in xoNecoleIn an exclusive, the iconic actress opens up about embracing this season of life, new projects, and overall being a “bad motherfucker.” Gabrielle revealed that she was diagnosed with perimenopause at the age of 37 and that at 51 she is still experiencing menopause.mayo clinic To tell Perimenopause “refers to the period during which the body naturally transitions into menopause and marks the end of reproductive age.”
“I haven’t gotten past that stage yet, but I think it’s partly because when you hear about menopause in any form, you automatically think of your mother or grandmother. Like when you think of old people. I feel that, but at 37 years old, I didn’t understand what it actually meant. I don’t think people pay too much attention to it,” she says.
gabriel union
Photo credit: Brian Thomas
“But during this time, you can experience a lot of the same things that people talk about during menopause: hot flashes, weight gain, hair loss, depression, anxiety, and more. Mental health Problems and all that stuff can happen at any stage of menopause, and like me, I’ve been in perimenopause for 13 or 14 years.You know, most doctors say, Yeah, but usually it’s about 10 years, and I’m like, “Hmm, it’s still going on” (lol).
Conversations about perimenopause, uterine fibroids, and anything else related to a woman’s body were often considered taboo and not discussed publicly. But times have changed, and thanks to Gabrielle and Tia Mowry, more women are having real conversations about women’s health. These open discussions lead to the creation of safer spaces and mutual support.
“I want to create community with people. I don’t want to feel like I’m an island in anything. So I want to help create the community that we lack. If so, I want to be a part of it,” she says. “So it seems like there’s no harm in talking about it. Like, you know what I’m saying? I was a terrible asshole before perimenopause. I’m still a terrible asshole though. , I’m going to be a terrible asshole even after menopause. You know what I’m saying? None of that needs to change. I’m such an asshole, I’d welcome change in that part. We have become better and stronger, more intelligent, wiser, more patient, more caring, more empathetic, all of which are very welcome and nothing to be afraid of. Not.”
of being mary jane The star wasn’t shy about her stance on therapy. If you don’t know, here’s a hint. She’s all for it, and she encourages others to try it as well. She compares therapy to dating and suggests continuing to search for the right therapist for your needs. Two other keys to her growth are radical transparency and radical acceptance (though she admits she’s still working on the latter).
“Up until perimenopause, I was a terrible asshole. I’m still a terrible asshole, and I’m going to be a terrible asshole after menopause. You know what I’m saying? Nothing needs to change. No. Despite what a bad asshole I am, I welcome that part of the change.”
Gabrielle Union and Kaavia Union-Wade
Photo by: Monica Schipper/Getty Images
“a.) I hope you realize that you’re not alone. Know that it’s okay to ask for help and be honest about what’s going on in your life. It’s the only way to know that help is available, and the only way to let people know you’re in trouble if something happens,” she says. But if they don’t know what they’re actually working on, they’ll always fail and you’ll always be disappointed. So why not tell the truth, be transparent, and let people know where you stand? That way they can serve and be compassionate. ”
Gabrielle’s transparency is what makes her so relatable and why so many people root for her. Through her media, including TV and film projects, memoirs, and social media, this actress has a knack for making her viewers feel like they’re a homegirl. As she scrolls through her Instagram, you’ll see special moments with her family, exciting new business ventures, and amazing fashion moments. Throughout her life and career, we have seen her evolve in many ways. From making her movies to launching her hair care brand, to her marriage and motherhood, her journey is a story of courage and triumph. And now, in this season, she’s asking, “What’s next?”
“This is a season of discovery and change. In a billion ways,” says the NAACP Image Award winner. “The concept of ‘Oh, this and that’ has changed. It’s now brand new.’ We want it to be in brand new condition. I want to be brand new. We want to continue to grow and evolve. Being more clear, moving with a different purpose, all of that is very welcome to me. ”
“I want you to be brand new. I want you to be brand new. I want us to be constantly growing and evolving. Becoming more clear, moving with a different purpose, and all of that. It’s very, very welcome to me.” ”
She continues: She knows what I mean, right? I’m diving into the next thing. I’m excited for the next new thing. I’m just kind of accepting everything that life has to offer. ”
Keep an eye out for Gabriel in upcoming independent films riff raffIt’s a crime comedy starring her and Jennifer Coolidge, which she will also produce. your ideasstarring Anne Hathaway.
Feature image: Mike Lawrie/Getty Images