"GZSZ" Break Also Due to Menopause - Eva Mona Rodekirchen opens up about menopause and her GZSZ hiatus

Eva Mona Rodekirchen, renowned for her role as Maren in Gute Zeiten, Schlechte Zeiten (GZSZ), has candidly discussed her battles with menopause. The actress disclosed how symptoms such as anxiety, sleeplessness, and cognitive impairment (brain fog) led her to take a hiatus from the long-running soap in 2022.

Her decision was made after months of feeling overwhelmed by both physical and mental challenges. Now, she hopes sharing her story will help other women facing similar experiences.

Rodekirchen first noticed menopause symptoms creeping in with sudden anxiety, heart palpitations, and nights without sleep. Concentrating became difficult, and she struggled with cognitive impairment, making it hard to memorize lines—a crucial part of her job. By 2022, the strain grew too much, and she stepped away from GZSZ between September and April 2023.

She believes prolonged stress exacerbated her symptoms. While her husband offered support, others around her often dismissed or misunderstood her struggles. After returning to work, she felt clearer and more confident in setting boundaries.

Her honesty reflects a broader shift in Germany over the past decade. Campaigns like Menopause macht stark, public figures such as Judith Rakers and Claudia Obert, and initiatives by the Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) have moved menopause from a taboo topic to an open discussion. This change has led to better medical care, more hormone replacement therapies, and workplace programs addressing symptoms like hot flushes.

Rodekirchen now encourages women to speak up and seek professional help. She sees her own openness as a way to break down lingering stigma around menopause.

Rodekirchen's break from GZSZ gave her time to regain her footing. Since returning, she has adjusted to her symptoms and advocates for greater awareness. Her story adds to a growing conversation in Germany about menopause, pushing for better support in both personal and professional settings.