Halle Berry’s Shiesta: Embracing Menopause with Joy and Empowerment
Halle Berry, the Academy Award-winning actress, is making headlines for her unique and uplifting approach to menopause. In a recent appearance on Tamsen Fadal’s new podcast, The Tamsen Show, Berry revealed that she will officially enter menopause on March 21. Marking this milestone, she plans to celebrate it with a “shiesta,” a term she has coined to describe a festive gathering to honor women entering this new phase of life. Berry emphasized the importance of celebrating this significant life transition, just as society does for other major milestones like weddings and birthdays.
For Berry, the idea of a “shiesta” reflects her broader philosophy of embracing womanhood and aging with courage and positivity. She explained that once a woman reaches 365 days without a menstrual period—officially marking her entry into menopause—it is a moment to be acknowledged and cherished. By using the term “shiesta,” Berry hopes to shift the cultural narrative around menopause, transforming it from a stigmatized or feared experience into a cause for celebration. Her message resonates with many women who have felt silenced or marginalized when discussing this natural part of life.
Halle Berry’s Journey to Menopause: Health, Empowerment, and Awareness
Berry, who is 58, has always been vocal about her health and well-being. She revealed on the podcast that she initially believed her healthy lifestyle would allow her to “skip” menopause altogether. As someone who successfully managed her Type 2 diabetes—eventually weaning herself off insulin and oral medication—she felt confident in her ability to control her body. “I’m on top of everything,” she said, reflecting on her mindset at the time. However, as she approached menopause, Berry realized that this phase of life was inevitable and deserving of respect, not avoidance.
Despite her initial surprise, Berry has chosen to embrace menopause as an opportunity for growth and self-reflection. She shared her journey with Fadal, highlighting the importance of education and open conversation about women’s health. Berry’s willingness to speak candidly about her experience is part of a growing movement to destigmatize menopause and empower women to approach it with confidence and grace.
Tamsen Fadal: A Passionate Advocate for Menopause Awareness
Berry’s podcast appearance marked the launch of The Tamsen Show, hosted by Tamsen Fadal, a former PIX11 anchor turned menopause advocate. Fadal has become a leading voice in the conversation around menopause, driven by her own transformative experience. She confessed that entering menopause was a catalyst for her to leave her 15-year career in television news, a decision she did not make lightly. “It wasn’t that I couldn’t do my job anymore, but I had a bigger story to tell,” she explained. Fadal felt compelled to dedicate her platform to raising awareness about menopause and supporting women through this transition.
Fadal’s work includes producing a documentary titled The (M) Factor Film, which explores the physical, emotional, and societal challenges women face during menopause. She has also written a book, How to Menopause: Take Charge of Your Health, Reclaim Your Life, and Feel Even Better than Before, set to release on March 25. Berry, who received an advanced copy, praised the book as “the menopause Bible,” noting that it offers practical advice and reassurance for women navigating this phase of life.
Breaking the Silence: Women Redefining Menopause Together
Berry and Fadal’s conversation on The Tamsen Show was more than just an interview—it was a heartfelt exchange between two women who have found strength in sharing their experiences. Their mutual admiration and respect for one another shone through as they discussed their journeys, highlighting the power of female solidarity. Berry described Fadal’s book as a lifeline for women who often feel isolated or misunderstood during menopause. “You will no longer feel alone,” she wrote on Instagram, “by being 100% seen. It’s also full of ways to begin managing this new glorious phase of life.”
Fadal and Berry are part of a larger movement to redefine menopause as a time of empowerment rather than decline. By speaking openly and honestly, they aim to educate women about the physical, emotional, and social changes that accompany this phase of life. Their work challenges the cultural stigma that has long surrounded menopause, encouraging women to embrace it as a natural and meaningful transition.
The Power of Celebration: Shifting the Menopause Narrative
Berry’s concept of a “shiesta” is more than just a party—it’s a symbolic act of resistance against societal norms that have long dismissed or trivialized menopause. For far too long, women have been made to feel ashamed or embarrassed about aging and the changes that come with it. Berry’s joyful approach to menopause is a bold reclaiming of this experience, reminding women that they deserve to be celebrated at every stage of life.
By coining the term “shiesta,” Berry is helping to create a cultural shift. She wants women to feel proud of their resilience, wisdom, and contributions to society. Her message of empowerment aligns with Fadal’s mission to normalize and demystify menopause. Together, they are inspiring women to view this phase of life not as an end but as a new beginning—one filled with possibilities, growth, and fulfillment.
The Legacy of Empowerment: Berry and Fadal’s Impact on Women’s Health
Halle Berry and Tamsen Fadal’s collaboration is just the beginning of a broader conversation about women’s health and aging. By sharing their experiences and advocating for change, they are paving the way for future generations of women to approach menopause with confidence and clarity. Berry’s “shiesta” and Fadal’s educational resources are reminders that menopause is not something to be feared or hidden but something to be embraced and celebrated.
Their work is a testament to the transformative power of female solidarity and the importance of challenging societal norms. As more women join the conversation, the stigma surrounding menopause will continue to fade, replacing it with a culture of acceptance, support, and empowerment. Berry’s “shiesta” is more than just a party—it’s a movement, and it’s just getting started.
