I worked a lot with massive headaches, not feeling like I could say, “I’m having a symptom of menopause, everybody.” I didn’t even have the language. I didn’t even know that’s the state I was in. I had many, many sleepless nights. I would come to work very tired, and I just had to suffer through it.
What’s your advice for those approaching, or in, this time of life?
First of all, I think women should start thinking about this at age 35. When we are in our baby-making years, you don’t have to worry. Your body is full of estrogen normally, unless you’ve had a hysterectomy or you’ve had some other issue that’s caused [early] menopause.
At 35, you should start thinking that estrogen is leaving. How do I want to live my midlife years? If you want to go down the path of HRT [hormone replacement therapy], the sooner you start, the better. So I would say to find a knowledgeable doctor who specializes in the menopausal body and make these decisions for yourself. Deep dive into this subject. Come to Respin, because that’s what our mission is—to help educate women, help them make informed choices so that they can decide how they want to live their midlife years.
If there’s anything that shows that menopause really is magic, it’s that you recently re-wore your Elie Saab Oscars dress from 2002. How did that feel?
Well, that was fun. Elie Saab and I have had a wonderful relationship for 20 years because of that moment. He got on the map, and I got to make history in the same night. What we share is pretty magical. And I actually got to meet him! I had never met him in all of these years, so I got to not only meet him face to face, but to be there to celebrate his career and put that dress back on again was just a magical little moment.
You’re doing so much work with Respin now, and of course still acting. What are some career goals that you still have?
I have a production company now, so I want to produce and tell stories. I want to direct. I’m working on a project now, and when it’s ready, the wine will be poured. Acting is something I still love to do, but I really am going to be focusing more and more on my second act, which is my business of Respin, and re-spinning this thing called menopause and helping women re-spin it for themselves. It really is what I’m most passionate about.
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