**Jackie Tohn Embraces the Lighter Side of Perimenopause in New Ad Campaign**
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Jackie Tohn, best known for her role in the hit series “Nobody Wants This,” is taking a refreshing approach to a topic often shrouded in stigma. In her latest advertisement for Ritual, titled “Take the Men Out of Perimenopause,” Tohn injects humour into the serious and often misunderstood phases of perimenopause and menopause. The campaign cleverly highlights the myriad of symptoms women experience, combining laughter with crucial conversations about women’s health.
At 46, Tohn is no stranger to tackling difficult health issues with a comedic flair. Earlier this year, she bravely hosted a farewell party dubbed “Ta Ta to Jackie’s Ta Tas” before undergoing a preventive double mastectomy after being diagnosed with the BRCA1 gene and learning of her 85% risk of developing breast cancer. This journey has taught her the value of finding humour in adversity, a lesson she hopes to impart through her work with Ritual.
In the advertisement, Tohn hilariously navigates symptoms such as hot flashes, brain fog, and an acute sensitivity to her boyfriend’s eating sounds, all while being serenaded by the “Women’s Health Men’s Choir.” This addition adds a humorous touch as they inform her that her bloodwork is fine and suggest investing in a white noise machine. Tohn expresses her excitement about the project, stating, “I need to be a part of this,” showing her eagerness to engage in vital discussions surrounding women’s health issues.
As her own experiences reveal, Tohn finds it alarming how little information is available about perimenopause and menopause, despite the significant impact these phases can have on women. She recalls how both her BRCA1 diagnosis and the onset of perimenopause caught her unexpectedly, illustrating the lack of acknowledgment surrounding these topics. However, she has noticed a positive shift in recent years, as more celebrities step forward to highlight the importance of understanding the bodily changes women undergo. “Now there’s a lot of celebrities speaking out…so we don’t feel crazy when we visit the doctor,” she reflects.
Tohn champions the need for women to lead these discussions about their health. She emphasises that the medical community should prioritise women’s voices when addressing issues like perimenopause. Tohn actively engages with her trusted friends, including her co-star Kristen Bell, openly sharing their experiences and symptoms. “The two of us are just trying to think of a word, and it’s just like, it’s all of us! No one is safe,” she quips, exemplifying her belief in the power of solidarity and humour in times of struggle.
Raised in a family that values candidness and levity, Tohn is adamant about not glossing over serious matters but insists on finding moments of joy amidst the challenges. “There has to be levity,” she asserts, highlighting her philosophy of navigating difficult issues with humour. This sense of community extends beyond her close friends; Tohn connects with other women facing similar health battles, particularly those with the BRCA gene. After her surgery, she hosted a second gathering called “Tits Two,” which inspired others to celebrate their journeys as well.
Tohn’s commitment to openness and humour resonates deeply, especially as she prepares for a surgical oophorectomy that will trigger surgical menopause. “I’ll soon be flung into surgical menopause,” she states matter-of-factly, reinforcing her desire to maintain transparency about her health journey. With her new understanding and connection to the sisterhood of women experiencing the same issues, Tohn is determined to break the silence surrounding these topics.
“My whole life has been very charmed; I hadn’t even heard of BRCA until my 40s,” she admits. “And now that I know about this sisterhood, I want to be out there. I feel like if I got this far without hearing about these things, so have other people. So like: Now, let’s talk about it.”
Through her work and candidness, Tohn is paving the way for more open dialogue about women’s health, asserting that these conversations are not only necessary but can also be enjoyable. Ultimately, she hopes to encourage more women to recognise and address the realities of perimenopause and menopause—ideally without the commentary of a “men’s barbershop quartet.”