Misty Copeland, the celebrated ballerina known for her groundbreaking achievements with the American Ballet Theatre, is now navigating a new phase of her life: perimenopause. At 43, Copeland has moved beyond the stage, yet her journey is far from over as she embraces the changes occurring within her body. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, she shared her experiences and insights on this often-stigmatized transition while promoting a new supplement that aims to support women during this time.
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Perimenopause, which signifies the period leading up to menopause, brings various physical and emotional changes as the body adjusts its hormonal levels. For Copeland, this transition has introduced challenges such as acne, sleep difficulties, and moments of mental fog. Initially, she attributed these issues to the demands of motherhood, finding it inconvenient to consider they may be related to her age and stage in life. “I just assumed that it comes with the territory,” she confessed.
However, Copeland soon realised that many women her age—like herself—tend to shy away from discussing perimenopause. “I think I was in denial about being in this phase of my life,” she admitted, recognising that these conversations are not just necessary but also beneficial. “It’s okay to accept and have the conversations and be really thoughtful about them,” she added, suggesting that openness can pave the way for shared understanding.
Reflecting on her previous dismissive attitude towards discussions surrounding perimenopause, she revealed how her perspective has changed. Two years ago, she would roll her eyes when her friends mentioned the subject. Yet, she now feels ready to engage in these essential talks. “I think one thing that I have learned just from being a dancer is accepting the changes that naturally happen in my body,” she noted. Copeland emphasised the importance of recognising and respecting the transformations that accompany aging, much like the physical evolution she has experienced throughout her dancing career.
Athletes, especially dancers, typically develop a heightened awareness of their bodies. For Copeland, maintaining her health involved a disciplined approach to exercise and diet. However, she now finds herself shifting focus from outward appearance to her internal wellbeing. This transition in mindset underscores her growing understanding of the significance of internal health during this new chapter of her life.
To further support her journey and spread awareness, Copeland has partnered with wellness company Thorne to launch a campaign advocating for women undergoing perimenopause. The spotlight is on their product, Perimenopause Complete, a supplement designed to help manage mood swings, sleep issues, and physical balance during this period of transition. Copeland expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to normalise conversations surrounding perimenopause, stating, “It’s nice to have support and not feel embarrassed or ashamed that you’re going through these things as a woman.”
Drawing a parallel to the experiences of young girls learning about menstruation, she voiced a poignant message about breaking down taboos. “It’s like, why are we hiding our freaking tampons? This is a part of what we go through as women, and it’s beautiful and it’s normal.” Such reflections highlight a need for societal change, encouraging future generations to see these discussions as natural and necessary.
Just as acknowledging and naming her experiences has empowered her, Copeland hopes to inspire other women to find their strength throughout this transition. “Being able to name it and understand what’s happening internally has been really, really helpful and made me feel more in control and more grounded,” she explained. Accepting this phase has allowed her to embrace her current situation with newfound appreciation and positivity.
Despite stepping back from the limelight of ballet, Copeland remains committed to fostering a broader understanding of women’s health issues. “I’m so fortunate to have had the platform to be able to speak about my experiences as a dancer, as an athlete, as a woman, as a Black woman, and really about the importance of taking care of yourself,” she declared, recognising the significant role she plays in shaping perceptions around these topics.
As she forges ahead, Copeland aims to pave the way for younger women, particularly women of colour, to engage in these conversations. By sharing her experiences and advocating for open dialogue, she hopes to influence a more supportive community where women feel empowered to confront and discuss the changes they are experiencing. Through her journey, Misty Copeland continues to inspire many as she bridges both the world of performing arts and the raw realities of womanhood.