Naomi Watts breaks the silence on menopausal symptoms in Hollywood
- Naomi Watts faced warnings about her career if she spoke about her menopausal status.
- She started experiencing menopausal symptoms in her thirties, with a doctor informing her of her impending menopause at 36.
- Through her upcoming book, Watts aims to raise awareness and foster open discussions about menopause.
In a revealing account, Naomi Watts shares her struggles with menopause, beginning with the shocking diagnosis from her doctor when she was just 36 years old. At that time, she confided her fears regarding her ability to become a mother, expressing disbelief at the notion of being close to menopause. As a prominent figure in Hollywood, Watts faced significant stigma about age, particularly after being warned that acknowledging menopause would be considered career suicide. Traditionally, discussions around menopause have been virtually absent in the film industry, contributing to a culture where older women feel invisible and unf***able. In her forthcoming book titled "Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I’d Known about Menopause," Watts emphasizes the importance of communication regarding this often-taboo subject. She aims to destigmatize menopause by openly sharing her experiences, including the unpleasant symptoms such as urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal issues that accompanied her transition. With the changes in her body and sex life, Watts hopes that her story will illuminate the complexities of menopause and encourage women to seek better treatment and dialogue about their health within Hollywood. Despite her initial apprehension to write about menopause, Watts was inspired to break the silence when she recognized the necessity for awareness and education surrounding the subject. After years of conflicting messages about age and desirability in the industry, she acknowledges that a woman who understands her needs and health is, in fact, empowering. By sharing her journey, she hopes to foster greater understanding of menopause, creating a space for women to discuss their experiences openly and without shame. Ultimately, Watts believes that her book can serve as a resource for both women experiencing menopause and those close to them. Her candidness about the realities of aging in Hollywood and the misconceptions surrounding menopause emphasizes the need for a cultural shift regarding the treatment of women in the industry. By bringing topics like menopause to the forefront, she aspires to challenge the societal norms that have historically marginalized women as they age, highlighting the importance of support, understanding, and acceptance during this natural life transition.