Maria Luque on Changing the Conversation Around Menopause
The PhD hopes to empower women with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate menopause effectively
For too long, menopause has been treated as a taboo topic. Maria Luque, PhD, hopes to change the conversation around the transition. A health science professor, fitness expert and menopause specialist, Luque is on a mission to empower women with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate menopause with confidence.
Luque serves as Halle Berry’s menopause coach, guiding the Oscar-winning actress through her personal journey as part of Respin Health, the just-launched wellness initiative Berry co-founded. Her expertise in menopause and fitness is built on decades of research and hands-on experience.
“My background as a health science professor means I’ve always been committed to science-backed strategies, ensuring that everything I teach is rooted in evidence,” she explained. “But science alone isn’t enough—real change happens when knowledge meets practical, individualized application. That’s where my 20 years of coaching experience come in.”
She has spent years guiding women through the challenges of menopause, helping them understand their bodies and build effective habits.
“This dual perspective—bridging research with real-world coaching—defines my approach,” she said. “It’s not about generic advice; it’s about creating personalized strategies that empower women to thrive.”
When Halle Berry set out to experience the Respin Health pilot program, she wanted to do so as a participant.
“She understands the power of coaching and community,” Luque shared. “She wanted to go through the process herself to fully embrace what we’re building. With my extensive experience and personalized approach, she chose me as her coach to guide her through this journey. It’s been an incredible collaboration because she’s deeply committed to sharing real, science-backed solutions for menopause. She embodies the message that every woman deserves this level of support.”
A cornerstone of Luque’s menopause coaching is strength training, which she insists is critical for women going through perimenopause and menopause.
“Resistance training is non-negotiable for women in perimenopause and menopause,” she stated. “It’s not just a fitness trend—it’s backed by decades of science showing its critical role in preserving muscle, metabolism and bone density, as well as improving cognitive function and mental well-being.”
Declining estrogen levels during menopause contribute to muscle loss, which in turn affects metabolism, increases fat storage and weakens bones.
“Strength training is the most effective way to counteract these changes and maintain long-term vitality,” she said. “But the benefits go beyond just the physical. Strength training has a profound impact on mental health and body image. Instead of focusing on what’s being ‘lost,’ strength training shifts the perspective to what’s being gained—strength, capability, confidence and a renewed sense of control over one’s body. Studies also show that resistance training reduces anxiety, depression and stress, making it a key tool for overall well-being.”
Luque emphasized that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach and that menopause care has been fragmented for too long, often leaving women to navigate the transition on their own. Respin Health is working to change that by offering proactive, personalized coaching.
“For too long, menopause support has been reactive—women are left to figure it out themselves or rely on outdated, one-size-fits-all advice,” she said. “At Respin Health, we’re changing that by providing science-backed, personalized coaching that is proactive, precise and deeply personal.”
One of the biggest gaps Luque and Respin Health aim to fill is empowerment.
“We don’t just offer guidance—we give women the tools, education and support to become their own best advocates,” she says. “Instead of passive, single-dimensional care, we create tailored solutions that help women understand their bodies, make informed choices and take control of their health.”
Another key differentiator is community.
“Menopause can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be,” Luque stated. “Women thrive when they have a supportive space to share experiences, ask questions and learn from one another. Our coaching model brings women together so they can feel heard, validated and empowered.”
Luque’s message is clear: menopause isn’t something to fear—it’s a new chapter and with the right tools, it can be a strong one.
“At the core of my coaching is this simple truth: movement should feel like a gift, not a punishment,” she said. “When we make that shift, everything else—consistency, strength, confidence—falls into place.”