How Menopause Changed Their Lives - Halle Berry breaks the silence on menopause and launches a wellness revolution

Halle Berry has spoken openly about her menopause journey in a recent interview with The Times. The 59-year-old actress, who turns 60 this year, revealed how years of undiagnosed symptoms—from memory lapses to severe pain—reshaped her understanding of ageing and women's health.

Now, she is using her experience to challenge stigma and support others through her new wellness platform, Respin.

Berry's struggles began long before she realised perimenopause was the cause. For years, she endured memory lapses, night sweats, and irritability, all of which disrupted her work and relationships. The turning point came when she developed excruciating vaginal pain during intimacy after meeting musician Van Hunt. Doctors initially misdiagnosed it as a severe herpes infection.

Frustrated by the lack of answers, Berry took matters into her own hands. Online research led her to discover she was in menopause—a phase she admitted knowing little about. The revelation prompted her to seek hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which helped manage her symptoms.

Her experience also highlighted a broader issue: the silence around menopause. Berry argued that many women suffer in isolation, while partners often misunderstand their sudden withdrawal from intimacy. Determined to change this, she founded Respin, a platform offering personalised support, from HRT access to fitness coaching and community forums.

At nearly 60, Berry rejects the idea that ageing should bring shame or decline. Instead, she insists women deserve fulfilment, strong relationships, and a vibrant sex life at every stage. She now describes herself as more confident, wiser, and stronger than ever.

Berry's story sheds light on the gaps in menopause education and care. Through Respin, she aims to provide resources that were missing during her own journey. The platform's launch marks her shift from private struggle to public advocacy for women's health.