"GZSZ" Break Also Due to Menopause - Eva Mona Rodekirchen opens up about perimenopause's toll on her career and mental health

Eva Mona Rodekirchen, renowned for her role as Maren in Gute Zeiten, Schlechte Zeiten (GZSZ), has openly discussed her struggles with menopause symptoms. The actress revealed how symptoms like anxiety, sleeplessness, and brain fog led her to take a break from the long-running soap in 2022. Her decision came 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 'brain fog,' making it hard to memorise lines—a key 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 worsened 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 programmes 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.