Revolutionizing the Conversation: The Oprah Special on Menopause
Photo credit: Eric McCandless (The Menopause Revolution)
Menopause is often shrouded in silence — whispered about in private, if talked about at all. But Oprah Winfrey’s Menopause Revolution special is flipping the script, breaking the taboo, and bringing menopause to the forefront of women’s health conversations. This isn't just about the transition itself, but about reclaiming the power of this life stage, especially for Black women, who often face unique challenges when it comes to perimenopause and menopause.
Like so many other Black women my age, I grew up with little to no conversation about menopause. Heck, I barely heard anything about the female reproductive system in general — let alone a life stage that wouldn’t even affect me for over thirty years! While I can’t say I’ve experienced many classic menopause symptoms just yet, insomnia? Oh, that’s definitely a big one for me. So, when I heard about Oprah’s Menopause Revolution special airing on ABC, I was all in. I knew it was time to tune in and finally get the conversation going, because let’s face it, we’ve been silent for far too long.
As part of my 'soft morning' routine, I made myself a cup of coffee, opened my laptop (to take notes), and settled in to watch this highly anticipated conversation.
Oprah, a masterful storyteller, took the stage with one of the most powerful introductions: sharing her own menopause story. She was transparent and vulnerable, highlighting the common, yet often unspoken, struggles that many women face. Oprah’s openness was both liberating and affirming.
Her message? Menopause doesn’t need to be feared, it’s an opportunity for growth, change, and empowerment. Inspired by Halle Berry, Oprah said we need to flip the script on menopause from dirty to “flirty.”
"When a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women."
This powerful statement was made by Halle Berry in a clip played during the special. It’s a sentiment that surely resonates within the Black community, especially as we continue to fight for a seat at the table in health research, representation, and care.
Halle Berry’s story was an interesting moment, showcasing the misdiagnosis that many women, particularly Black women, face when navigating perimenopause and menopause. Halle shared how she was once wrongly diagnosed with herpes after doctors couldn't explain her symptoms, with one even too afraid to say the word “menopause.” It’s a reminder of how much work there still is to do to ensure women’s health concerns, especially menopause, are taken seriously. Halle’s journey, like so many others, reinforces the need for better education and awareness around menopause.
Mary Claire Haver, MD, author of The New Menopause, shared a startling and eye-opening fact during the special: during medical school, clinicians are only required to spend six hours learning about menopause. Six hours. For a condition that affects half the population, a condition that can alter every aspect of a woman’s physical and mental health — it’s an alarmingly insufficient amount of time.
This statistic speaks volumes about the medical community's long standing neglect of menopause as a serious, research-backed area of study. It’s a glaring gap in healthcare education that leaves many women struggling to get the information and care they need during a time of significant change. For many women, the transition to menopause is marked by a range of symptoms that can affect everything from energy levels to mental clarity, and even relationships. Yet, despite the profound impact menopause has on women’s lives, medical professionals are often underprepared to guide them through it.
The special also addressed the fact that menopause is under-researched, particularly when it comes to Black women. In the mainstream, the average age for menopause is 51, but for Black women, it can start up to 18 months earlier. The medical community has been slow to acknowledge the diversity of women’s experiences, but that is beginning to shift, thanks to voices like Oprah’s. The ReSpin movement, as highlighted in the special, is challenging the outdated narrative surrounding menopause and calling for a more inclusive understanding of the changes women face.
One powerful message that resonated with me was the concept of being the “CEO of your own healthcare.” This idea is crucial, especially for Black women who often experience disparities in healthcare access and quality. We must become advocates for ourselves, ensuring that our concerns are taken seriously, whether we’re dealing with menopause, perimenopause, or any other health issue.
Kamili Wilson, a guest on the show, shared her perimenopause journey while experiencing a hot flash in real time. You could visibly see the sweat building on her face as she spoke.
Kamili is the founder of the Menopause Made Modern initiative, a community specifically focused on Black women and menopause. The Claret Circle is creating a space where Black women can share their experiences, learn from each other, and find resources to navigate menopause with confidence and support. Kamili’s work is revolutionary, providing a much-needed resource for a community often overlooked in traditional menopause conversations.
The discussion also touched on the mental health struggles that many women face during menopause. We heard from women who experienced brain fog, anxiety, and depression during this transition. In fact, studies show that there is a 40% increase in mental health disorders during menopause. Dr. Rhonda Koskuhl, a neurologist specializing in menopause, explained menopause can cause structural and functional changes in the brain. These changes can lead to cognitive difficulties, making it even more important to address mental health as part of menopause care.
While the physical aspects of menopause are often discussed, the emotional and mental toll cannot be ignored. The special showcased how menopause can affect not just our bodies, but also our minds, and how critical it is to have resources and support systems in place to navigate these challenges.
One particularly moving story came from Lynn, who shared her journey through suicidal thoughts during menopause. Her story of overcoming these dark moments is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and a reminder that no one should have to go through this alone.
What makes this special so powerful is the sense of community and solidarity that it creates. From Halle’s story to Naomi Watts’ “5 T’s”—Timeline, Tender, Teachers, Tribe, and Truth — this special is a celebration of the sisterhood that is born out of shared experiences. As Naomi wisely pointed out, having a “tribe” during this time is essential. It’s why we need to continue creating spaces for women to come together and support one another.
Halle’s final contribution to the conversation was a call to de-stigmatize menopause.
Just as we celebrate weddings and baby showers, why not celebrate this important life transition? Halle suggests throwing a “SHE-esta” — a party to mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. I can’t think of a more empowering way to reframe menopause — celebrating it as a rite of passage, not a burden to bear in silence.
As we reflect on the powerful messages shared during the special, one thing is abundantly clear: menopause is not a phase to dread, but a time to embrace. We are not alone in this journey. Together, we can revolutionize the way menopause is talked about — creating a space where Black women can share their stories, get the care they deserve, and feel empowered to thrive in this new chapter of their lives.
For those looking to learn more and continue this journey of discovery and empowerment, here’s a spring reading list to dive into, provided by Menopause Made Modern on their Instagram:
● Are You There God? It’s Me In Menopause by Carol King
● Generation M by Dr. Jessica Shepherd
● How to Menopause by Tamsen Fadal
As Maria Shriver put it, “Be a revolutionary when it comes to your health.” Let’s take back control, embrace our power, and make menopause a time of growth, liberation, and unapologetic transformation.
Let’s raise our voices, share our stories, and continue to support one another through every stage of life. Stay hopeful, and remember, you are not alone in this journey.
Cheryl Pullins is the Editor-in-Chief of Hope Magazine. She is also a Luxury Personal Branding Strategist and Founder of Her Iconic Empire based in Florida. She has a love for writing stories that empower and elevate women to activate the icon within.