Naomi Watts is coming out with a new book — and it’s not your typical celebrity memoir.
Come in January Mulholland Drive the actress, 55, will be on shelves everywhere on the cover Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I Knew About Menopausewhich, as the title suggests, is a guide to menopause—and other aspects of aging.
The book will feature much of Watts’ personal story, including stories about her own experience with menopause – plus conversations with friends and experts, and a foreword by Dr Mary Claire Haver – in an effort to break down the taboo surrounding the life stage.
“For too long, women have had to suffer in silence and shame about the changes they go through during menopause, with little access to information, support, or even much open conversation,” Watts tells PEOPLE exclusively.
Naomi Watts recalls ‘spinning out of control’ after experiencing menopause symptoms at 36: ‘It’s not easy’
“I hope that this book can contribute to women feeling a little less alone, with a little more support and, dare I say it, with more excitement about the natural changes that life has in store for us,” she adds.
Cover of Naomi Watts’ upcoming book, ‘Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I’d Know about Menopause’.
Crown Publishing Group
Dare I Say It it’s a resource that Watts — already a leading voice in menopause awareness — craved when, at age 36, she was caught off guard by the symptoms of menopause, which usually begin between the ages of 45 and 55, according to the National Institutes of Health.
“Feeling confused, alone, and unsupported at this stage in her life, Watts decided to do better for herself and for other women, and began boldly using her platform to normalize conversations about this natural process,” reads a press release for the upcoming book. .
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“I want you to read this book like you’re sitting down for coffee and having an intimate conversation with your girlfriend,” Watts said in a statement. “I hope it will be helpful to anyone trying to hold on to this phase of life and make it a time of liberation and not just a trial.”
“Menopause is part of a woman’s midlife, but midlife is much more than menopause,” she added.
Naomi Watts says she was perimenopausal at 36 because she was trying to have children: ‘I was so alone’
Watts also tells PEOPLE that she is “very grateful to everyone who has talked to me about sharing my stories.”
In a message to her future readers, she adds, “I can’t wait for you to hear about the highs and lows and everything in between about this life stage and get real, practical advice and comfort on how to take these changes head-on.”
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Naomi Watts.
Ben Watts
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Dare I Say It it’s a natural next step for Watts, who founded her menopause wellness brand, Stripes Beauty, in 2022. Speaking to PEOPLE about the brand earlier this year, the star said, “I know I had shame and fear and doubt. Chances are a lot of other people are going through the same thing.”
“I had a lot of anxiety before starting this business, and then I felt like every woman gets to this point. Why don’t we have better care?” she added then. “There’s just a lack of education and research.”
Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I Knew About Menopause will be published by Crown on 21 January 2025 and is available for pre-order now, wherever books are sold.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education