Naomi Watts talks menopause: “Women grin and bear it”
Feb 3, 2025
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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.
Naomi Watts emphasizes the importance of breaking the silence around menopause, as many women suffer in isolation without accessible information or support.
The podcast challenges the outdated societal perceptions of older women, advocating for a shift that recognizes their value, wisdom, and contributions to society.
Deep dives
Navigating Perimenopause
Many women experience symptoms of perimenopause, such as anxiety, depression, and memory lapses, often without understanding what is happening to them. The discussion highlights the confusion faced by women like Naomi Watts, who began experiencing symptoms at a young age while simultaneously dealing with societal expectations around aging and femininity. She emphasizes the importance of breaking the silence surrounding menopause, as half the population will experience it, yet few are openly discussing it. This openness is crucial not only for individual health but also for creating a supportive community where women can share their experiences and feelings.
The Need for Clear Information
There is a significant lack of reliable information related to menopause, which can lead to misinformation and misunderstanding among women. Naomi shares her journey of feeling isolated and uneducated during her own experience, prompting her to write a book and create a company focused on supporting women through menopause. She discusses the importance of accessible resources and community support, stressing that there should be transparent discussions about symptoms and treatment options. By doing so, women can better understand their bodies and reduce the stigma surrounding menopause.
Challenging Societal Norms
Naomi Watts addresses the social stigma that older women face and the ingrained belief that they suddenly lose value in society. The conversation explores how women are often conditioned to suffer in silence, leading to feelings of shame and inadequacy regarding their bodies and experiences. Watts champions the need for a shift in societal attitudes, advocating that older women possess immense wisdom and experience that should be honored and valued. Recognizing and confronting these outdated narratives is vital for improving the perception of aging women.
Emphasis on Mental Health
The podcast delves into the mental health challenges associated with menopause, such as anxiety and sleep disturbances, and acknowledges the increasing need for proper education and resources in this area. Naomi shares her personal experiences with anxiety during her perimenopause journey, indicating that symptoms can be exacerbated by lack of sleep and stress. Solutions, including lifestyle changes and therapies, are discussed as essential tools for managing mental health during this phase. This highlights the importance of prioritizing mental well-being alongside physical health when navigating menopause.
Actor Naomi Watts went through early menopause at 36. She was experiencing symptoms she couldn’t explain, like itchy skin, night sweats, and anxiety, but struggled to find any real information or stories about this midlife transition.
In this chat with Fearne, Naomi explains why she’s become passionate about shining a spotlight on previously taboo topics like fertility, menopause, and sex. She talks about how it felt to be told she was peri-menopausal while she was in the middle of her fertility journey, and how she’s changed her lifestyle to help manage her symptoms.
Fearne and Naomi chat about the way women are told that simply being a woman means you have to suffer and your body will be a place of pain. How can we re-write the narrative to celebrate the beauty of our bodies and cycles?
Plus, how to fight back against the ingrained idea that older women aren’t of great use or value to society...
Naomi’s book, Dare I Say It, is published by Happy Place Books and it’s out now.
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