Kelly Ripa Embraces Menopause In Podcast And Shatters Taboos
In a candid conversation on her podcast, Let’s Talk Off Camera, Kelly Ripa, actress and beloved host of Live with Kelly and Mark, shared her refreshing perspective on menopause. Kelly, who recently experienced menopause during the Covid-19 pandemic, didn’t mince words when she said, “I love not getting my period. There — I said it.”
Kelly’s frankness about menopause comes at a time when many still whisper the word, treating it like a hidden secret. As she rightly pointed out, nearly half of the population will go through this natural phase of life, yet the stigma remains.
Joining Kelly on her podcast was Dr. Erika Schwartz, a renowned patient advocate and Kelly’s own hormone doctor. Dr. Erika echoed Kellys sentiments, lamenting that there’s a disturbing lack of information about menopause, even among medical professionals. She described it as “a bad secret” that many women, especially older ones, feel compelled to keep.
One startling revelation during the podcast was the fact that some women, even in today’s age of openness, lie about going through menopause. But why is menopause seen as embarrassing in this day and age? Dr. Erika offered a thought-provoking answer, suggesting that remnants of outdated beliefs still persist in society. She emphasized that women should be celebrated and valued beyond their reproductive years, as they bring invaluable wisdom and experience to the table.
Kelly herself attested to the positive impact of seeking help during menopause. She revealed that she was referred to Dr. Erika by “a famous person” and expressed gratitude for the guidance. “I always stop that person and thank them when I see her [because] if I didn’t have you, I don’t know what I would be like right now,” she stated.
She went on to recall a time when she was feeling unwell and didn’t understand why. Schwartz identified her as “perimenopausal,” explaining that irregular periods are a common symptom of this transitional phase.
Perimenopause, the natural precursor to menopause, is characterized by changes in the menstrual cycle, along with symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and bone loss, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Kelly also didn’t shy away from discussing how menopause can affect sexual desire. She openly admitted to wanting a break from sex with her husband Mark Consuelos during this phase.
As she humorously pointed out, “You’re able to wear white pants and not be terrified.” She fondly recalled her first post-menopausal summer as the “summer of the white pant” because she no longer had to worry about periods.
