Niecy Nash-Betts, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in "When They See Us," "Never Have I Ever," and "Grotesquerie," has recently shared her personal journey through menopause, highlighting the importance of self-care, body positivity, and seeking support during this significant life stage. Initially, Nash-Betts attributed her fatigue to the demands of her successful career, a common experience for many women in high-pressure professions. However, as her symptoms progressed to include hot flashes, mood swings, and night sweats, she realized that she was likely entering menopause.
Recognizing the Symptoms: Beyond Just Fatigue
Nash-Betts's initial dismissal of her symptoms as mere fatigue is a relatable experience for many women. "Every Black woman I know is tired, so I just thought that’s what I was dealing with," she told Women's Health. This highlights a common tendency to normalize exhaustion, especially among women who juggle multiple responsibilities. However, the constellation of symptoms she experienced eventually prompted her to seek answers.
One symptom that particularly surprised Nash-Betts was the change in her hair. "My hair got thinner and drier," she revealed, a common yet often unexpected consequence of menopause. Studies indicate that nearly 50% of menopausal women experience moderate to excessive hair loss due to the decline in estrogen levels, which stimulate hair follicles. This shedding and thinning can be particularly noticeable around the temples.
Breaking the Silence: Seeking Resources and Support
Nash-Betts's journey underscores the importance of open conversations about menopause and the need for readily available resources. A significant number of menopausal women experience feelings of shame and stigma related to their symptoms, leading them to suffer in silence. To combat this, Nash-Betts partnered with Versalie, an online platform providing expert-backed content and a marketplace for menopause-related products.
Versalie offers a range of resources, including symptom guides, articles on skin changes during menopause, and access to trained clinicians for personalized care plans and prescriptions. Nash-Betts believes such a resource would have been invaluable during her own experience. "In the beginning, I was suffering alone because I thought that's just what you did," she admitted. Her advice now is to "maximize the resources that are available to you. Don’t suffer in silence.”
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For her own hair thinning, Nash-Betts found relief in hair growth supplements containing biotin, folic acid, B12, and zinc. Dermatologist Noelani González, MD, notes that while not a "magic bullet," these supplements can provide essential nutrients for healthy hair development. The Hum Nutrition Hair Strong Supplement, available in the Versalie shop, is one such product.
The most impactful change for Nash-Betts was building a network of support. She has recommended Versalie to many of her friends, who are experiencing similar symptoms. This highlights the power of shared experiences and the importance of community during menopause.
Embracing Body Positivity: An "Apology" to Her Body
Beyond addressing the physical symptoms of menopause, Nash-Betts has also emphasized the importance of self-love and body positivity. In a candid social media post, she shared her "apology" to her own body after initially criticizing its perceived flaws while trying on a new swimsuit.
"I bought a new swimsuit and tried it on, then proceeded to Drag Myself, pointing out every 'flaw', every bump, lump, scar, ripple & stretch mark," she wrote. Inspired by her friend, actress Danielle Brooks, and a reminder from her sister, Nash-Betts shifted her internal dialogue to one of kindness and appreciation.
"These hips caught two husbands (and a few boo's)," she wrote. "My thighs touch, but I gained weight having good food with great people. I see my c-section scar peeking out … but it's a reminder that I brought 3 beautiful children into the world."
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This message resonated deeply with her followers, who praised her honesty and vulnerability. Her post served as a reminder to be kinder to oneself and to appreciate the body's strength and resilience.
Redefining Beauty Standards: A Message of Empowerment
Nash-Betts's journey extends beyond body image to challenge societal expectations and beauty standards. She encourages her followers not to "waste your precious life on things that don't bring you joy." She also shared how she overcame being typecast as a comedic actress, inviting others to see her differently after being nominated for best leading actress in a limited series for "When They See Us" on Netflix. "Don’t let anyone write YOUR story," she wrote, emphasizing the importance of self-determination and challenging limiting beliefs.
In her apology post, Nash-Betts emphasized the importance of kindness, a quality she learned from her mother. "My mom always said 'They don't teach 'Kind' in school, you gotta learn that all on your own,'" she wrote. "Loving your body can be a rollercoaster ride… but with all that said, I (propose) to be kinder to myself today than I was yesterday… tomorrow, I'ma try to keep (it) going."
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