopause, I’m not ready for that!’”

Lancaster told presenter Christine Lampard - who was filling in for usual host Lorraine Kelly - that her doctor prescribed antidepressants for her.

But when she turned to her Loose Women colleagues, they told her she could be experiencing symptoms of the menopause.

Lancaster, who has two children with Stewart, said women need to be able to talk about the "more embarrassing things" they are going through.

The star has previously said that her husband's support had been invaluable as she was dealing with symptoms.

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Opening up on Loose Women last year, she said that the Maggie May singer had been very supportive.

"Being able to talk to my husband is an absolute number one priority," said the star.

Watch: Penny Lancaster opens up about her menopause experience