Katherine Heigl doesn't want women to be ashamed of growing old.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the actress opened up with a candid and refreshing chat about the hormonal and physical changes that occur, a time in a woman's life often not discussed much.

“I'm willing to talk out loud about this if it helps other women feel comfortable,” Heigl explained in a chat with the magazine, adding, “It's okay for some people to feel embarrassed or embarrassed about this because it's a natural part of female existence.”

This is all part of Heigl's new role as brand ambassador for Poise.

Menopause is the period in the life of every person with reproductive organs leading up to menopause, a period that can last up to 10 years and can be rife with shame and misinformation due to a lack of clarity, public discussion, and medical information.

“You're kind of alone in it,” noted Firefly Lane and former Grey's Anatomy star. 'What's happening to my body?' And the response is, “Oh, this is what it's like to get old. Your body suddenly becomes a complete stranger to you and you don't know what it's doing or why.”

Heigl is also right to speak out about it. The reality that no one talks about what is happening to roughly half the population is wild and crazy, especially as millennial women are beginning to move into this physical phase of life.

“This is sort of universal,” she adds, “which is why I feel so strongly that there should be more proactive help for all of us women going through this.”

The debate over menopause has stepped up a bit in gear over the last year, thanks to these discussions and the release of Miranda July's acclaimed novel, All Fours. Facing this often shame-filled time in our lives is essential to reclaiming menopause and educating those around us, and it is a breath of fresh air to see people like July and Heigl speak candidly about menopause.

“I just want to get my energy back and regain clarity,” Heigl explained.