Happy Place Naomi Watts talks menopause: “Women grin and bear it”
Feb 3, 2025
Naomi Watts, celebrated actor from films like The Ring and Birdman, opens up about her early menopause experience at 36. She shares her struggle with unexplained symptoms like night sweats and anxiety, advocating for transparency around women's health. Naomi discusses the stigma surrounding menopause and highlights the need to celebrate women's bodies rather than endure suffering in silence. Through her book, Dare I Say It, she encourages a shift in narrative, emphasizing the value and strength of women at any age.
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Early Menopause Symptoms
- Naomi Watts experienced early menopause symptoms like night sweats and irregular periods at 36.
- Doctors dismissed these symptoms during medical checkups for films.
Intergenerational Silence
- Naomi Watts's mother didn't share details about her menopause experience.
- This lack of intergenerational conversation reflects a societal expectation for women to suffer silently.
History of Menopause
- The term "menopause" was coined relatively recently, in 1812.
- Historically, menopausal women were often viewed as useless or mentally unstable.
