Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry recently opened up about a frightening health experience that began with a surprising misdiagnosis. At 59, she revealed that doctors initially suspected her symptoms were caused by a sexually transmitted infection, before later identifying the true cause.
Berry chose to share her story to raise awareness about women’s health, hormonal changes, and menopause—subjects that are often overlooked or misunderstood.
She explained that the issue began early in her relationship with musician Van Hunt. During that time, she started experiencing unusual symptoms, including pain during intimacy and discomfort when urinating. While speaking on The Drew Barrymore Show, she described how severe the situation became, noting that even basic activities like using the bathroom were extremely painful and could take several minutes. She also experienced swelling that made everyday movements, such as driving, difficult.
When she sought medical help, Berry was initially diagnosed with a serious case of herpes. The news came as a shock to both her and Hunt, leaving them confused about how it could have happened. Shortly afterward, however, her doctor contacted her again with updated results, confirming that the diagnosis had been incorrect and that neither of them had the infection.
It was later determined that her symptoms were actually linked to perimenopause, the transitional phase leading up to menopause when hormonal changes begin to occur. According to the Mayo Clinic, this stage involves fluctuating estrogen levels, which can cause a variety of physical and emotional symptoms.
Experts explain that perimenopause can affect each woman differently, but it often includes irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, mood shifts, lower energy levels, and changes in sexual health. Some women may also experience vaginal dryness or bladder discomfort due to reduced estrogen, which can lead to thinning and irritation of vaginal tissues.
Berry admitted she was surprised that she had not been better informed about this stage of life earlier, noting that her doctor had not fully prepared her for what to expect.
After realizing how widespread yet poorly understood these symptoms are, she decided to use her platform to promote better education around menopause and midlife health. In March 2024, she appeared alongside Jill Biden at A Day of Unreasonable Conversation to discuss how women’s health is portrayed and addressed in media and healthcare.
Berry emphasized that many women enter midlife without sufficient knowledge about hormonal changes, often leaving them feeling confused or unsupported when symptoms arise. She expressed a desire to change perceptions and encourage more open conversations about this stage of life.
Medical professionals note that perimenopause is sometimes mistaken for other conditions such as anxiety, depression, or infections, since many symptoms overlap. This makes proper diagnosis and awareness especially important.
By sharing her experience, Berry hopes to normalize discussions about menopause and encourage women to seek accurate information and care. She stressed that this is a natural phase that every woman will go through and that it should not be surrounded by stigma or silence.
Her openness has helped spark broader conversations about hormonal health and women’s well-being, shedding light on an experience that affects millions worldwide.