Celebrities are now breaking the stigma around menopause

Menopause affects almost all women, but is often taboo to talk about.

This is a crucial transitional period for a woman, which occurs after 40. John Hopkins Medicine says that although all women will experience symptoms differently, they can include hot flashes and fatigue.

Menopause is a subject that many women avoid because it can make them feel ashamed. It's not a normal part of aging, but a shameful one. Women admit that they don't talk about what they are going through even though they need support or information. It's because of this that so many women, including celebrities, are trying to normalize conversations about menopause to remove the taboo surrounding the subject.

What did these celebrities have to say about menopause?

1. Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore, who is now in perimenopause shared her desire to eliminate the stigma surrounding menopause. She said that she didn't want to be perceived as "some dusty old dry thing" just because she is going through perimenopause. This was especially true when it came to dating. Drew revealed that she felt hesitant about discussing her life change on a date.

We have the word "men-o-pause" Pause is a natural pause...To a lover, that topic might have something repellent. She said that she found this topic taboo with no other person. You're just a dry old bag if you speak about menopause, and this is the conversation that needs to be changed. We need to make it more fun, more sexy, and safer.

2. Kim Cattrall

Kim Cattrall does not see menopause in a negative light. It is a natural process that all women experience. Kim Cattrall says that menopause is not something to be ashamed of, but rather a natural part of life.

"I don’t think it is shameful. It's just as natural as having children -- it's a part of life. It's a part of our physical makeup, hormonal construction, and chemical function. Kim said that it is similar to anything in nature. The seed is planted and grows. It comes to fruition. After a time, it begins to age and change. You wonder, "Will I look attractive, desirable, feminine?" What's the next chapter in your life?

3. Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth knows what it's like to go through menopause as a woman who is in her 40s. She believes she has been through it all and that other women can look to her for positive inspiration as they undergo the same experience.

"I believe that when you enter perimenopause you will notice many changes. Gwyneth admitted in a Goop clip that she could feel hormonal changes, sweating and mood swings. "You're suddenly furious without reason," Gwyneth explained. Menopause is given a bad name and it needs to be rebranded. When my mother was going through menopause, it was a huge deal. I believe there was a lot of grief and emotions around it. "I don't believe we have a good example of a menopausal women in our society."

Naomi Watts

Naomi Watts has been candid about her early menopause, which occurred just when she was ready for children. Naomi Watts shared on Instagram that she felt "head-on" with a Mack Truck when she discovered she was going through menopause. No one wanted to discuss it. She wondered how she would figure out what was going on if nobody wanted to talk about it.

"It is strangely like a code of silence that has never been written: women are expected to cope and endure because this is how previous generations have dealt with it. It's about time women of this age or phase in life were well represented. For too long, we've been neglected in stories, marketing and media. Naomi wrote about this on Instagram, "Especially since more than one billion people will be menopausal worldwide by 2025."

She added, "When you bring uncomfortable conversations to the forefront, they become easier." Progress has been made. Why did this one take so long? "Aging is a great privilege, and it's a time to be proud of your cumulative experience -- to feel empowered without apology."

5. Salma Hayek

Salma Hayek reveals that when she began to experience menopause symptoms she visited her doctor who revealed a long list of shocking symptoms she could go through. She has experienced hot flashes, mood swings and other symptoms. However, she believes that aging shouldn't be a concern and women should not be treated differently as they age.

Women have no expiration dates. This has to be done away with. You can be a savage at any age. You can be romantic, dream, and hold your own no matter what age you are. Salma stated on "Red Table Talk" that "we have the right to love ourselves for who we are in the moment we are." "We are not here just to make babies or to take care of the man. We are not here just to serve everyone and everything around us, and when the children leave...it's like you have an expiration date as a women. "It's been a common misconception for centuries."

6. Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama says that the information women had available when they first started menopause was "sparse." She turned to her friends, many of whom were doctors, to get support and find ways to cope with what she was going through.

There's still a lot that we don't understand. She told People that there isn't much conversation about menopause. When we are laughing and moving, we talk about our menopause. What is a hot flush? Around the table, we have OBGYN girlfriends who can provide real information. "All of that lifts us up."

7. Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey and her friends view menopause as a positive experience. Oprah said that instead of viewing it as an unpleasant experience, it is important to see it as a chance to "reinvent" yourself and start over.

Menopause is a blessing for many of the women I have spoken to. Oprah said in O magazine that she had discovered this was the time to reinvent herself after years of focusing solely on others' needs.

8. Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton says that she started experiencing menopause when she was the first lady. The topic was not discussed openly at that time. She is happy that menopause has become a more acceptable subject in society.

It was a topic you did not discuss in those days. We would laugh or snort, but never publicly. "I'm glad we're in a period where women's issues, and particularly the current challenges regarding reproductive health are forcing the conversation into the open," she said to People.

She added, "Finally we're dealing menopause, reproductive health, and many other things that women always have to deal with, but sometimes they do it alone and without the knowledge of their families, the medical community or even the wider society about how that feels."

9. Gillian Anderson

Gillian Anderson, 46 years old at the time of her perimenopause symptoms, says that she felt "like [her] whole life was falling to pieces." Gillian Anderson didn't understand what caused her symptoms at the time and felt that "someone else" had taken control of her brain. She hopes to provide more information in the future for women experiencing menopause.

What a wonderful thing it would be to get to the point where we can have these discussions openly, without any shame. Admit that you are experiencing this. We don't think we are going crazy or insane, or alone with any of our symptoms," she said. "Perimenopause, and menopause are rites that should be respected as such. If not celebrated then accepted, acknowledged and respected."

10. Bette Midler

Bette Midler revealed in 2001 that she was "fearless" of menopause. Bette Midler even said it was "fabulous"! She had hot flashes and night sweats initially, but she found oils that helped. Now she isn't worried about it.

I don't think anyone should obsess about menopause. It is true, however, that people in this culture tend to throw you out as you age. It happens all the time in my line of work. You're always playing someone's mother at my age -- and they're not many of them... It's the law, the way, of the world. The world is unfair. Bette said to Oprah, "You have to pick your battles because some you can't win."

11. Helena Bonham Carter

Helena Bonham Carter, who is postmenopausal says that she is happy to see a more open narrative around menopause. It used to be an extremely negative topic to discuss.

She admitted that it was "a shame" because it was wrapped up in the false notion that one is obsolete when they stop producing eggs. It's unfair, because hormones can cause people to become seriously deranged. It's also a wonder to be able make a baby -- and that is the payback."

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Title: 11 Celebs Who Have Gotten Real About Menopause
Sourced From: www.toofab.com/2023/04/15/celebs-who-have-gotten-real-about-menopause/
Published Date: Sat, 15 Apr 2023 14:00:21 +0000

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