Judy Greer, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in '13 Going on 30' and 'Ant-Man', is pulling back the curtain on one of Hollywood's most persistent taboos: perimenopause. In a candid and powerful new interview, she reveals her own 'terrifying' journey and the systemic failure to support women through this life stage.
'I Was Terrified and Felt Completely Alone'
Greer describes the onset of her perimenopause symptoms as a bewildering and isolating experience. She confesses to suffering for nearly a year before even realising what was happening, a common story for countless women. 'I thought I had a tumour,' she admits, highlighting the profound lack of accessible information.
The actress points a direct finger at the entertainment industry's youth-obsessed culture, where talking about ageing and its associated health changes is often seen as career suicide. This silence, she argues, leaves women unprepared and struggling in the dark.
A Call for Change and Open Conversation
Greer's mission is now one of advocacy. She is determined to use her platform to normalise the conversation around perimenopause and menopause. 'We have to talk about it,' she insists, comparing the need for awareness to historical shifts in discussing mental health or postpartum depression.
Her advocacy extends beyond mere conversation. Greer is calling for tangible changes in the medical field, urging for more comprehensive research and training for doctors on women's midlife health. She envisions a future where a woman's first perimenopause symptom doesn't lead to fear and confusion, but to readily available support and effective treatment options.
Beyond the Red Carpet: A Universal Struggle
While her experience is framed within the unique pressures of Hollywood, Greer emphasises that this is a universal issue affecting women in all walks of life. The core problem—a lack of education and support—is the same everywhere. Her story serves as a rallying cry for better healthcare, understanding, and empathy for women navigating perimenopause.
