Misty Copeland on Perimenopause: Time to Talk

As women navigate different stages of life, certain conversations often get pushed aside, especially when they involve the natural, yet sometimes challenging, changes our bodies undergo. Perimenopause is one such topic, and ballet icon Misty Copeland is stepping forward at 43 to share her experience and encourage more open dialogue.

A Shared Experience, A New Conversation

Copeland recently partnered with Thorne, a scientific wellness company, for the launch of their new product, Perimenopause Complete. This collaboration marks a significant step for the former American Ballet Theatre principal dancer, who admits she wasn’t actively discussing perimenopause until now. Her willingness to share her journey offers a sense of relief and validation for many women who might feel the same.

She explained that Thorne’s approach resonated with her because they acknowledge that every woman’s experience is unique. “My symptoms don’t look like the symptoms that someone next to me might look like and that’s okay,” Copeland stated. “And we’re all unique and we all have different hormones and different paths and we’re not a monolith.”

Listening to the Body: A Dancer’s Perspective

With 30 years dedicated to ballet, Copeland has honed an extraordinary level of body awareness. The discipline demands constant attention to every signal, limitation, and change the body sends. Yet, even with this heightened sensitivity, she found herself initially guessing at the cause of her symptoms, attributing them to late nights or general life stressors.

“I’m 43 and I haven’t been having these conversations,” she admitted. Her partnership with Thorne has provided her with a sense of being “heard and seen in a way that in conversation in community that I’ve not felt before.” This highlights the power of community and language in understanding our bodies.

The Stakes for Black Women

Copeland points out that for Black women, the gap in understanding and language surrounding perimenopause carries even higher stakes. Statistically, Black women are more likely to experience earlier onset and more severe symptoms, yet they are often the least likely to have their concerns taken seriously in medical settings. This disparity underscores the urgent need for more research and culturally sensitive healthcare.

As an athlete, Copeland was accustomed to pushing through pain, a mindset that can complicate recognizing and addressing perimenopausal symptoms. She credits her husband, Olu, and her broader community for their support and advocacy when she struggled to find the words herself. “Mentorship and community. And that’s what I, again, feel through this campaign,” she emphasized.

• Acknowledge that perimenopause is a normal life stage.
• Seek community and open conversations with other women.
• Advocate for yourself with healthcare providers.
• Be patient with yourself during bodily changes.
• Don’t stop prioritizing self-care.

Advice for the 40s and Beyond

When asked what she wished she’d known going into her 40s, Copeland offered candid advice: “I would say to be patient with yourself, but don’t let up off the gas taking care of yourself.” She encourages women to allow themselves time to feel and process their experiences, contrasting her 30s, which were about momentum, with her 40s, which are about listening.

“Maybe you need to slow down a little bit, listen to yourself, see yourself, respect yourself, and enjoy it,” she advised. “Enjoy the journey and not just flying by the seat of your pants.” Through these conversations, perimenopause shifts from something to dread to something to prepare for, thanks in large part to women like Misty Copeland finally having the discussion.