The TV star, known for a role she first played in 2002 and has reprised multiple times since, posted a video to TikTok asking other women if they felt the same as her
Going through the perimenopause is a deeply unpleasant experience (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
A TV star has said she feels “so tired all the time” as she shared her experience of a health issue that affects millions of women in the UK every year.
Dani Harmer is known to millions as Jacqueline Wilson’s iconic character Tracy Beaker, a role she first played in 2002 and has reprised multiple times since, most recently in 2023. Now aged 37, she has more than 418,000 followers on TikTok, where she regularly shares peeks into her life as a mum-of-two.
In a recent video she spoke of her experience of the perimenopause and the one big impact it was having on her, saying: “Why do people not explain to you just how knackering going through perimenopause is? I am so tired all the time.”
She continued: “It is just gone half past three in the afternoon, I am exhausted, and all I’ve done today is go into London, do a bit of recording, and then come back home again. That’s, like, only a few hours of work, it’s really not a big deal, it’s nothing compared to what I’m used to doing on set where the alarm is set for like 5am and you’re out the door and you don’t get back in until like 9pm.”
Reaching out to other women in a similar situation, she said: “So, like what is it what makes you so tired? Can anyone explain? Is it my hormone levels?”
She continued: “So, shout out to anyone else who’s going through perimenopause and who is this sleepy also. It’s hard. It’s very hard. I want a nap, but I’m gonna go and pick the kids up in a minute, and I don’t want to, I want to leave them at school and sleep.”
Many other women in the comments shared that they were experiencing the same issues, with others offering suggestions. One said: “Go get your bloods taken! I have been super poorly last four weeks and I’ve found out its my Vitamin D. It’s supposed to be at 50 and mine was 12.” Dani replied: “Oh my lord! Yes I think I might!!!”
Another said: “It could be low oestrogen or testosterone. Have you had your levels tested?” Replying, Dani said: “Not for ages!!! Just got out on HRT and sent on my merry way!!”
And someone else said: “I’m discovering they haven’t told us loads about perimenopause.”
What is the perimenopause?
The perimenopause is when a woman has symptoms of the menopause while still having periods. Most women experience it between the ages of 45 and 55, although it can begin earlier, according to Bupa. Women experiencing symptoms of the perimenopause before the age of 40 should speak to their doctor.
During the perimenopause, a woman’s hormone levels change, and ovaries produce fewer eggs. Once a woman has not had a period for 12 months or more they have officially reached the menopause.
Symptoms can include:
- Changes in menstrual cycle
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Vaginal dryness
- Incontinence and bladder problems
- Weight gain
- Joint and muscle pain
- Difficulty sleeping
It can also cause mental health problems, including:
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Problems with memory and concentration, also known as “brain fog”
- A loss of interest in sex
Why does the perimenopause make you so tired?
According to the NHS, women experiencing the perimenopause and the menopause will experience significant fluctations in hormone levels. Among the hormones to fall is progesterone, which regulates sleep and blood sugar. When levels fall it may be more difficult to sleep. Decreased levels of oestrogen can also affect the body temperature, leading to hot flushes, lower testosterone levels can cause low mood, making it more difficult to relax.
The NHS says exercise, hydration, and losing weight can all help deal with these symptoms, as well as relaxation techniques. Medications are also available, while workplace adjustments may also help.
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