Halle Berry Opens Up About Health Scare That Turned Out to Be Perimenopause
Academy Award–winning actress Halle Berry recently shared a personal health experience that began with a surprising misdiagnosis. The 59-year-old star explained that doctors initially believed her symptoms were linked to a sexually transmitted infection before discovering a very different cause.
Berry chose to speak openly about the situation to bring attention to women’s health topics that are often misunderstood or rarely discussed—especially hormonal changes related to Menopause.
Unexpected Symptoms
Berry said the experience occurred early in her relationship with musician Van Hunt. At the time, she began noticing unusual physical discomfort, including pain during intimacy and irritation when urinating.
While appearing on The Drew Barrymore Show, Berry described how severe the symptoms became.
She explained that even routine activities became difficult.
“It was extremely painful,” she said, recalling that it sometimes took several minutes just to empty her bladder. She also experienced swelling that made everyday movement uncomfortable, including driving.
An Initial Diagnosis That Didn’t Add Up
When Berry sought medical care, doctors initially told her she had a severe case of Herpes Simplex Virus Infection. The diagnosis was both shocking and confusing for Berry and Hunt, raising questions about how such an infection could have developed.
Soon afterward, however, her doctor contacted her again with updated test results.
The earlier diagnosis was incorrect. Neither Berry nor Hunt had herpes.
The Real Cause: Perimenopause
Doctors later determined that Berry’s symptoms were related to Perimenopause, the transitional stage before menopause when hormone levels begin to fluctuate.
According to health experts, perimenopause can cause a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms as the body gradually moves away from regular menstrual cycles.
Common Symptoms of Perimenopause
Although every woman experiences this stage differently, common symptoms can include:
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Irregular menstrual cycles
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Hot flashes and night sweats
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Sleep disturbances
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Mood changes
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Lower energy levels
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Changes in sexual health
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Vaginal dryness or urinary discomfort
Lower estrogen levels can also lead to vaginal atrophy, where tissues become thinner and less lubricated, sometimes causing pain during intimacy or bladder irritation.
Berry said she was surprised that the possibility had not been discussed with her earlier.
“My doctor didn’t prepare me for this stage of life,” she explained.
Turning a Personal Story Into Advocacy
After realizing how common yet misunderstood these symptoms are, Berry decided to use her platform to encourage better awareness around menopause and midlife health.
In March 2024, she joined Jill Biden at the event A Day of Unreasonable Conversation in Los Angeles to discuss how women’s health issues are represented in media and healthcare.
Berry emphasized that many women enter midlife without clear information about hormonal changes and what to expect.
“I want to change how people think about women during this stage of life,” she said.
Why Awareness Matters
Medical professionals say perimenopause is sometimes misinterpreted as other conditions—such as infections, anxiety, or depression—because many symptoms overlap with other health issues.
Berry hopes that by speaking openly about her experience, more women will feel comfortable seeking medical guidance and discussing menopause without embarrassment.
“This is something every woman eventually experiences,” she said. “There shouldn’t be any shame in talking about it.”
Her story has helped spark broader conversations about hormonal health, menopause awareness, and the importance of education around a life stage that affects millions of women worldwide.