Gabrielle Union has shared a powerful personal journey, detailing how menopause initially made her feel “shamed” and that her “value as a woman was diminishing,” but she has since transformed that experience into a source of empowerment, now determined to openly discuss the transition.
The acclaimed actress, Gabrielle Union, has opened up about her deeply personal experience with menopause, offering a candid look at the emotional and physical challenges she faced. In a recent exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 53-year-old star revealed that the transition initially triggered feelings of shame and isolation, making her question her self-worth.
“Initially, I felt shamed. I felt like my value as a woman was diminishing,” Union shared during her PEOPLE in 10 segment. “I felt very isolated.” This raw admission shines a light on the often-unspoken emotional toll that menopause can take, moving beyond the common discussion of physical symptoms like hot flashes to address the profound impact on a woman’s identity and sense of self.
Union, known for her roles in films like Bring It On and Love & Basketball, has been increasingly vocal about her menopause journey in recent years. She has previously recounted a particularly intense experience at the 2025 Met Gala, where a severe hot flash prompted Bad Bunny to check in on her well-being. These public moments have helped normalize the conversation, but her latest interview delves deeper into the internal struggle.
The star described menopause as a period that “forces you to shift.” However, she emphasized that this challenging mindset did not last. Her perspective has undergone a significant transformation. “Over time, now, I feel empowered and I’m going to talk about it and I’m not going to lose a thing,” she declared, marking a powerful shift from shame to self-assurance.
This newfound empowerment has motivated Union to use her platform for advocacy. She has partnered with Bayer, the manufacturer of Lynkluet, a recently FDA-approved medication designed to treat moderate to severe hot flashes. The active ingredient, elinzanetant, works on brain receptors to regulate body temperature and may also aid with sleep. Union expressed her excitement in “encouraging people to talk to their health care providers so they can figure out what best options are for them, because there are options.”
By sharing her story, Union is not only reclaiming her narrative but also providing a source of strength and solidarity for countless women navigating similar experiences. Her message reframes menopause not as an ending, but as a new beginning, challenging societal taboos and fostering a more open and supportive dialogue around this natural life stage.
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