Eva Mona Rodekirchen, known to audiences for her long-running role on the German soap opera “Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten” (GZSZ), has publicly discussed the reasons behind her 2022 departure from the show. The actress, who plays Maren Seefeld, revealed that a combination of physical changes and overwhelming stress led to her decision to seize a break, ultimately linked to the onset of perimenopause. Her experience highlights a growing conversation around women’s health and the challenges of navigating hormonal shifts while maintaining demanding careers.
Rodekirchen first joined GZSZ in 2010, quickly becoming a central figure in the series. Her unexpected pause in 2022 sparked concern among fans, but she returned to filming in 2023. In a recent interview on the YouTube format “GZSZ Bargeflüster,” she detailed the factors that prompted her to step away, explaining that the decision wasn’t sudden but rather a culmination of mounting pressures. The actress described a feeling of being completely overwhelmed, leading her to realize she needed to prioritize her well-being.
“The biggest turning point for me was leaving GZSZ,” Rodekirchen said, as reported by MSN. “That was a decision that resulted from many things.”
The Impact of Perimenopause
Rodekirchen attributes a significant part of her struggles to the onset of perimenopause, the transitional period leading up to menopause. Looking back, she recognizes the physical and emotional changes she experienced as symptoms of this stage of life. She initially perceived her condition as a potential burnout, feeling increasingly burdened by her responsibilities. “I was totally overwhelmed with everything and thought I just needed to stop for a moment, reorganize and then I could continue,” she explained.
The actress described a turning point where she felt a pervasive sense of irritation and negativity. “I came to function one morning and thought: This all annoys me. Everyone annoyed me. But I probably annoyed myself the most,” she recalled. This feeling persisted, escalating until she no longer recognized herself and realized a change was necessary. According to Rodekirchen, these feelings were directly linked to the symptoms of perimenopause, which manifested as anxiety, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, heart palpitations, and hot flashes.
“I was suddenly afraid of the simplest things – like driving or appointments,” she confessed. These anxieties, combined with the physical symptoms, created a debilitating cycle that made it increasingly difficult to function.
A Broader Conversation
Eva Mona Rodekirchen’s openness about her experience is contributing to a wider discussion about the impact of perimenopause and menopause on women’s lives. While often a taboo subject, the physical and emotional changes associated with these stages can significantly affect a woman’s well-being and ability to manage daily responsibilities. Rodekirchen’s story underscores the importance of recognizing these symptoms and seeking support.
Born June 15, 1976, in Bochum, Germany, Rodekirchen began her career in the entertainment industry as a singer in a country band before pursuing formal acting training at the Bavarian Theater Academy “August Everding” in Munich from 1999 to 2003, as noted in her Wikipedia entry. Prior to her role on GZSZ, she worked at several German theaters, including the Landestheater Schwaben in Memmingen and Theater Krefeld Mönchengladbach, where she was nominated for a Theater Oscar in 2010.
Rodekirchen is also a mother; she and her partner welcomed a daughter in December 2012, according to reports from RTL. She currently resides in Potsdam.
Following her break, Rodekirchen has returned to her role as Maren Seefeld on GZSZ and is reportedly fully committed to the series. The show continues to air on RTL, and fans can expect to see her character continue to evolve. The next scheduled episodes of “Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten” will air on RTL in early March 2026, offering viewers continued insight into the lives of their favorite characters.
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