Alex Jones, co-host of BBC’s The One Show, has shared how maintaining a routine of daily dog walks helps her manage symptoms of perimenopause. The 49-year-old presenter spoke about her experience with the condition, emphasizing the positive impact of regular exercise and nutrition.

Jones expressed concerns about early menopause, influenced by her mother’s experience of going through menopause at age 33. “Early menopause can be hereditary, so it was something I worried about when I wanted children,” she said. Despite these worries, Jones had her three children—Ted, nine, Kit, six, and Annie, four—in her 40s, which she describes as the ideal timing for her and her husband, Charlie Thomson.

According to Jones, the physical and mental benefits of walking their dog for several miles every morning have contributed significantly to easing her perimenopausal symptoms. “Perimenopause has definitely hit me now, and the main thing that helps me is nutrition and exercise,” she said. In addition to walking, she practices Pilates and has recently incorporated weight training into her routine, noting quick improvements as a motivating factor.

Perimenopause refers to the transitional phase before menopause when the body experiences lower levels of oestrogen, often resulting in symptoms such as hot flushes, disrupted sleep, mood swings, and cognitive difficulties. Jones acknowledged the challenges of this life stage but expressed gratitude for her current situation. She reflected on balancing motherhood and career, remarking on the vitality she feels despite the demands of family life.

Jones also touched on her forthcoming 50th birthday in March, describing it as a moment to appreciate life’s opportunities. She highlighted the importance of embracing both the busy and quieter moments, valuing the energy her children bring to her daily life.

The One Show, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this August, airs weekdays at 7 p.m. on BBC1 and is available on BBC iPlayer. Jones’s full interview will appear in the upcoming issue of woman&home magazine.