Gwyneth Paltrow and her wellness brand Goop have always been at the forefront of conversations about women’s health. Whatever controversies her brand has ensured over the years, she has been an inspirational advocate on the importance of self-care, sexual wellness and now, following a video released on her website last week, redefining the menopause.
Perimenopause
At 47, Gwyneth has entered perimenopause, a precursor to the menopause when the ovaries start producing less estrogen. As well as an irregular menstrual cycle, the fluctuation of hormones can bring on the menopause symptoms including hot flashes, mood swings and drops in libido. For some women, it can last a few months or as long as 10 years, and these transition years can be during their forties, or even thirties for some.
Breaking Down The Stigma Of Menopause
Last week, Gwyneth Paltrow released a video aiming to break down the social stigma of menopause and speak about her own experiences.
“I think menopause gets a really bad rap and needs a bit of a rebranding. I don’t think we have in our society a great example of an aspirational menopausal woman.”
We couldn’t agree more! At Rejuvage, we have always been a passionate advocate of breaking down the stigma that comes with menopause and encouraging women to talk about their own experiences. Many of us didn’t talk about it with our mothers even though it is something that all women go through. Gwyneth talks about her mother going through the menopause saying she remembers it being “such a big deal” with a lot of emotion and grief.
Seeing more women like Gwyneth talk about the menopause helps de-stigmatise the idea that the menopause means that women are old and ‘past it’. Dr Louise Newson, GP and Menopause specialist, said that it was really good that Gwyneth had used her platform and publicised what she was going through and her decision to talk so openly and candidly about menopause will help other women.
“Good for her. Every day I hear stories about women suffering, relationships breaking up, because of the impact of symptoms. When you know you’re in your perimenopause it’s a good time to start managing those symptoms. It’s a really good time to take stock about your future health. Anything that reduces the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis is good.”
Gwyneth’s Perimenopause Symptoms
The main symptoms that Gwyneth has been noticing are the sweating and the mood swings finding herself “furious for no reason”. To combat her symptoms and prepare her for the menopause, she has changed her fitness regime to incorporate more weight lifting to build bone density. She also continues to eat a healthy diet of whole foods, such as leafy greens and lean, ethically-sourced protein. She has also started closely monitoring her own hormone levels
“I wasn’t overly focused on my hormones in my thirties. [But now] I do a panel every six months to ensure that everything is aligned.”
Madame Ovary Supplement
Her wellness brand, Goop, has also launched a health supplement called ‘Madame Ovary’ full of nutrients, herbs and natural ingredients to help combat symptoms of menopause and perimenopause. She has credited this with having fewer days where she is “cranky or emotional for no apparent reason”. She also said it makes her packed schedule “infinitely more manageable.”
Madame Ovary Supplements – Goop $90.00
Gwyneth’s decision to speak out and help “re-brand” the menopause is an inspiring move for us midlife women. So many of us can feel alone going through it. Seeing someone like Paltrow talking about the symptoms can be a great encouragement. Here’s to talking more about the menopause, and continuing to break down that stigma. We’re not past it, we’re as present as ever!
Download our menopause guide for tips, details on treatments and your menopause questions answered!