9 December 2023
The acclaimed actress shares her personal journey through menopause and the steps she took to fight signs of aging
In a candid Instagram post, actress Maria Bello revealed her struggles with menopause and the lengths she went to in order to combat the signs of aging. Bello, 56, shared her experience of going through the early stages of menopause during the COVID-19 pandemic and the various measures she took to prevent her appearance from changing. From hormone therapy to cosmetic procedures, Bello’s journey reflects the societal pressure on women to defy the natural process of aging.
Battling the Physical Changes
Bello detailed the extensive steps she took to fight the physical changes associated with menopause. She experimented with bio-identical hormones, dieting, and even tried the drug Ozempic. Despite her efforts, she found herself gaining weight and facing other challenges such as nausea and vomiting. Bello also underwent various cosmetic procedures like Botox, fillers, lasers, and face threads, as well as exploring different skincare products and cellulite machines.
The Mental Shift
After exhausting her options to alter her physical appearance, Bello realized that focusing on her mental well-being was just as important. She decided to embrace the concept of menopause as a natural part of life’s journey. Inspired by Carl Jung’s perspective on aging as a developmental process, Bello immersed herself in the “7 tasks of mid-life” that Jung spoke about. This mental shift allowed her to find acceptance and a renewed sense of self.
A Journey of Self-Reflection
During her two-year hiatus from social media and Hollywood, Bello engaged in therapy and explored alternative methods such as micro-dosing psilocybin. She also made the life-changing decision to move to Paris, seeking a fresh start and a new perspective. Bello’s journey of self-reflection and personal growth led her to appreciate the transformative power of menopause.
Embracing the Second Half of Life
Now emerging from her period of self-reflection, Bello aims to share her journey with others who are entering the “second half of life.” By embracing menopause instead of avoiding it, she hopes to inspire others to accept and celebrate this natural phase of womanhood. Bello’s Instagram posts, tagged with #thepause and #mariasmenopause, indicate her intention to continue sharing her experiences and insights.
Conclusion:
Maria Bello’s honest and introspective Instagram post sheds light on the challenges women face when navigating menopause and societal expectations of aging. Her journey of self-acceptance serves as a reminder that embracing the natural process of menopause can lead to personal growth and empowerment. Bello’s openness about her experiences encourages others to embrace their own unique journeys and find strength in the transformative power of menopause.
