Maria Bello Tried Ozempic, Botox and More to Combat Menopause Before Learning to 'Accept My Newly Emerging Self'

“After finally coming out of my cocoon of self reflection, I want to share my journey over the last two years to accept my newly emerging self,” the actress said

​​Maria Bello is opening up about finally accepting her transition to menopause.

On Monday, the actress, 56, returned to Instagram after two years — calling the social media hiatus a “(meno)PAUSE” — and detailed how she tried numerous ways to combat the side effects of menopause.

“I went through the first half of menopause during Covid and tried everything to keep it at bay,” she wrote. “I took bio-identical hormones (and still do), dieted harder and faster but still managed to gain 15 pounds, tried Ozempic for a week but gave up after the constant nausea and vomiting, got rid of the waddle on my neck, tried Botox, fillers and lasers, face creams, cellulite machines, face threads, teeth straightening and more.”

“I did copious amounts of therapy, including micro-dosing psilocybin, left Hollywood and all social media and at the end of it all finally moved to Paris,” she continued. “That was October of 2021.”

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Related: Celebrities Who've Talked About Menopause

Bello said she then decided to “really delve into the PAUSE in menopause” and “immerse herself” in the “7 Tasks of Aging,” which was introduced by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung. She explained that after a lot of self reflection, she’s been able to adjust and embrace her menopause journey.

“Jung said the mid-life point is marked by disillusionment and depression. He said to cross over successfully to the second half of life, one needed to complete these tasks. (More on that later),” she said. “Now after finally coming out of my cocoon of self reflection, I want to share my journey over the last two years to accept my newly emerging self.”

Related: Stars Who've Spoken About Ozempic — and What They've Said

“I hope these posts will help anyone crossing over to the ‘second half of life’ and inspire them not to avoid menopause but to embrace it,” she ended. “So here we go! #mariasmenopause #menopause #secondhalfoflife #thepause.”

In the comments section, Bello received numerous messages from people praising her transparency and asking her to share all that she’s learned.

“So good to have you back and even better to get me through the second part of my life. Looking forward to everything you have to share with us,” one follower wrote.

Another added, “Thank you so much for sharing your journey. Can’t wait to hear all about it!!! I’m in the middle of it too! 😫.”

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