Celebrities Who Talk About Menopause

Angelina Jolie talks about Menopause

Menopause, a significant phase in a woman’s life, is frequently brushed under the carpet. Nearly 50% of women are affected by menopause-related symptoms that significantly impact their quality of life. Yet many of us don’t know enough about it.

In this article, we’ll look at some celebrities who break the silence, boldly talking about their own menopause treatments and helping to create a safe space for women around the world.

Gwyneth Paltrow: “Hormones are really no joke”

GWYNETH PALTROW THE GOOP LAB

Gwyneth Paltrow, the actress known for her roles in Iron Man, Shakespeare in Love, and Avengers: Endgame, is a vocal advocate for women’s health. In her Netflix show, The Goop Lab, she revealed she had gone through perimenopause – when hormone production begins to dip. 

She said, “For me, I’m solidly in perimenopause. Everything is totally irregular and a surprise all the time. My emotions are all over the place as well. Sometimes I get in bed at night, and my heart races. We need to rebrand menopause.”   

She highlighted that as women approach menopause, they shouldn’t be afraid to find what works best for them. “I think people should really follow their instinct and have robust conversations with their doctors. I recently found an integrative and functional OBGYN, so that’s pretty good,” she added. 

“We're embarrassed about it. We need to stop thinking about it as the end of something more of the beginning of another chapter.”

Gwyneth Paltrow, The Goop Lab

Oprah Winfrey: “After one day on bioidentical estrogen, I felt the veil lift”

OPRAH AT THE LIFE YOU WANT SHOW

The iconic Oprah Winfrey is one of the most influential figures in the world of entertainment and media. The 69-year-old celebrity revealed, in her new show “The Life You Want” the indicators and how the doctors missed the diagnosis. She started menopause at 48 with heart palpitations. 

She said, “And I went from doctor to doctor, literally five different doctors. At one point, a female doctor had given me, first of all, an angiogram and put me on heart medication and never once mentioned that this could be menopause or perimenopause.”

Oprah also revealed that she had been taking bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) patches to treat her menopause symptoms. “I share my story in hopes of opening the door to restoration and balance for women (and men) everywhere. I do so knowing that bioidentical hormone therapy is controversial and, to many people, confusing,” she added. 

Note: HRT has been quite controversial since a study found that it could potentially cause breast cancer. However, evidence has shown that HRT can be beneficial for cardiovascular systems as well.

Michelle Obama: “I just want to keep moving”

The former first lady, Michelle Obama, has been vocal about her menopause journey. In the Michelle Obama Podcast episode titled “What Your Mother Never Told You About Health with Dr. Sharon Malone,” she opened up that she had experienced hot flashes and night sweats due to menopause. 

She recalled a hot-flash episode and explained, “I remember having one on Marine One. I’m dressed, I need to get out, walk into an event, and, literally, it was like somebody put a furnace in my core and turned it on high, and then everything started melting. And I thought, ‘Well, this is crazy. I can’t do this.”

Michelle also shared she believes men have no idea how hormones affect a woman’s body. She says “How many men, do you think, could deal with the severest form of cramps? Which literally feels like a knife being stabbed and turned, and then released. And then turned! And then released. And you got to do that, and you got to get up and keep going.”

She used HRT to restore the hormone balance in her body. She explained, “Before there were studies that said that hormones were bad. That’s all we heard. Now we’re finding out that research is showing that those studies weren’t fully complete and that there are benefits to hormone replacement therapy.”

“We're all in menopause with stretchy [waist] bands and our athleisure wear on, and you look up and you can't fit the outfits you had last year. I have to be more mindful, not obsessive, but more mindful."

Michelle Obama, The Michelle Obama Podcast

Final Thoughts

Menopause can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. It’s inspiring to hear these famous women talk about their menopause experiences in a positive light. Whether you want to opt for HRT or natural remedies, self-care is key. So take inspiration from these celebrities, get informed about your body’s natural rhythms, and take control of your menopause journey!

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