Brooke Burke says 'menopause can be sexy'—here’s why

Brooke Burke says something most women haven’t heard about menopause:

“It can be sexy.”

But for the TV host and wellness expert, the reality didn’t feel empowering at first. Like millions of women, the symptoms showed up quietly—and quickly became impossible to ignore.

“I started noticing brain fog, fatigue, disrupted sleep… and I thought, is this just my 40s?” Burke tells USA TODAY Shopping. It’s a question many women ask—often before realizing hormonal shifts may be part of the answer and exploring what treatment options actually look like.

For many women, understanding what’s actually behind those symptoms often starts with learning how hormone levels are changing—and what your options are.

Burke notes that the biggest challenge wasn’t just the symptoms—it was the silence. “We didn’t have a language for it. There was a little bit of shame, a little bit of mystery… people just weren’t talking about it.” Until now.

The hidden career impact

A new survey of more than 1,000 U.S. women highlights just how widespread the issue is:

• Nearly 1 in 5 women say they’ve left a job or retired early due to menopause symptoms
• 62% say symptoms impacted their performance or career growth
• Symptoms contribute to an estimated $5.4 billion in lost productivity each year

Now, she’s using her platform to speak out—backing a new Menopause Time Off initiative that highlights just how much women are struggling at work.

She says her menopause symptoms were broad—and often dismissed but what frustrated her most? Being told it was normal.

“When women think something is ‘normal,’ they just deal with it,” she explains. “I don’t believe that. There’s so much we can do.”

The turning point

Burke credits one major shift for helping her regain control: deeper hormone testing and treatment. “As soon as I started HRT, it was a game changer for me,” she says. “It helped me navigate what was happening in my body.”

Her advice is simple—but powerful:

“Be a detective of your own body.”

Instead of guessing, Burke focuses on understanding what her body actually needs, from hormone levels to recovery and stress.

Want to understand what’s happening in your body? Start with an at-home hormone test that measures key biomarkers and connects you with physician-led care.

What actually helped

While there’s no single solution, Burke says a few core habits made the biggest difference:

• Strength training: “I’m lifting heavier—not to build muscle, but to protect it.”
• Prioritizing sleep: “We have to sleep to recover. That’s non-negotiable.”
• Lower-impact movement: Yoga, walking, and mobility work over high-intensity stress
• Hormone testing: “There’s science behind this—you don’t have to guess.”

She also emphasizes listening to your body day to day. “How do I feel when I wake up—and why? That question changes everything,” she explains.

Start with these menopause support essentials

• Hone Health Biomarker Test
• Sleep support
• Brain fog support
• Energy supplement

Why the workplace conversation matters

Burke is also lending her voice to a broader push to rethink how menopause is handled at work, where symptoms often go unaddressed.

“We get time off for mental health,” she says. “Why aren’t we supporting women through menopause?”

Advocates are calling for more flexibility, better policies, and open conversations—especially as women navigate what Burke calls a “decade-long phase of life.”

If you’re dealing with similar symptoms, starting with data—not guesswork—can make all the difference. Explore Hone Health’s menopause support tools and testing options to build a plan that works for you.

What is menopause time off (MTO)?

A proposed workplace policy allowing women to take flexible or symptom-related leave during menopause, similar to mental health days.

How does menopause affect work performance?

Symptoms like brain fog, fatigue and insomnia can reduce productivity, impact focus, and even influence promotions or earnings.

What are the most common menopause symptoms?

• Brain fog
• Sleep disruption
• Hot flashes
• Fatigue
• Weight changes
• Mood shifts

Is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) safe?

HRT can be effective for many women, but it should always be discussed with a doctor to determine individual risks and benefits.

How can you test hormone levels at home?

At-home biomarker tests analyze hormone levels through blood samples and provide physician-reviewed insights.

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