Gabrielle Union’s Grandmother Lived to 110—Here’s Her Own #1 Rule to Protect Wellbeing

Gabrielle Union has never shied away from talking about the personal, whether it’s fertility challenges, trans rights, or menopause. Still, even she was caught off-guard while filming a romantic scene on her recent Prime Video movie, Blame It on Rome, when a sudden hot flash hit—triggering sweat, which led to inner panic.

For the actor known for iconic roles like Bring It On and Being Mary Jane, it was a sharp reminder that menopause does not pause so we can work. Each year, approximately 1.3 million women enter menopause, contributing to what AARP has noted as an estimated $1.8 billion in productivity losses for employers.

Union, who just celebrated her 11th wedding anniversary with retired NBA star Dwyane Wade (with whom she has daughter Kaavia), is choosing visibility over silence. She’s partnered with Bayer to help bring menopause into the open, particularly around disruptive hot flashes, and to encourage women to talk with their healthcare providers about treatment options, including the hormone-free medication Lynkuet, which she says has been part of her own care. She’s also done chasing resolutions, she says, and is focused instead on feeling more grounded at this stage of life—working with people who “give grace.”

This week Union talked with The Healthy about the emotional toll of pushing through work in silence, and why prioritizing peace has become her guiding principle.

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The Healthy: We interviewed you about this topic in 2023, and one point that’s stayed with us was your discussion of mood swings during menopause. It’s relatable, and it’s tough. How’s the journey been lately?

Gabrielle Union: Hot flashes are a challenge. You can’t plan for them. You never really know what you’re going to get. It’s kind of like Forrest Gump—life is like a box of chocolates, and it turns out so are hot flashes. They’re all different in duration and severity.

When you’re at work—and I tend to play romantic leads—one thing that doesn’t feel very visually romantic is your leading lady sweating. Having a hot flash drip down your face is not the vibe. It’s definitely disrupted my daily life and my job. Dealing with hot flashes in a work setting creates a lot of emotions. There’s a level of shame—like, Oh my God, I’m sweating, while inside you’re feeling panic. [On] Blame It on Rome, which we shot in Rome … I was sweating during a love scene, having a hot flash, and it read as panic or discomfort.

I’m a rom-com vet, but my body was telling a different story than the confidence I actually felt. It can be confusing, it can be shameful, and ultimately, it can feel very isolating.

The Healthy: How did you handle it?

Gabrielle Union: I was at work, so I didn’t have my full toolbox with me. I just had to white-knuckle it until it passed. Luckily, I work with people who offered me grace. That’s a big recurring theme in this menopausal journey—you’re going to need to give grace to folks dealing with hot flashes, and you’re going to need to ask for grace. Thankfully, I was given grace in spades.

The Healthy: How do you think this conversation is being received today? Do you feel like we’re making progress, especially for professional women?

Gabrielle Union: The more women talk about it openly—amongst ourselves, from mothers to daughters, grandmothers, cousins, even children—and use clear language about what we’re experiencing, the more empowered we all become. That includes the people in our lives, because they finally have language to understand what’s happening.

Creating community around this—the movement of menopause, if you will—is incredibly powerful. We have power in numbers. The more people feel comfortable speaking candidly about their experience, the better. That’s why I always try to lead with the truth: This is what I’m going through. I hope it helps someone. Whether you’re talking to an audience of millions or an audience of one, every time we speak openly about it, it truly makes a difference.

The Healthy: Do you use any hormonal treatments? This particular option is non-hormonal, but can you share your thoughts on how women’s suffering has gone unnoticed and untreated for so long?

Gabrielle Union: I think you said it best—it has gone unnoticed and untreated for years. Options were limited, and knowledge was limited. For me, I’m actually on Lynkuet, because I’ve been very open about my reproductive health challenges, and some other options weren’t right for me. That’s why it’s so important to talk with your doctor and figure out what’s right for you—and to know that there are options.

The Healthy: We recently interviewed your husband, and we know he’s into wellness—red light therapy, facials, the whole routine. Is there a self-care ritual you’re into these days?

Gabrielle Union: Lately, I’m kind of addicted to my vibration plate. My little sister gave it to me for Christmas, and I’m obsessed. It helps with toning and circulation. I’ve also had to focus more on managing inflammation, and it’s been really helpful for that.

The Healthy: As we head into 2026, are there any goals or intentions you’re focusing on—projects, advocacy, priorities?

Gabrielle Union: I stopped doing resolutions a while ago. I even stopped doing vision boards, because so much of what I was trying to envision was about things instead of how I want my body and spirit to feel.

Now I have a singular focus on peace. Anything that disrupts my peace has to go. P-E-A-C-E. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve wanted to get off the hamster wheel of life—living to work, working to live—and center peace in my decisions: parenting, relationships, friendships, work.

My grandmother lived to be 110 and had such a full life. I like to think I’ve got at least another 60 years, and I want peace at the center of it. When we’re younger, we think chaos is normal—but it doesn’t have to be. That’s my vision.

The Healthy: What’s a benefit about aging that’s surprised you?

Gabrielle Union: I have a greater thirst for knowledge than ever. The way I ask questions and what I’m curious about has expanded. My worldview has expanded. My capacity for love has expanded. And all of that came with age.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

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