Naomi Watts Opens Up About Her Struggles with Early Menopause: “I Felt Very Lonely and Scared”

January 30, 2025: Renowned actress Naomi Watts has always been admired for her authenticity and openness, both on and off the screen. Recently, Watts has shared a deeply personal journey with her fans, revealing the emotional and physical challenges she faced when going through early menopause. In a candid conversation, the actress opened up about how the transition left her feeling “very lonely and scared.” HOLR breaks down the story here, offering insight into Naomi Watts’ experience and the broader conversation around early menopause.

A Reflection on Society’s Silence Around Women’s Issues

Speaking on UK TV show ‘Loose Women’, she explained: “I was 36 years old and trying to get pregnant, and failing, My doctor took some bloodwork and the results suggested I was close to menopause so it put the fear of God in me. I’d spent a long enough time trying to get pregnant, that’s a whole fertility story that I go to into the book. Mercifully, I was able to have two children but went heavily into the symptoms as soon as I stopped breastfeeding my second child.

“I felt very lonely and scared. I wished there was a book. At that time, the internet was barely active, there was very little information and whenever I tried to talk with friends about it, it was met with nervous laughter and ‘Don’t be silly, you’re far too young’, which made me retreat further and further into my shame.”

The ‘Mulholland Drive’ star – who has now penned ‘Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I’d Known about Menopause’ in the hopes of helping others – recalled asking her own mother why she had never discussed that sort of thing with her and admitted that there appeared to be a “code of silence” surrounding women’s issues at that time.

She said: “I remember when I was given that news that mother had said that she went into menopause at 45, but no other detail around it. I called her after that first appointment and asked her why she hadn’t told me more and she said ‘These are the conversations I never had with you because my mother never had with me.’ So there was this code of silence that seemed to have been agreed upon. No blame on her, it was just how society worked.”

Holistic Approaches to Managing Early Menopause

As part of her journey, Naomi Watts has also explored holistic approaches to managing early menopause symptoms. From diet changes to incorporating exercise and mindfulness techniques into her daily routine, Watts has found a balance that works for her. Many women facing menopause also turn to these lifestyle adjustments to ease symptoms and regain control over their bodies. Consulting with healthcare professionals and finding personalized solutions is key in managing the physical and emotional aspects of early menopause.

Why Representation Matters?

Naomi Watts’ decision to publicly share her story is a powerful form of representation. By being open about her struggles, she is helping to normalize conversations about early menopause, making it less of a taboo subject. Women everywhere can benefit from hearing stories like Watts’, which emphasize the importance of self-compassion, patience, and seeking help when necessary.

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Published by HOLR Magazine

Sources: Loose Women, Mulholland Drive, Dare I It, health

Image Credit: BANG SHOWBIZ