Katherine Heigl, renowned for her roles in Grey’s Anatomy and 27 Dresses, has stepped into a new spotlight—this time as an advocate for normalizing conversations about perimenopause. The Emmy-winning actress recently shared her experiences with perimenopause, shedding light on symptoms like light bladder leakage, often a taboo topic for women. Through humour and openness, Heigl aims to encourage women to embrace this phase of life without shame.
Normalising the Conversation Around Perimenopause
Partnering with Poise, a brand specialising in bladder-leak sanitary products, Katherine is at the forefront of the “giggle dribble” campaign, which uses humour to address the often-overlooked realities of perimenopause. The campaign humorously highlights moments when laughter or sneezing leads to accidental bladder leakage—a relatable experience for millions of women due to childbirth, ageing, or hormonal changes.
In the campaign video, Katherine portrays a moment at brunch with her son and a friend when laughter leads to “giggle dribble.” She turns the situation into a teachable moment, explaining how hormonal shifts and a weakened pelvic floor contribute to bladder leaks. With her characteristic wit, she jokes about her knowledge stemming from her days as Dr. Izzie Stevens on Grey’s Anatomy.
A Personal Journey of Discovery
In a candid interview, the 46-year-old actress revealed her frustration at the lack of support she received from medical professionals during her perimenopause journey. “You’re kind of alone in it,” she shared. “Your body is suddenly a stranger, and the common response is, ‘That’s just ageing.’ But why can’t we talk about it? It’s a natural part of being a woman.”
Reflecting on her first experience with bladder leakage after childbirth, Katherine said she laughed it off instead of feeling ashamed. However, perimenopause brought a slew of additional challenges, from mood swings to brain fog and fatigue. “It’s exhausting,” she admitted, adding humorously, “My sister asked how long this perimenopause thing was going to last, and I told her it could be 10 years—so she better suck it up!”
Breaking the Silence on Taboo Topics
Katherine’s openness is part of a broader movement to destigmatise conversations around women’s health. She emphasises the importance of community and shared experiences during this transformative period. “Just knowing someone else is going through it helps you feel less isolated,” she explained.
Her goal is to empower women to connect with one another and find solace in their shared journeys. By embracing humour and vulnerability, Katherine hopes to inspire others to speak openly about their own experiences.
Reclaiming the Narrative Around Aging
For Katherine, navigating perimenopause is as much about self-acceptance as it is about advocating for better resources and understanding. She calls for more proactive healthcare solutions and stresses the importance of acknowledging the emotional and physical toll this phase can bring.
Ultimately, Katherine Heigl’s candidness serves as a reminder that perimenopause, like any other stage of life, deserves to be discussed, understood, and embraced. By sharing her story, she is helping to rewrite the narrative around ageing for women everywhere, proving that a little humour and a lot of honesty can go a long way.