Photo credit: Halle Berry (Instagram)
Halle Berry did not see perimenopause coming. Speaking exclusively to ESSENCE, the actress and Re-Spin founder said the symptoms caught her completely off guard. Among them, severe vaginal dryness became one of the most difficult challenges. She described the sensation as feeling like “razor blades.” As a result, her sex life came to a screeching halt.
To find relief, Berry turned to Joylux, a women’s health platform focused on intimate wellness. Initially, the vFit Device caught her attention. The FDA-approved red light therapy tool was developed by OB-GYNs to improve pelvic floor strength, increase blood flow, and enhance sensation. Unlike traditional red light treatments used on the face or body, Joylux applies the therapy intravaginally. Within weeks, Berry said she noticed a significant improvement and felt moist again.
Collaborating with Joylux on a new product
After experiencing those results, Berry partnered with Joylux to develop a new vaginal gel called Juicy Like A Peach. She explained that countless women face the same symptoms but often avoid discussing them publicly.
According to Berry, the gel uses HPMC-5 technology to cling to vaginal tissue, lock in moisture, and reduce friction during intimacy. Additionally, it aims to make sex more comfortable. While many similar products rely on estrogen, Berry said this formula creates a moisture-rich environment without hormones. Therefore, it may benefit women who cannot or choose not to use hormone therapy. Meanwhile, Berry uses the gel alongside her menopause hormone treatment as an added layer of support.
Menopause began at 54 with multiple symptoms
Berry entered menopause at age 54. Besides vaginal dryness, she experienced insomnia, brain fog, and anger. She admitted those symptoms made her feel like she was losing herself. Even so, she chose to speak honestly about both the difficult moments and the victories because she believes there should be no shame surrounding menopause.
However, not everyone supported her decision. Some people close to her warned that speaking publicly about women’s health could hurt her acting career. Nevertheless, Berry dismissed those concerns within minutes and remained committed to raising awareness.
How Berry manages her menopausal health
Today, Berry supports her health through more than products alone. Exercise, meditation, and intentional daily routines play central roles in her lifestyle. Although she uses only a handful of wellness products, she chooses each one carefully. Beyond that, she believes the people she surrounds herself with and the way she spends her time are equally important.
Berry at 59: this is the beginning, not the end
At 59, Berry refuses to let menopause define her. Instead, she continues to build her career while embracing this new chapter of life. She is currently working on a television series, a film titled Florida, and several additional projects scheduled for release this fall.
Finally, Berry challenges one of the biggest myths about menopause. She rejects the idea that it marks the end of youth. Rather, she believes it signals the beginning of longevity, growth, and a healthier future.
Source: ESSENCE
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