Penélope Cruz and Olivia Wilde have sparked an important conversation about perimenopause, a topic that remains taboo in many parts of the world. In a recent interview with Allure, the two actors discussed the often misunderstood transition that can last up to 12 years.
What Is Perimenopause?
According to board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Mary Claire Haver, perimenopause refers to the period when the body begins transitioning into menopause. “It can take 7 to 10 years until your period stops,” Haver explained. Symptoms can start as early as age 40 and may include hormonal fluctuations, hot flashes, and less commonly, frozen shoulder.
Cruz's Personal Experience
Cruz, now 52, recalled being told by her doctor at age 41 that her hormones would “do this crazy dance for the next 10 or 12 years.” She admitted, “I thought it was a really bad joke… I thought it was not possible to handle that.” Cruz has long been outspoken about women's health, stating in a 2019 interview with Tatler: “Hormones rule the world… There are too many taboos surrounding women's bodies and I think it equals a big lack of respect.”
Frozen Shoulder: A Surprising Symptom
During the Allure chat, Cruz revealed that she has never experienced hot flashes, a common symptom. Instead, Wilde brought up frozen shoulder, scientifically known as adhesive capsulitis. According to Midi Health, frozen shoulder can occur during menopause due to hormonal changes causing shoulder stiffness and limited movement. Wilde credited Dr. Haver for teaching her about this symptom, which was featured in an unscripted scene in Wilde's film The Invite.
Public Reaction
The conversation garnered praise online. One Reddit user said, “I’m so glad we are finally having these conversations publicly, and my heart aches for my mom and grandma… who didn’t have access to knowing anything about perimenopause.” Another commenter added, “I’m really, really grateful to notable women like these two and Halle Berry for talking about menopause… Having women like Penélope and Olivia… talk about their experiences will only help us have the conversation as a society.” Some readers admitted feeling “petrified” after learning about frozen shoulder, with one person noting, “TIL that my frozen shoulder (that I’ve had for eight months) is likely due to perimenopause.”
