Instagram/@halleberry
Recently, Berry and Chmerkovskiy shared bits of their perimenopause experiences and mental health struggles in a heartfelt conversation on The Drew Barrymore Show. It brought recognition to the psychological issues that arise with shifting hormones, wherein the celebs ranged from late-in-life personal tales about working for self-acceptance to freedom.
Advertisement
The talk on The Drew Barrymore Show opened the doors for one massive historic discourse breaking decades of silence around menopause. Halle Berry and Val Chmerkovskiy had a rather frank conversation about the effects of perimenopause on one’s mind, with the revolutionary women’s feedback from around the web being so wild and free!
Berry, who formed the platform for menopause wellness, Respin, gave, “Exactly the ugly side of menopause.” “I was 54 and felt like I got dropped into hell. Nobody ever talked about this subject with me. I was scared, I was alone, had no one to talk to. I didn’t know what to do. I thought I was losing my mind.” She went on to say she was deep into depression: crying so much; just thought she was growing old, then realized it was a perimenopause chemical reaction.
Chmerkovskiy stated: “I want to add my own perspective-whatever that means, I didn’t wake up cracked open ‘free’ until I’m 64 years old. I was a people pleaser for far too long. After everything that had happened to me last year, I’m done. I’m done. I’m going to put myself first now. I have to care about myself.” Then the two of them proceeded to somewhat embody women’s science: The diminution of estrogen basically downregulates oxytocin production-so, that alone changes the way women view others’ opinions.
The comments section exploded in a wave of recognition and relief. Another user wrote, “Love how you talk so openly about it! High time!” Another one commented: “Nothing personal just scientific ❤️🙌love how Halley explained it” which sparked a mini-debate in the comments about whether hormone therapy or antidepressants should be preferred.
The most empowering comments came from these women themselves regarding their journeys. “I was like this until HRT,” one comment said “My HRT keeps me employed and engaged in life. I love being a parent again too. I had lost all hope before this and was passively suicidal. Perimenopause is no joke.” Those honest words expose to life how greatly hormonal changes can interfere with ones’ mental health and consequently impair their daily functioning.
Younger women came in as well: “Started to go through it at 23 due to genetic disorder and I’ve never understood why something we all will have to experience NEVER gets talked about.” Her separate and isolated journey through early menopause underscores the importance of these talks at all ages.
Liberation was truly a theme that hit deep. Women rejoiced in their newfound freedom from caring about other people’s opinions, a few stating, “I love how I dont care about being liked anymore ha ha 😂😂” and “Not caring about what other people think is the best part about it!” Group adoption of self-prioritization probably represents a silver lining for a large portion of women on the menopause journey.
Then they came up with real-life suggestions. “I will tell you at age 58 that yoga three to four times a week plus a beautiful yoga community has saved my sanity during this glorious stage of my life🤍,” one lady said, reiterating the power of community and movement to ground herself in turbulent times hormonally.
This wholesome interaction uncovered another major difference. Berry had a very strong period at 54, while other women reported very mild symptoms much, much earlier. “I was like 38-40 when it started,” said one woman, with another one adding, “I noticed significant changes at 45 but now that I know more, I had symptoms before then.” This diversity makes awareness even more necessary on a universal level.
Maybe the most soul-shaking and heartbreaking story was of one of the women who went through surgical menopause. “I had a hysterectomy at 43 years old. The staff forgot to give me hormone replacement after the surgery. I LITERALLY couldn’t drive because my short-term memory was so poor… The depression, memory loss, sleep deprivation, and emotional instability were unimaginable!” The long recovery of hers that went on for years underscores just how much dramatically hormonal changes impact their cognitive functions and overall quality of life.
Advertisement
What makes it such a milestone is who’s having the conversation. Berry and Chmerkovskiy are spokespersons for a new wave of celebrities who are slowly chipping away at the shame and silence which have surrounded this biological experience for generations. By discussing depression, cognitive changes, and emotional instability, they dissolve the stigma associated with symptoms all these women endure in solitary.
This story originally appeared on Celebrityinsider
