Brooke Shields, the iconic actress and model, has shared candidly about the challenges she faces in her personal life,
particularly regarding intimacy and sex after menopause.
In her new memoir, *Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old*, the 59-year-old star opens up about the painful reality of sex in her later years,
discussing the physical and emotional changes that accompany aging and menopause.
Shields has always been a public figure, and now, she’s offering a vulnerable look at the less glamorous aspects of aging as a woman.
In chapter 10 of her memoir, she admits that sex has become painful for her after menopause, citing vaginal dryness and a decreased sex drive as contributing factors.
She also reveals that a procedure she underwent years ago, a labia reduction that included a vaginal rejuvenation treatment she never consented to, has added to her discomfort.
“On a personal level, I’m in a place where sex can be painful,” Shields writes. She goes on to explain that, to fully enjoy intimacy now, she relies on “lotions and potions,” specific sleepwear, a special pillow, and sometimes a little tequila to help her relax. It’s clear that the changes in her body have required adjustments, and she’s learning to navigate this new phase of life with humor and self-awareness.
Shields also mentions her doctor’s recommendation to try testosterone therapy, though she admits that she has not yet taken that step. Instead, she’s relying on the “the more you have it, the more you’ll enjoy it” approach, a strategy that many couples use to maintain intimacy in the face of physical changes. The actress acknowledges that sex is not just a physical act but requires mental and emotional effort, and she’s committed to finding ways to make it work.
Reflecting on her earlier years, Shields recalls having a strong sex drive after losing her virginity at 22 to her Princeton University boyfriend, though she still felt inhibited by the expectations and pressures surrounding her. “I never felt like I could step into that appetite in the way that I wanted to,” she admits. She wishes she had embraced her desires more fully, without holding back.
Shields’s journey into adulthood and relationships has been shaped by her fame and the scrutiny that often accompanies it. While she did not experience the same kind of freedom in her youth as she might have liked, her second marriage to Chris Henchy, which celebrated its 23rd anniversary in April 2024, has been a source of stability. Shields and Henchy, who met in 1999, share two daughters—Grier, 18, and Rowan, 21—both of whom are attending college at Wake Forest University.
Despite the challenges of aging, Shields remains devoted to her family and her career. She humorously recounts moments of pretending to be asleep when she knows her husband, Chris, is in the mood, reflecting the complexities that come with aging and the shift in sexual dynamics within long-term relationships. She emphasizes that her reluctance has nothing to do with her husband, but rather with the physical changes she’s facing as she grows older. “He’s hot!” Shields declares, showing that the connection with her partner remains strong, despite the changes in her body.
The actress admits that she often feels less appealing to her husband than she did in her younger years. “I’m going through all the bodily s*** that comes with aging as a woman,” she writes, including thinning hair, peach fuzz, belly fat, vaginal dryness, and a decreasing sex drive. Yet, Shields remains determined to embrace these changes, acknowledging them with a blend of humor and resilience.
As she continues to navigate this new chapter of her life, Shields is also embarking on a book tour to promote *Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old*. The 256-page memoir, co-authored with Rachel Bertsche, delves into the challenges of aging and the societal pressures placed on women. Shields kicks off her tour with a performance at the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre in Manhattan, offering fans a chance to connect with her on a deeper level.
In addition to her book tour, Shields is set to executive produce and star in the upcoming comedy *Quarter*, where she will play an intrusive gynecologist named Dr. Wright. The film, which explores the coming-of-age story of a young woman with diabetes, will feature an ensemble cast, including Shields’s longtime friend Ali Wentworth, Raven-Symoné, Eric Roberts, and Breckin Meyer.
Brooke Shields’s honest and relatable exploration of aging, intimacy, and self-acceptance provides valuable insights for women navigating similar challenges. Her willingness to share her personal experiences in her memoir serves as a reminder that the journey of growing older is filled with both difficulties and opportunities for growth and renewal.
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