Halle Berry's painful menopause symptom was mistaken for herpes. How to tell the difference between perimenopause symptoms, STIs & UTIs

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Halle Berry's personal experience with a painful perimenopause symptom propelled her to use her status as an Oscar-winning actress to raise awareness for women's health. The 58-year-old appeared on a recent episode of The Drew Barrymore Show to speak candidly about why she's committed to helping women navigate their health through menopause.

Berry opened up about a startling health misdiagnosis she received when she was 54. The star said she was in the early stages of a relationship with her partner, singer Van Hunt, and was having "the best time."

“Then one morning I tried to go to the bathroom and I couldn’t go," she told host Drew Barrymore. "It was so painful when I tried to let a little bit out... it took me almost 10 minutes to just empty my bladder because it was so painful.”

The "Never Let Go" actress said after an examination, her doctor told her that she had a "bad case of herpes." Following the news, Berry said she and Hunt spent the next 72 hours "playing the blame game" and trying to figure out how she could have contracted the herpes virus.

Eventually, her doctor called to tell her she had been misdiagnosed, but couldn't provide answers to the cause of Berry's pain.

Berry took it upon herself to begin researching her symptoms. "That’s when I came up with dry vagina syndrome that women have when they’re in perimenopause. And I had all the symptoms of what that felt like...," she said.

Barrymore, who recently turned 50, said that the condition can cause intimacy to feel "like sandpaper." Berry agreed, comparing her pain to "razor blades."

Over the next few years, Berry became passionate about women's health and founded Respin Health. The online platform is designed to educate people one perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause symptoms and provide resources and experts to help women navigating the transitional period of their life.

Barry's experience shed a light on a common issue many women face: confusing perimenopause symptoms with other health conditions like UTIs and STIs. By understanding the common symptoms and how they differ from other conditions, women can seek appropriate care and avoid the pitfalls of misdiagnosis.

Yahoo Canada previously spoke to Dr. Michelle Jacobson, a menopause specialist in Toronto, on how women can distinguish between these overlapping symptoms — and when to see a doctor. Here's what you need to know.

Perimenopause vs. UTIs and STIs: How symptoms overlap

Perimenopause is a phase that often goes unrecognized because its symptoms can mimic those of other conditions. Jacobson pointed out, "It's usually not very obvious that a patient's symptoms might be because of perimenopause."

Women might still have regular periods, which makes it harder to link their symptoms to hormonal changes.

One key aspect of perimenopause is the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), which brings a range of symptoms like dryness, abnormal discharge and urinary discomfort. This happens because sex steroid deficiencies, like estrogen and testosterone, impact the tissue of the vulva, the vagina and the lower urinary tract. "It could be dryness, it could be abnormal discharge, it could be burning, itchiness," Jacobson said.

These signs are easily confused with infections, because they can mimic the sensation of a UTI, including bleeding during or after sex, or feeling like you can't empty your bladder. "All of these things happen when you get sex steroid deficiencies, but it's important to be able to recognize it for what it is."

Risks of misdiagnosis: What women should know

Misdiagnosing perimenopause symptoms as UTIs or STIs is a significant issue. Women may end up receiving unnecessary antibiotics or other treatments that don't address the real problem — hormonal imbalance.

Jacobson emphasized the importance of recognizing GSM symptoms, as they can worsen without proper treatment. "The symptoms of GSM... get worse without [hormone] replacement," she notes, stressing the need for correct diagnosis and management.

Jacobson said we don't know how many women go misdiagnosed and mistreated in Canada, but it's estimated up to 80 per cent of women will experience some GSM symptoms over time.

When should you see a doctor for your symptoms?

If you're unsure whether your symptoms are due to perimenopause or another condition, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider. Jacobson mentioned the MQ6 assessment tool, a set of questions recommended by the Society of OBGYNs of Canada (SOGC), to help identify menopausal signs.

These key questions include:

1. Any changes in your period?

2. Are you having hot flashes?

3. Any vaginal dryness or pain during intercourse?

4. Any bladder issues or incontinence?

5. How is your sleep?

6. How is your mood?

The expert advised women to seek medical advice rather than self-treating, especially if symptoms persist or worsen. "I think anybody who's got a persistent and worsening problem should be seen by their primary care practitioner," she recommended.

Questions about menopause? Interested to share your experience? Contact us at yahoo.canada.lifestyle.editors@yahooinc.com and you could be featured in an upcoming Yahoo Canada article.

How to advocate for yourself

If you suspect your symptoms are not being taken seriously or are being misdiagnosed, Jacobson encouraged self-advocacy. "For a long time, menopause has been not well treated, and physicians have not felt confident in treating menopause. I think, if you feel that you are not being listened to or that your symptoms are being diminished, it's important to advocate for yourself," she assured.

Jacobson suggested that women request referrals to menopause specialists or seek expertise through relevant organizations, such as the SOGC. Ensuring that your healthcare provider considers perimenopause as a potential diagnosis is essential for receiving the right treatment.

Want to share your story?

Since menopause is top-of-mind for many Yahoo Canada readers, we'd like to hear your story. Do you have unanswered questions about menopause that keep you up at night? Or perhaps you have an experience getting through the life stage you think the world should know? Reach out to yahoo.canada.lifestyle.editors@yahooinc.com to have your story featured in a Yahoo Canada piece.

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