EastEnders actress Rita Simons revealed she had a recent hysterectomy following health issues
(Picture: Rita Simons/Instagram)EastEnders star Rita Simons has revealed that she recently underwent a hysterectomy.
The actress, 45, shared in a new interview that she opted to have surgery after years suffering from “debilitating” periods, which left her struggling to work.
Simons experienced increasing OCD, anxiety and “deep depression” as a result, part of which also developed after splitting from her ex-husband of 14 years in 2019, and decided to speak to a medical professional.
She told OK!: “I was in panto and I got to the point where I was telling my agent not to book me on dates where I knew I’d be on my period, because it was so difficult to work.
“It was debilitating and I knew I couldn’t go through that every month. My emotions got completely freaked out every month.
“It got to the point where I must have five days a month where I’m OK and then I start ovulating again and it’s all downhill.”
Initially, Simons was placed on a mixture of oestrogen and progesterone hormones, that only made her feel sicker, and so doctors advised a more temporary solution.
“The doctor said, ‘The only option is to remove everything,’” the TV star said.
The decision to have a hysterectomy triggered mixed feelings, as Simons, who has twin daughters Jaimee and Maiya, 16, from her previous relationship, wasn’t considering having any more children with her current partner Ben Harlow.
However, the star admitted to regarding the surgery as “an attack on my femininity”, as her chance of motherhood again would be taken away following the procedure.
Simons shared: “It’s a really strange thing because you don’t think you’d be that bothered until you’re in that situation, and then suddenly you’re like, ‘What if I do want kids in five years?’”
Despite her concerns, Simons put her “health first”, and went on with the surgery.
“I feel like it’s all been an attack on my femininity but my good mental health is good for my kids, it’s good for Ben. They have felt my wrath when I’m premenstrual and they don’t deserve it,” the actress continued.
Simons had a total radical hysterectomy, removing her womb, cervix and ovaries, and is now bracing herself for the menopause, which follows as a result.
The actress’ surgery comes after she revealed she had a non-surgical ‘Cinderella facelift’.
