Empowerment and Advocacy: Halle Berry and the Call for Women’s Health Awareness
American actress Halle Berry recently made headlines not just for her illustrious career but for her passionate advocacy on Capitol Hill, campaigning for increased research funding and education surrounding women’s health, particularly menopause. Her bold declaration, “I’m in menopause,” resonated with many, including myself, and sparked an instant admiration for her willingness to shine a light on this often-ignored topic. As a 53-year-old navigating the turbulent waters of perimenopause, I wholeheartedly relate to her experience.
Understanding Perimenopause: My Personal Journey
At age 53, I find myself in the midst of perimenopause, a stage that can begin years before menopause itself. For a long time, I experienced various symptoms of estrogen loss without understanding their implications. It wasn’t until I started connecting the dots—like persistent fatigue, depression, brain fog, and even frozen shoulder—that I recognized I was grappling with hormone deficiency. I responded by hitting the gym harder, lifting heavier weights, experimenting with supplements, and persisting through each day.
Despite my efforts, I was operating on as little as three hours of sleep per night and was struggling with debilitating hip pain. I often turned to my female colleagues for advice; the responses were revealing, ranging from “menopause is barbaric” to practical suggestions like “get hormones.” This candid dialogue among women exemplified a growing recognition of the need for more open discussions about menopause.
Navigating Medical Consultation: The Quest for Hormone Therapy
During my first visit to a doctor at UC San Diego Health, I was met with a cautious approach to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Instead, I was offered gabapentin—commonly used for epilepsy—and an antidepressant. However, what I truly needed was estrogen, which my body could no longer produce effectively.
After much discussion, I was prescribed HRT at the lowest dosage. This marked the beginning of a collaborative process between my doctor and me, one that involved ongoing adjustments in pursuit of regaining my quality of life. Remarkably, after just three months on HRT, my physical and emotional well-being improved dramatically. It was a revitalizing experience that felt almost miraculous.
The Shortage Dilemma: A Disconcerting Reality
However, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. When I first attempted to fill my HRT prescription, I experienced a frustrating setback—only one of my medications was available. Rising shortages of estrogen patches, akin to many other vital medications, left me anxious about my reliance on a therapy that could become unavailable. Thankfully, UC San Diego Health’s pharmacy had the needed supply, but the ongoing lack of availability is concerning. Women deserve consistent access to the medicine they require.
The Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy
As I currently maintain my HRT regimen—taking progesterone nightly and applying a transdermal estradiol patch twice weekly—I can confidently say the results have been life-altering. It’s imperative to normalize the conversation around hormone therapy, just as we do with cortisol, thyroid, and insulin. Women should have unobstructed access to HRT not only to alleviate distressing symptoms but also to potentially stave off serious health issues such as Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, and heart disease.
Employer Responsibilities: Recognition and Support
It’s equally essential for employers to recognize the impact of perimenopause and menopause on their female workforce. I feel fortunate to be part of UC San Diego, an institution that takes women’s health seriously. In a recent Zoom-based menopause support group, the response was overwhelming, with over 150 participants registering, including men. The open discussions proved to be an invaluable resource that created a sense of community, something that should be emulated by other employers.
The Unfortunate Exclusions
While I advocate passionately for hormone replacement therapy, I recognize that not all women have the same access to HRT. Those with a history of estrogen-sensitive breast cancer, blood clotting disorders, and other medical conditions may be denied this crucial therapy, leaving them with few options. The health community must focus on research and funding to provide these women with more alternatives should they desire them.
A Call to Action for Research and Awareness
As I reflect on these issues, I urge Dr. Monica Bertagnolli, director of the National Institutes of Health, to prioritize research funding focused on women’s health, specifically perimenopause and menopause. More targeted studies could lead to innovative pharmacological solutions that would greatly benefit women worldwide.
Final Thoughts: Empowering Women to Advocate for Their Health
For those experiencing diminished quality of life due to estrogen deficiency, I encourage you to speak openly with your doctor about your symptoms. Be persistent in your search for options, pressing for science-backed answers rather than outdated studies. If your concerns are dismissed, don’t hesitate to seek another medical opinion.
To every woman out there—regardless of age—stand firm in advocating for your health. We all deserve to live our lives fully, with or without hormonal therapies. The message is clear: our bodies, our choices, our lives matter. Together, with advocates like Halle Berry, we can bring menopause and women’s health discussions to the forefront, paving the way for a healthier future.
Carr is a communications and marketing officer based in San Diego.
