Former Tracy Beaker star Dani Harmer has shared her experience with perimenopause, urging other women to seek medical advice if they notice symptoms. The 36-year-old actress, known for her role in the CBBC adaptation of Jacqueline Wilson's books, discussed her diagnosis on ITV's This Morning with Ben Shepherd, Cat Deeley, and GP Dr Zoe.
Harmer revealed that her partner Simon noticed her 'whole personality had pretty much changed', and she herself 'knew something was off'. She was diagnosed with perimenopause, crediting her positive medical experience to having a female GP. Perimenopause occurs when hormone levels begin to decline, leading to irregular periods and other symptoms.
One symptom Harmer highlighted was hair loss. She shared photos of her hair falling out in clumps and described it as 'thinning badly'. According to health app Flo, fluctuating oestrogen and progesterone levels during perimenopause can disrupt the hair cycle, causing thinning.
The NHS states that early menopause affects women under 45, with symptoms including missed periods. Treatments include the combined contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to replace low hormone levels. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and a calcium-rich diet can also help manage symptoms.
