Gabrielle Union is getting candid about how menopause pushed her to face long-held beliefs around womanhood, aging, and self-worth—and how the experience ultimately left her feeling more centered than ever.
In a recent People in 10 interview, the 53-year-old actor shared how menopause first took an emotional toll before she eventually rediscovered her confidence. While the physical changes were tough, she admitted it was the mental and emotional effects that truly caught her by surprise.
“It challenges you to look at life differently,” Union said, framing menopause not as an ending, but “as a beginning.”
That mindset didn’t come right away. She admitted that at the start, she wrestled with shame and a deep sense of isolation. “I felt like my value as a woman was diminishing,” she shared, explaining that the experience left her feeling unexpectedly alone.
Union has also spoken openly about how unpredictable menopause symptoms can be, stressing that no two journeys are alike. “When you’re dealing with hot flashes—whether it’s the first time or the hundredth—everyone is different,” she said.
That unpredictability played out publicly in 2025, when Union revealed she experienced an intense hot flash at the Met Gala, with Bad Bunny checking in on her during the event.
With time, though, her outlook shifted. The shame faded, and she began to see menopause as something that deserves open conversation. “Now, I feel empowered,” she said. “I’m going to talk about it, and I’m not going to lose a thing.”
Union added that she’s eager to help make conversations between patients and doctors more normal, stressing that no one has to endure symptoms quietly.
“I want to encourage people to talk to their health care providers so they can figure out what best options are for them,” Union explained. “Because there are options.”
