Dani Harmer speaks up about her lesser-known perimenopause symptoms

Actress Dani Harmer opens up about her experience of hair loss at the age of 36

In an interview on ITV’s This Morning, Harmer shared her experience battling perimenopause at 36:

“I just wanted to be open about it because obviously I am on the younger side of it.”

“And even though I think it’s rare, I don’t think it’s that uncommon, especially looking through my comments.”

Harmer spoke up about how perimenopause has affected her hair:

“I think this is what I’m struggling with the most because for me, my hair’s my identity.”

Harmer explains that her hair is thinning and that she has bald patches, which began to affect her self-esteem:

“You know, I come across as very confident, but kind of behind closed doors, it is definitely taking its toll for sure.”

So, what is perimenopause?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, perimenopause is “the transitional period before menopause”, where oestrogen levels begin to decrease. 

Perimenopause typically begins around 8 to 10 years before menopause. It usually starts in your mid-40s, but it can also happen earlier. 

This is called premature menopause. 

Symptoms can vary from person to person, many people experience one of the following:

• Irregular periods or skipping periods
• Periods that are heavier or lighter than usual
• Changes in mood like irritability, depression or mood swings
• Low libido
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Vaginal dryness that causes discomfort during sex
• Urinary urgency (needing to pee more frequently)
• Sleep problems (insomnia)

Lesser-known symptoms include hair loss, bald patches, and thinning, which Harmer experiences and speaks up about.

Healthcare providers can recommend ways to ease symptoms. 

Harmer explained to This Morning that she takes supplements and gummies and oils her hair, which has improved:

“It was almost sort of double the amount, you know, a month ago, and yeah, it’s thinning and I’m having bald patches.”

Harmer continues to spread awareness about perimenopause and the lesser-known symptoms.

If you are experiencing any irregular symptoms, visit your GP.