Hollyoaks star Stephanie Waring, 48, shows off her abs as she credits her confidence with 'months of heavy lifting and eating without restrictions' after going through the menopause

Hollyoaks star Stephanie Waring showed off her abs as she credited her confidence with 'months of heavy lifting and eating without restrictions' after going through the menopause.

The soap star, 48, took to her Instagram on Friday with a mirror selfie showing off her gym-honed figure in a black sports bra and leggings.

Alongside the post, she wrote: 'Post-menopause doesn’t mean you’re past it.

'It’s been a while since I’ve seen my abs, but 7 months of consistently lifting heavy and actually eating FOOD no more restricting has made such a difference.

'I think so many women write themselves off once they hit menopause, but please don’t.

'We lose muscle quicker, things change, but that doesn’t mean we can’t build it back. I’m nowhere near finished yet.'

Steph has spoken openly about her struggles with anorexia in the past.

She previously revealed her eating disorder began when she was just ten years old and she became addicted to the feeling that came when people asked her if she'd lost weight.

The soap star managed to cure her relationship with eating six years ago and now posts body affirmation videos on Instagram. 

Last year, Steph revealed she had her breast implants removed due to 'debilitating' menopause symptoms. 

Speaking in an Instagram video, she explained how despite there being 'nothing wrong' with her implants, she wanted to get 'rid of anything foreign' in her body after starting the perimenopause at age 43, and going through menopause at 45.

Stephanie explained: 'I've gone through an array of debilitating symptoms and I just feel like I need to have a fighting chance of feeling like me again.

'So unfortunately I have to say goodbye to these [implants]. If someone is going through the same thing just know that you are not alone.' 

She captioned the post: 'Today I did something I’ve been thinking about for a long time. After 14 years, I had my breast implants removed.'

The actress continued: 'This decision wasn’t made lightly; it’s something I’ve sat with for a while. I’m not here to tell anyone what they should do with their body.

'I’m simply sharing what felt right for me, especially after going through early menopause and feeling like I’ve been fighting against my body for too long.

'I can’t say exactly what changes I’ll notice yet but I know this is a step towards giving my body a break, simplifying what it has to carry, and starting fresh.

'If you’re curious about explant surgery, I’ll share more when I’m ready. For now, I’m resting, healing, and letting this next chapter begin.

'I’m now home and recovering well. Thank you to everyone at Pall Mall Medical ..shoutout to Diane!'

The actress, who has two daughters – Mia, 20, and Lexi, 15 – previously said she decided to get breast implants to go up to a D-cup following the birth of her youngest daughter, saying at the time that it helped restore her confidence.

For help and support with eating disorders contact SEED on (01482) 718130 or visit www.seedeatingdisorders.org.uk