Dani Harmer, best known for playing Tracy Beaker on CBBC, has courageously revealed her diagnosis of perimenopause at just 35 years old. Through her openness, she hopes to raise awareness and encourage women experiencing similar symptoms to consult their GPs.
Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause, during which hormone levels gradually decline, causing various symptoms even while menstruation continues. While it typically affects women aged 45 to 55, it can start much earlier, as Dani’s experience shows. Its symptoms often overlap with other health issues, making diagnosis a challenge.
Dani shared in a candid social media video that her partner first noticed changes in her personality, prompting her to seek help. She described feeling unusually low, with heightened depression and anxiety beyond her usual experience, which had persisted since her teenage years.
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According to the NHS, mental health symptoms such as mood swings, depression, and anxiety are common during perimenopause. To manage these, they recommend adequate rest, regular exercise, relaxation techniques, and possibly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Besides mood changes, Dani struggled with “brain fog,” a common symptom characterized by memory lapses and difficulty concentrating. “I couldn’t even remember the word ‘banana,’” she humorously recalled.
Sleep disturbances followed, including intense night sweats and hot flushes — sudden waves of heat that can disrupt rest. The NHS suggests light clothing, a cool bedroom environment, and stress management to ease these symptoms.
One of the hardest parts for Dani was coping with hair loss. Known for her distinctive curly hair, she found this symptom deeply affecting her identity. Hormonal changes during perimenopause, especially the drop in oestrogen and relative increase in androgens, contribute to hair thinning and shedding.
Initially, Dani did not notice irregular periods, which delayed hormone testing. However, over time her menstrual cycle has become unpredictable, a sign that perimenopause is progressing. Eventually, periods cease altogether at menopause.
Dani emphasized the difficulty in obtaining a diagnosis due to the wide range of symptoms that can mimic other conditions. After finally seeing her doctor, she was prescribed Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which has helped alleviate many symptoms except for ongoing hair loss.
Her honest account highlights the importance of awareness around perimenopause, especially for younger women, and underscores the value of medical support in managing this natural life transition.