At a Glance
- Gabrielle Union says menopause initially made her feel shamed but now feels empowered.
- She highlighted a severe hot flash at the 2025 Met Gala that prompted Bad Bunny to check on her.
- Union is partnering with Bayer’s newly FDA-approved drug Lynkluet to help women manage hot flashes.
- Why it matters: Her openness may encourage more women to discuss menopause and seek treatment.
Gabrielle Union, 53, opened up about her menopause experience in a recent interview with News Of Los Angeles‘s PEOPLE in 10. She revealed that the transition had once made her feel her value as a woman was diminishing, but she now feels empowered and ready to talk openly about it.
Early Feelings of Shame
Union said, “When you’re dealing with, you know, hot flashes – whether it’s the first time or the 100th – everyone is different. There are no two that are the same.” She added that the first time she felt shamed was when menopause forced her to confront a new reality about her body.
- She felt isolated and believed her worth was tied to her physical state.
- The realization that menopause is a natural phase shifted her perspective.
- Over time, she moved from shame to empowerment.
A Public Moment at the Met Gala
During the 2025 Met Gala, Union experienced a severe hot flash. She recalled that Bad Bunny checked in to see if she was okay. This public incident highlighted how menopause can surface unexpectedly, even in high-profile settings.
| Event | Date | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Met Gala | 2025 | Union had a severe hot flash; Bad Bunny offered support |
| Interview | January 2026 | Union discussed menopause openly with News Of Los Angeles |
The Shift: From Shame to Empowerment
Union described menopause as a time that “forces you to shift.” She said, “Over time, now, I feel empowered and I’m going to talk about it and I’m not going to lose a thing.” Her journey illustrates a broader narrative that menopause is not an ending but a beginning.
Partnering with Bayer
Union is now teamed with Bayer, which manufactures Lynkluet, a medication recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for moderate to severe hot flashes. The active ingredient, elinzanetant, works on two receptors in the brain that regulate body temperature, and one may help with sleep.
> “I’m excited to be encouraging people to talk to their health care providers so they can figure out what best options are for them, because there are options.”
How Lynkluet Works
- Receptor Targeting: Elinzanetant interacts with two brain receptors that control body temperature.
- Sleep Aid: One receptor may also improve sleep quality.
- FDA Approval: The drug is approved for moderate to severe hot flashes.
Union’s Call to Action
Union’s message is clear: talk to your health care provider. She believes that understanding personal options can empower women to manage menopause symptoms effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Menopause can bring shame but can also be a catalyst for empowerment.
- Public moments, like the Met Gala incident, show how menopause can impact everyday life.
- New treatments like Lynkluet offer hope for women experiencing hot flashes.
- Open conversation with health care providers is essential for personalized care.
Union’s candid discussion may help destigmatize menopause and encourage more women to seek support and treatment.
