Halle Berry’s Health Revelation: Perimenopause Misdiagnosed as Herpes

Halle Berry recently revealed a health misdiagnosis that led to the discovery of her perimenopausal condition.

During the A Day of Unreasonable Conversation event hosted by Propper Daley, where influential figures and television industry professionals gather to discuss media's portrayal of society, Berry, aged 57, engaged in a conversation about women's health with First Lady Dr. Jill Biden.

The Oscar-winning actress confessed that she had previously underestimated menopause, believing it was a lifestyle matter.

Berry shared her initial misconception, stating she thought she could dodge menopause due to her good health and successful management of diabetes without insulin since the age of 20, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

At the age of 54, Berry encountered vaginal discomfort following intimacy with her partner, Van Hunt.

Recounting the experience, she described the sensation as akin to having razor blades in her vag|na, as detailed by People magazine.

Consulting her OB-GYN, Berry was startled when her symptoms were mistaken for herpes, with the doctor claiming it was the most severe case he had ever seen.

Berry vividly recalled her disbelief at the misdiagnosis, exclaiming, “Herpes?

I don't have herpes!”

Following subsequent tests that ruled out s–ually transmitted infections, it was revealed that Berry was actually experiencing symptoms of perimenopause.

Vaginal dryness, a common indicator, was identified as the cause of her intense pain.

Expressing her frustration over the lack of awareness from her doctor, Berry emphasized the need to utilize her platform to advocate for women's health issues.

She highlighted her determination to effect change and support other women facing similar challenges, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Perimenopause marks the transitional phase before menopause onset, characterized by a decline in hormone production by the ovaries, as explained by the Cleveland Clinic.

This period, which can precede menopause by up to seven years, presents various symptoms such as night sweats, cognitive fog, and menstrual irregularities, as previously noted by TODAY.com.

Typically, the initial signs of perimenopause include hot flashes and vaginal dryness, also known as vaginal atrophy, which contributed to Berry's medical concern.

Notably, Berry has been vocal about menopause, emphasizing its significance and impact on women's lives through social media and interviews.

In a candid interview with Women's Health in 2023, Berry challenged stereotypes associated with menopause, rejecting notions that aging women are marginalized or insignificant.

Emphasizing the strength and wisdom gained with age, Berry asserted her confidence in her womanhood and encouraged others to embrace their journey.

During the event, Berry and Biden urged industry professionals not to overlook older women in media portrayals, advocating for a shift in cultural perceptions of women in this stage of life.

Asserting that they are embarking on a new chapter rather than reaching an end, Berry emphasized the vitality and potential of women as they navigate the complexities of aging.