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Munchetty calls for more action on women's health

The Independent

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May 26, 2025

Journalist waited decades for diagnosis of chronic condition

- ATHENA STAVROU

Munchetty calls for more action on women's health

Naga Munchetty has said she “normalised throwing up and fainting” due to a chronic health condition that took decades to diagnose.

The BBC Breakfast presenter called for more research into women's health issues as she described the "excruciating" pain she has experienced since beginning her period at the age of 15.

Despite going to the doctors on a number of occasions, she was not diagnosed until 32 years later as she was led to believe the pain she was experiencing was "normal".

She spoke during a talk with Kirsty Lang at The Hay Festival in Wales, which The Independent has partnered with for the second year in a row.

"When I started my period at 15, I passed out, threw up, was petrified about what was happening and was told it was normal," she said.

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