While promoting her new memoir, ‘Dare I Say It’, Naomi Watts has revealed that she faced early menopause. “This is a book about how my life turned upside down when I was told I was close to menopause at the age of 36! Right when I was ready to start a family,” she said in an Instagram post. “I thought this was the end of everything. Certainly, my fertility and career – boom.”
At the time of the diagnosis, Watts had just wrapped up filming King Kong and was hoping to start a family with then-husband Liev Schreiber. The couple did go on to have two children, in 2007 and 2008, proving doctors wrong.
But despite defying the odds, the experience led to Watts struggling with her mental health as she didn’t know who to turn to for support. “As I struggled through shame and secrecy, I wished there was an open conversation. A handbook I could secretly turn the pages of. Sadly there were no real resources. Not even well-versed doctors,” she said.
Now, she’s hoping to promote change with her new book. “‘Dare I Say It’ will hopefully give you a chance to feel empowered through the conversations I’ve had with doctors and experts and to feel a little less alone by hearing my story and convos with my girlfriends,” she said. “I can’t wait to share this with you all.”
As Watts’ story indicates, early menopause can be a challenging experience, especially if a woman is looking to conceive. But it’s important to remember, as is the case here, that early menopause doesn’t necessarily spell the end for fertility, and there are alternatives to natural conception, too.
According to Brendan Ayres, Director of Connect IVF, as women are starting families later in life it’s becoming increasingly important to plan ahead. “While it’s true some women can conceive naturally in their early 40s, this is the exception, not the rule,” he says.
For women in their 30s who are not yet ready for children, awareness and proactive planning are great considerations. Speaking to a GP or fertility specialist early can help assess your reproductive health and explore options.
How early can menopause start?
Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but for some women, it can start much earlier, occurring between the ages of 35 and 45. This early transition can be triggered by genetics, autoimmune disorders, medical treatments like chemotherapy, or lifestyle factors such as smoking.
How common is early menopause?
Early menopause affects about five per cent of women. Though less common, it’s a reality for hundreds of thousands of women worldwide, and despite its rarity, early diagnosis and proper medical care are essential for managing symptoms and long-term health risks.
What are the signs of early menopause?
The signs of early menopause are the same as natural menopause. Irregular or missed periods are usually the first signs, followed by symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and difficulty sleeping. Many also experience vaginal dryness, reduced libido and cognitive changes like brain fog. Once you’ve experienced 12 straight months without a period, you’ve gone through menopause.
Can you delay the onset of menopause?
While menopause is largely dictated by genetics, lifestyle choices can help delay its onset. Research suggests that a nutrient-rich diet – especially one high in omega-3s, antioxidants and plant-based proteins – can support hormonal balance, while regular exercise helps maintain ovarian function.
