Embracing Menopause: A Candid Conversation with Drew Barrymore and Gayle King

In a society where aging is often viewed negatively, especially for women, it's refreshing to see influential figures like Drew Barrymore and Gayle King openly discussing their experiences with menopause in a CBS interview. The two recently sat down for a candid conversation about this natural phase of life, aiming to normalize the conversation and dispel the stigma surrounding it.

Drew Barrymore and Gayle King’s Personal Experience with Menopause

Barrymore and King, two powerful women in the entertainment industry, shared their personal journeys with menopause, a topic that, despite affecting every woman, is often shrouded in silence and discomfort. Their discussion revealed not only the physical changes they experienced but also the emotional and societal implications of this transition.

Barrymore, known for her roles in films like "50 First Dates" and "Charlie's Angels," described her initial realization that she was entering perimenopause, the transitional phase leading up to menopause. "I realized that I was in perimenopause when I started having my period every two weeks," she said. And added that she wanted to avoid going through the stages of menopause over the course of 10 years. 

King, a co-host of CBS Mornings, shared her experiences with hot flashes, a common symptom of menopause. "It feels like you’re burning inside…. It was just a physical heat and then you can sometimes have dripping, drenching sweats," she explained. King also noted that she still experiences hot flashes from time to time, underscoring that menopause is not a singular event but a process that unfolds over time. She even adds, “dry vagina, its all part of it!” 

When asked to describe menopause in one word, King chose "reality," while Barrymore opted for "natural." These words encapsulate their shared perspective on menopause: it's a natural, inevitable part of life that should be acknowledged and discussed openly, not shrouded in shame or embarrassment.

Despite the challenges they faced, both Barrymore and King chose not to undergo hormone therapy, a common treatment for menopause symptoms. "I did talk to a doctor, but I didn't take any hormones," King shared. Barrymore echoed this sentiment, explaining, "I really didn't feel like the doctor who was suggesting it understood where I was at, and it seemed preemptive."

The conversation also touched on the societal implications of menopause. "When you think of menopause, you think of old. Her life is over, she's done," King said. But both women were quick to challenge this stereotype. Menopause doesn't signify the end of a woman's life, but rather a new stage—one that can be embraced and celebrated.

In a society that often equates youth with value, Barrymore and King's candid conversation about menopause is a breath of fresh air. Their experiences serve as a reminder that menopause is a natural part of life, not a condition to be feared or stigmatized. As King put it, "It's just not true. If there's any message we could get across, I think that would be the one that would be the most helpful."

Here are some notable quotes from the conversation:

Drew Barrymore: "I really didn't feel like the doctor who was suggesting it understood where I was at, and it seemed preemptive."

Drew Barrymore: "At some point, there might be a treatment that's right for you. So don't do it too fast, but don't be a hero unnecessarily if you don't need to be."

Gayle King: "It was just a physical heat and then you can sometimes have dripping, drenching sweats."

Gayle King: "When you think of menopause, you think of old. Her life is over, she's done. It's just not true. If there's any message we could get across, I think that would be the one that would be the most helpful."

Breaking Down the Stigma

By sharing their experiences, Barrymore and King are helping to break down the stigma surrounding menopause and encouraging other women to do the same. Their conversation serves as a reminder that menopause is not a condition to be feared or hidden, but a natural part of life that should be openly discussed and embraced.

Menopause is a natural, inevitable part of life that all women experience. It's not something to be feared or stigmatized, but rather a stage of life to be embraced and understood. By speaking openly about their experiences, influential figures like Drew Barrymore and Gayle King are helping to normalize the conversation around menopause and break down societal stigmas. Their candidness serves as a reminder that we should all feel comfortable discussing our experiences and seeking support when needed. After all, menopause is not an ending, but a new beginning.

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With help from the health professinals at Joi, you can manage menopause and perimenopause with ease. We’ll help you find the right therapies to get you feeling like you again. Visit the website to learn more or to schedule a consultation today.