Hilarie Burton Was Dismissed As 'Too Young' For Perimenopause But Symptoms Can Start Early

Hilarie Burton has shown how comfortable she is using her voice. Whether it was during her days adapting to all types of conversations as an MTV VJ or the two decades she's spent starring onscreen in hit scripted television shows and films. The "One Tree Hill" star tapped into her advocacy bag when teaming up with OLLY for their Mellow Menopause supplements, where she raised awareness on the realities of perimenopause and how early women can begin to see signs. "The more we can throw out what the symptoms are, I think the calmer people will be in their exploration of their own bodies," Burton told Brit + Co. 

It was a journey for the actor to learn about her perimenopause journey, particularly because she had been told by doctors that she was "too young" to be in the pre-menopausal state. It was only after doing her own research and speaking with her doctor that Burton confirmed her concerns about being perimenopausal. "I was beginning the [menopause] journey, and rather than try to hide it or treat it like a deficit, I get to own it," she shared. It's why Burton became more vocal about her own experience while helping women on their personal journeys. Much like how Naomi Watts turned her menopause confusion into resources for other women. 

While perimenopause is the natural transitional phase before menopause, and something most women experience, studies show it still remains highly misunderstood and inadequately explored. There's a broad period where women can experience perimenopause, beginning as early as their 30s or as late as their 50s. Once it hits, it brings a number of symptoms like hot flashes, irregular periods, and changes to your skin, like during menopause. 

Using her platform to address perimenopause was no issue for Hilarie Burton, who has become an outspoken advocate for women's health and beauty standards. Burton has been celebrated for her bold decision to let her natural gray hair grow out at a young age. While many women make coloring their hair a normal part of their routine in their 40s, Burton took a page out of her husband, actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan's book when deciding to embrace her silver tresses. After noticing how people saw Morgan as "hotter" when he chose to go gray, Burton chose to "act like a man in that journey [and embrace my own gray hair]," she shared with Brit + Co.

When going gray in 2023, Burton was amazed at how the choice became such a hot topic. But having launched her television career right out of high school, Burton grew up meeting the beauty standards of the outside world. "I have given the entirety of my youth to other people. And there's something really rewarding for me to just say, 'f—- it,' and let my hair grow gray," she told People. Burton brought the comedy when debuting her gray hair on Instagram, telling her followers that her one request to her hairstylist was to "Make me look like a hot witch." Now, between perimenopause and keeping up with gray hair trends that are perfect for older women, Burton is showing that happiness can come from embracing the natural aging process.