Drew Barrymore Gets Real About Dating While Going Through Perimenopause

Daytime talk show host and actress Drew Barrymore, 48, lives her life like an open book. But, now that she has reentered the dating world, the 50 First Dates star says she often finds herself wanting to conceal an important part of her life: her journey into perimenopause.

The Charlie’s Angels alum recently appeared on a panel about menopause alongside Oprah Winfrey, Maria Shriver, Dr. Sharone Malone, Dr. Heather Hirsch and Dr. Judith Joseph, which aired on the Oprah Daily website.

Barrymore took a moment on the panel to talk about her experience with perimenopause, in addition to how it has impacted her dating life.

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“There’s something in that stigma that I don’t want you to think I’m some dusty, old, dry thing. That’s not the image I want,” the actress said, according to Entertainment Tonight.

During the candid discussion, Barrymore opened up about how she almost kept her perimenopause experience a secret from a potential suitor. “I feel very confident, normally, and I want to be who I am and present myself. But in that moment, I thought, I have to tell this story because it was a real-life experience of, I’m so proud to be here,” she shared.

The Scream alum continued, “I’m an open book. But in that one moment, I was like, ‘I don’t want to say what it is, because I'm engaging in someone who I want to see me a certain way.’”

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Presley Ann/Getty Images

On a recent episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, Barrymore experienced one of her first hot flashes from perimenopause while talking with Murder Mystery 2 stars Jennifer Aniston, 54, and Adam Sandler, 56.

“I am so hot, I think I’m having my first perimenopause hot flashes,” Barrymore shared with the viewers.

@drewbarrymore I either had my first perimenopause hot flash or got really exciting! Maybe both? @thedrewbarrymoreshow [e-266c] original sound - Drew Barrymore

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After the episode aired, Barrymore shared the video clip on her own TikTok page, and her supporters had nothing but praise for her openness. In the comments section, one fan wrote, “I don’t know [if] I have ever heard a celebrity talk about a flash in the moment. Thank you for being so real.” Another chimed in and said, “Love that you are so genuine, also welcome to the club!!!”

We admire your openness and candor so much, Drew.

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Drew Barrymore Opens Up About Dating Again and Adjusting to Not ‘Being Alone’