Actress Naomi Watts candidly discusses menopause, its stigmas, and how we can empower women through open discussions and community support.
Did you feel well prepared for the physical changes that come with menopause? What surprised you the most about this time?
Long story short — no! When my doctor told me I was close to menopause at the age of 36, I nearly fell out of my chair. I was looking to start a family, so menopause was the last thing on my mind. I didn’t know much about menopause at all at the time, so I went into a bit of a panic, trying to learn as much as I could about it.
I felt alone and ashamed, and like there was little information out there to guide me. Even the medical professionals I saw seemed to dismiss my concerns about symptoms or questions, which remained unanswered. When I tried to broach the subject with my friends, I was met with nervous laughter and, “Oh, you’re too young to be in menopause.”
I was especially surprised how badly it hit my skin: I had dry, raging, red, and itchy skin that was really uncomfortable. The products that used to help me were suddenly too harsh for my sensitive skin. That inspired me to create Stripes Beauty, to bring together products, education, and community to really support women’s changing needs at this time.
In your opinion, how can we encourage more open discussion about menopause and remove the stigma that makes women feel ashamed of such natural physical changes?
We are half the population! It’s absurd that there is still any stigma associated with a natural part of life. When I found out I was entering into menopause at an early age, I asked my mother why she never told me more about it, and she said, “These are the conversations I never had with you because my mother never had them with me.”
I don’t blame her at all. I think this education needs to start young — at home, through conversations with our kids, and at school. Students get taught about hormonal changes in puberty as part of sex education — they should be taught then about the hormonal changes on the other side as well. Talking about our pain points openly, without shame, is the only way to help each other feel more prepared and less alone. Check in with the women in your lives, ask questions empathetically, and lend a supportive ear. We all have a part to play in supporting women through menopause.
What is the most notable impact you’ve seen Stripes have on women navigating menopause?
What I’ve seen women appreciate the most is having a community to talk to, to feel supported and more comfortable bringing up menopause in conversation — not just with other women, but also with their partners and kids. I used to have people stop me in the streets for my performances; now, if I get stopped in public, it’s almost always by women expressing gratitude for helping to open this conversation.
I am proud of what we have built at Stripes Beauty and that we can provide real solutions for women trying to navigate this time in their lives. Feeling supported, with products that actually work, makes a big difference for a lot of people. So many brands completely neglect women once they hit their 40s or focus solely on anti-aging. At Stripes, we know that aging is a privilege. I hope we’ve played a part in helping women find their confidence at every age.
What advice do you have for women who may be struggling with their confidence as they enter midlife?
I’ve been there! Physical and mental changes in your body can mess with your confidence. What has helped me most is finding solutions that I know work for me, so that I can feel like myself — hydrated, strong, and healthy. That’s why I created Stripes. I felt self-conscious about my skin, especially while I was on camera. Creating a skincare line that has helped transform my skin has done wonders for my confidence. Whether it be skincare, supplements, medication, or a workout routine, you deserve to feel your best. A reminder, in case no one else has told you: Your life isn’t over when you hit 50; you can thrive during this time.
