Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Kristina Rihanoff has shared the details of a debilitating health battle that has left her struggling with “crippling” perimenopause symptoms while navigating a high-risk genetic diagnosis. The professional dancer revealed that a combination of severe physical pain and limited treatment options has placed her in a difficult medical “limbo.”
Rihanoff, 47, reported suffering from intense symptoms for over a year, including heart palpitations, night sweats, and “crippling” headaches. Speaking on the severity of the condition, she stated that some days she “can barely get out of bed” due to the level of sickness and pain she experiences.
The situation is complicated by the discovery that Rihanoff carries the CHEK2 genetic variant. This specific mutation is linked to an elevated risk of developing breast cancer and has implications for ovarian cancer risk. Because Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can sometimes be contraindicated for individuals with certain hormone-sensitive cancer risks, medical professionals have advised her against the treatment, which is often the primary solution for managing perimenopause.
With HRT currently off the table, Rihanoff is weighing a life-changing decision: undergoing a hysterectomy. The consideration of surgery is informed by a significant family history of the disease, as her grandmother died from ovarian cancer at the age of 57. The procedure is being discussed both as a way to address her current physical agony and as a preventative measure against the risks associated with her genetic profile.
The health struggle has had a significant impact on Rihanoff’s professional life as a dancer and teacher, where physical stamina is a requirement. Throughout the process, she has been supported by her fiancé, former rugby player Ben Cohen. Despite previous public speculation regarding their status, the couple remains engaged as Rihanoff determines her next medical steps.
