Actor Dani Harmer, 36, is speaking out about her experience with perimenopause. She hopes her story will help others facing similar issues. One of the biggest challenges she faced was severe hair loss.
Hair Loss Threatened Her Sense of Identity
Dani rose to fame playing Tracy Beaker, a character known for her dark curls. When her hair began falling out in large clumps, she felt panic. “My hair is my identity,” she told ITV’s This Morning. “Losing it made me feel like I was losing a part of myself.”
Although she does not consider herself vain, the thinning hair and bald spots affected her self-esteem. “I look confident on the outside, but it really took a toll on me privately,” she admitted.
Documenting the Extent of Hair Fall
On the show, Dani shared a photo showing a large amount of hair she had shed while washing it. Host Ben Shephard remarked, “Oh my god, look at all the clumps coming out!” Dani noted, “This is almost double what it was a month ago.”
Steps Taken to Improve Hair Health
To combat the loss, Dani began taking supplements and gummies. She also started oiling her hair, which has led to a slight improvement. Despite these efforts, she still notices significant shedding.
Speaking Out to Raise Awareness
Dani, a mother of two, joined Dr. Zoe on the This Morning sofa to share her perimenopause journey. She said she decided to be open about her experience because she was relatively young. “While I think it’s rare, it’s not that uncommon,” she noted, especially after reading messages from viewers.
She confirmed that her GP has been very helpful. “My symptoms were severe, and I needed support. I want people to know that seeing your GP can make a big difference,” she said.
Public Reaction on Social Media
Clips of Dani’s interview were posted on TikTok, where viewers quickly praised her honesty:
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“Perimenopause isn’t discussed enough. My body literally shuts down,” wrote one user.
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Another commented, “People need to know more about perimenopause.”
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A third shared her own story: “I went to my GP at 38 and listed 20+ symptoms. She finally agreed it sounded like perimenopause and prescribed HRT. Ladies, advocate for yourselves!”
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Others related to Dani’s hair concerns: “I felt the same way about my hair,” one viewer said.
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Another thanked Dani: “Glad she’s talking about it and raising awareness.”
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One more wrote: “Perimenopause can start in your late 30s or even early 30s. I was diagnosed at 34 after two years of terrible symptoms. I hope HRT becomes more accessible, no matter your age.”
Emphasizing Early Diagnosis and Support
Dani’s decision to share her story highlights the importance of early diagnosis, open conversation, and medical support for women experiencing perimenopause. By speaking publicly, she hopes to encourage others to seek help and to normalize discussions around this life stage.
