In a xoNecoleexclusive, the iconic actress opens up about embracing this season of her life, new projects, and overall being a “bad motherfucker.” Gabrielle reveals that she was 37 years old when she was diagnosed with perimenopause and is still going through it at 51 years old. Mayo Clinic says perimenopause “refers to the time during which your body makes the natural transition to menopause, marking the end of the reproductive years.”
“I haven't crossed over the next phase just yet, but I think part of it is when you hear any form of menopause, you automatically think of your mother or grandmother. It feels like an old-person thing, but for me, I was 37 and like not understanding what that really meant for me. And I don't think we focus so much on the word menopause without understanding that perimenopause is just the time before menopause,” she tells us.
Gabrielle Union
Photo by Brian Thomas
"But you can experience a lot of the same things during that period that people talk about, that they experienced during menopause. So you could get a hot flash, you could get the weight gain, the hair loss, depression, anxiety, like all of it, mental health challenges, all of that can come, you know, at any stage of the menopausal journey and like for me, I've been in perimenopause like 13, 14 years. When you know, most doctors are like, ‘Oh, but it's usually about ten years, and I'm like, ‘Uhh, I’m still going (laughs).’”
Conversations about perimenopause, fibroids, and all the things that are associated with women’s bodies have often been considered taboo and thus not discussed publicly. However, times are changing, and thanks to the Gabrielle’s and the Tia Mowry’s, more women are having an authentic discourse about women’s health. These open discussions lead to the creation of more safe spaces and support for one another.
“I want to be in community with folks. I don't ever want to feel like I'm on an island about anything. So, if I can help create community where we are lacking, I want to be a part of that,” she says. “So, it's like there's no harm in talking about it. You know what I mean? Like, I was a bad motherfucker before perimenopause. I’m a bad motherfucker now, and I'll be a bad motherfucker after menopause. Know what I’m saying? None of that has to change. How I’m a bad motherfucker, I welcome that part of the change. I'm just getting better and stronger and more intelligent, more wise, more patient, more compassionate, more empathetic. All of that is very, very welcomed, and none of it should be scary.”
The Being Mary Jane star hasn’t been 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 likens therapy to dating by suggesting that you keep looking for the right therapist to match your needs. Two other essential keys to her growth are radical transparency and radical acceptance (though she admits she is still working on the latter).
"I was a bad motherfucker before perimenopause. I’m a bad motherfucker now, and I'll be a bad motherfucker after menopause. Know what I’m saying? None of that has to change. How I’m a bad motherfucker, I welcome that part of the change."
Gabrielle Union and Kaavia Union-Wade
Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images
“I hope that a.) you recognize that you're not alone. Seek out help and know that it's okay to be honest about what the hell is happening in your life. That's the only way that you know you can get help, and that's also the only other way that people know that you are in need if there's something going on,” she says, “because we have all these big, very wild, high expectations of people, but if they don't know what they're actually dealing with, they're always going to be failing, and you will always be disappointed. So how about just tell the truth, be transparent, and let people know where you are. So they can be of service, they can be compassionate.”
Gabrielle’s transparency is what makes her so relatable, and has so many people root for her. Whether through her TV and film projects, her memoirs, or her social media, the actress has a knack for making you feel like she’s your homegirl. Scrolling through her Instagram, you see the special moments with her family, exciting new business ventures, and jaw-dropping fashion moments. Throughout her life and career, we’ve seen her evolve in a multitude of ways. From producing films to starting a haircare line to marriage and motherhood, her journey is a story of courage and triumph. And right 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 notion of like, ‘Oh, so and so changed. They got brand new.’ I want you to be brand new. I want me to be brand new. I want us to be always constantly growing, evolving. Having more clarity, moving with different purpose, like, and all of that is for me very, very welcomed."
"I want you to be brand new. I want me to be brand new. I want us to be always constantly growing, evolving. Having more clarity, moving with different purpose, like, and all of that is for me very, very welcomed."
She continues, “So I'm just trying to figure out what's next. You know what I mean? I'm jumping into what's next. I'm excited going into what's next and new. I'm just sort of embracing all of what life has to offer.”
Look out for Gabrielle in the upcoming indie film Riff Raff, which is a crime comedy starring her and Jennifer Coolidge, and she will also produce The Idea of You, which stars Anne Hathaway.
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Feature image by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images
As the holiday season continues, we find ourselves immersed in the spirit of giving, and what better way to express your love and care than by gifting your body-, mind-, and soul-focused friends and family some wellness goodies?
Amid the hustle and bustle of daily life, these thoughtful wellness gifts can serve as a gentle reminder to pause, breathe, and prioritize their self-care. From habit-tracking journals to fitness essentials and mindfulness tools, our guide covers a wide range of options to cater to the homebody homegirl who are true to their wellness practice or need the extra nudge to get in touch with themselves.
To help you start “adding to cart,” we've curated a collection of gifts that go beyond the ordinary, designed to foster a sense of peace and balance in the lives of your loved ones.
1.Dieux x Violette: Forever Eye Mask
Dieux
These reusable eye masks are perfect for their "me-time" moments, again and again.
2.Vaseline® Radiant X Deep Nourishment Body Cream
Vaseline
They’ll love slathering themselves with this nourishing body cream right after those “everything showers.”
3.Galison Pajama Mamas Jigsaw Puzzle (1000-piece)
Galison
For those “turn your brain off and unplug” kinds of days.
4.Victoria’s Secret Ribbed Modal Henley Short Set
Victoria's Secret
If she’s a cozy girl who enjoys lounging around the house, she’ll love this matching set.
5.Fenty Beauty Butta Drop Warm Cinnamon Body Cream
Fenty Skin
What’s better than eating a cinnamon roll? Smelling like one.
6.lululemon Nulu Wide Reversible Headband
lululemon
The solution to keeping your gym-rat friend’s edges preserved is here.
7.Boy Smells Trio Votive Set
Boy Smells
Nothing sets the mood like a lit candle that smells as good as it looks.
9.Golde Pure Matcha
Golde
Matcha is the silly little beverage we can’t live without, so trust us when we say your matcha-loving sister will thank you for this stocking stuffer.
10.Therapy Notebooks - Build-a-Habit Guide
Therapy Notebooks
Give your wellness-forward friend a headstart on your new year goals with this daily, habit-forming journal that actually works.
12.Baggu Puffy Slippers
Baggu
They love staying in the house, so why not make it more comfortable with these puffy slippers?
13.Hey Dewy Wireless Facial Humidifier
Hey Dewy
Detox the air and your mind with this personal humidifier.
14.Glossier You Rollerball
Glossier
Be the reason for your bestie’s inflated confidence due to all the “you smell good” compliments she’ll be getting with this signature perfume by Glossier.
15.Bala Bangles
Bala
From Pilates to yoga, or even her hot girl walks, these trendy weighted bangles will be the perfect additive to her active lifestyle.
Featured image by Westend61/Getty Images
