Naomi Watts Advocates for Menopause Awareness and Acceptance

Oscar-nominated actress Naomi Watts is leveraging her platform to address the often-taboo subject of menopause, aiming to empower women to embrace their aging bodies. At the CNBC Changemakers Summit in New York City, Watts expressed her desire to normalize discussions surrounding fertility, aging, and physical changes. "I am trying to put forward the messaging that we can be okay with how we look," she stated, emphasizing that it is acceptable to age naturally. Watts founded Stripes Beauty in 2022, a company dedicated to supporting women through the challenges of perimenopause and menopause, which typically occurs between ages 45 and 55. According to Midi Health, approximately 6,000 women enter menopause daily in the U.S., highlighting the need for open dialogue on this natural biological process.

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Watts experienced early menopause in her mid-30s, facing symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. Reflecting on her journey, she noted, "I didn't have control over my own body." Her personal experiences have fueled her advocacy, as she aims to dismantle the stigma surrounding menopause that has persisted across generations. Many women have been taught to view menopause as a private burden, often linked to a loss of value tied to youth and fertility. Watts is determined to change this narrative, stating, "Why isn't there any information? Why is it so hard? Why is it so taboo when we are half the population?"

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Stripes Beauty has gained traction, partnering with major retailers like Ulta Beauty and Sephora, thus transforming menopause-related products into a mainstream aspect of women's health and beauty. In 2024, Watts's company was acquired by L Catterton, a private investment firm associated with Louis Vuitton's parent company, LVMH. The initiative also includes the establishment of "National Hot Flash Day," celebrated on September 9, to promote awareness of menopause as a shared experience among women. Watts encourages women to "make a bet on themselves" and emphasizes the importance of community, stating, "I am nothing without the community of women I have around me."

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Watts's commitment to breaking the stigma extends to her family life. She shared anecdotes about her children’s initial misunderstandings of menopause, highlighting the need for early education on the topic. "Why doesn't the education start as early as sex ed in sixth grade? It's just part of the story," she remarked. Her candid discussions with her children have contributed to a gradual reduction in stigma, making menopause a topic of regular conversation among her friends.

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• "It's okay to be 57 and look 57." — Naomi Watts, Actress

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• "Why isn't there any information? Why is it so hard? Why is it so taboo when we are half the population?" — Naomi Watts, Actress

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• "After 50, I have felt so much better about knowing who I am, so much more comfortable in my skin." — Naomi Watts, Actress

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• "Why doesn't the education start as early as sex ed in sixth grade? It's just part of the story." — Naomi Watts, Actress

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Through her advocacy, Naomi Watts is not only reshaping the conversation around menopause but also fostering a supportive community for women navigating this significant life transition.

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