NAGA Munchetty has revealed how she "smiled through pain" her whole life as she was "afraid to look weak" until her health diagnosis.
The BBC Breakfast star was diagnosed with adenomyosis in 2022 after years of "constant, nagging pain".
Adenomyosis is when the lining of the uterus grows deep in the uterus’ muscle.
Naga, 49, was relieved to finally have a diagnosis, having been forced to smile through the pain and discomfort up until that point.
She told Metro.co.uk: "I have done all my life: through my GCSEs, through my A-Levels, through my degree, and every job I had.
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"No one wants to be seen as weak. I don’t think that now."
Naga now has the right treatment for her condition and feels able to say when she's having a tough time.
She added: "It’s much more manageable and because I’ve spoken so publicly about it if I really am struggling, I can say 'I’m struggling', and I know the people I need to say that to will recognise that I only say it when I really am.
"I don’t worry about being seen as someone who is using it as an excuse to not work."
Naga previously opened up about her health battle to MPs at a Women and Equalities Committee.
She told them: "Whenever I went to the doctor I was told it was normal, and I have quite a high profile job.
"I wouldn’t sleep because I would have to set an alarm say for two in the morning, every four hours, and I would be lying on a towel and I’d have a heavy sanitary towel and a super plus tampon in and I’d set an alarm to change."
Last week in an interview with The Times, Naga also opened up about her early morning routine when hosting BBC Breakfast, which she has done since 2014.
Naga, who also hosts a BBC Radio 5 Live show, said: "My first alarm is at 3.45 and I'm in the BBC Breakfast studio by 4.50.
“On radio days I wake up naturally at 5.45, but I'm a terrible prevaricator.
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"As a kid, my mum would have to physically pull me from my bed. My first thought is always: how long can I stay here before I have to drag my arse to the gym?"
BBC Breakfast airs daily from 6am on BBC One.
