While 2025 may be the unofficial year of no-holds-barred menopause discussions, Hollywood constant Ricki Lake says she’s not quite there yet.
“You won’t believe this, but I’m 56 and still get my period—I haven’t gone through menopause yet!” Lake told The Oldster Magazine Questionnaire. “Never had a hot flash, though I do have some symptoms like dry eye. I’m actually ready to let go of my period. I’m involved in this project called The Midlife Monologues, and they say once you’re no longer releasing eggs, you go into this other mode with all this energy. It’s actually really exciting.”
In the wide-ranging interview, the former TV host, actress and filmmaker discusses everything from losing her possessions during the recent LA wildfires to “getting better with age.”
“I really like who I’ve become. A lot of it has to do with the trauma I’ve gone through. I’ve been through a lot of shit, but I’ve always come out evolved on the other side. I keep rising over and over again, and I’m going to again.”
While her take on aging is refreshing, Lake admits there have been surprises along the way.
“Fifties seemed so old when I was young! When I think about the Golden Girls, they were in their 40s doing that show. It’s so strange to be my age but feel so young—it’s like a different planet. Owning my gray hair has been a badass move, too. I did it out of necessity when I shaved my head right before COVID. But then I just surrendered to it.”
As Lake told us in a 2023 interview, surrendering and self-acceptance play key roles in how she lives her life.
“All those days and hours that add up that I spent not liking what I see in the mirror or second guessing it or wishing I was something else. What a waste of time! And it breaks you down. I’ve come to a place of just really appreciating my beautiful, abundant life. Am I 20 pounds heavier now? Yes, I am! And I’m so happy to be at this place of loving myself and loving my life and all of it has fallen into place.”
