Michelle Obama Opens Up On Going Through Menopause As First Lady

Michelle Obama has shared insights about her experience navigating menopause during her tenure as First Lady, disclosing that she endured intense hot flashes while delivering significant speeches.

The 61-year-old author discussed the challenges of her physical changes on the latest episode of her IMO podcast. Michelle revealed that she began experiencing menopausal symptoms during Barack Obama’s initial term as president.

“It comes [suddenly], you wake up one day and you’re having hot flashes,” she shared candidly.

“It had to be in my mid-to-late 40s. I woke up one day and started having these severe bouts of heat flashing and sweating. I was like, what happened? I woke up and was different.”

Michelle confessed that she reassured herself, “I can get through this,” rather than consulting a doctor.

However, managing her role as First Lady and participating in public events while coping with hot flashes proved extremely challenging.

“I was the First Lady so I’ve got speeches to give, I’m on planes, I’m [dressed up] and have my hair done,” she elaborated.

“There was one trip I had about 40 hot flashes, and I was like, I can’t live like this.

“I can’t get off this plane soaking wet, I can’t factor in the time to change clothes and redo my hair during a day of speeches.”

She humorously noted concerns that people might notice her sweating during speeches and think she was nervous due to dishonesty.

“It’s like a hot furnace is lit inside you,” she described the sensation of hot flashes.

“It’s like your organs are hot coals. And then you burst with water, you’re dripping, your clothes are soaking wet, you have to change your clothes.”

Ultimately, Michelle shared that hormone replacement therapy provided significant relief.

“We need to talk about the symptoms because a lot of women aren’t even taught to be aware of what’s happening to their bodies,” she emphasized.

“I want women to embrace transition, because that’s still something we struggle with. We view transition as something negative, but we are always evolving and that’s a good thing.

“If we’re alive enough to have a transition then we’re blessed and we shouldn’t be ashamed of it. I’m trying – because it’s something you never stop working on as a woman – to figure out all the good and not get sucked into what I didn’t have or didn’t do because there’s still time ahead.”

The former First Lady expressed that she does not fear aging and described her 60s as the “best time of her entire life” – despite persistent rumors about marital difficulties with Barack.

“The best time of my entire life is right now. It really is. I do not wish to be 20 again, not in any way shape or form,” she said with a laugh. “There is some real freedom about this time in life.”

“And I’m already thinking about my 70s and 80s, I want to be able to do some of this stuff in my 80s.”

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli