December 2024 – Naomi Watts, the acclaimed Hollywood actress known for her roles in films like Mulholland Drive and King Kong, is taking on a new challenge: advocating for women’s health during menopause. In a candid and empowering interview, Watts recently shared how she initially struggled with the idea of discussing menopause publicly, but ultimately decided to take matters into her own hands by founding a company dedicated to supporting women navigating this significant life transition.
A Personal Journey: Overcoming the Fear
In an emotional conversation with Vogue earlier this month, Watts admitted that she was initially hesitant to talk about menopause, fearing societal stigma and judgment. "I was scared. I didn’t want to be seen as too old, or that people would not take me seriously anymore," she explained. "There’s this societal narrative that menopause is something you should hide, that it's a sign of aging and the end of a certain chapter of your life. But I realized, we need to change that."
Watts, who is 55 years old, went on to explain that she had experienced early symptoms of menopause in her mid-40s. Hot flashes, mood swings, and sleepless nights were just the beginning of her journey. As she navigated these changes, she found the lack of open conversation about menopause frustrating. “I felt isolated,” she said. “I had the resources and the privilege to seek out help, but not every woman does.”
After spending years trying to normalize the topic with friends, colleagues, and professionals, Watts came to a powerful realization: she could use her platform to make a real difference.
The Birth of "Stripes"
In 2024, Watts launched Stripes, a health and wellness brand aimed at providing menopause support products and resources. The company’s mission is to offer solutions that help women navigate this natural life transition with grace and dignity. “Stripes is about empowering women to embrace menopause, not fear it,” Watts said in a statement released with the launch. “We want to create a space where women feel supported, informed, and not alone. It’s about starting conversations and making sure women have access to the right resources.”
Stripes offers a range of products, from supplements and skincare to wellness kits designed specifically for the physical and emotional changes that come with menopause. The company also provides educational resources, including articles, expert interviews, and personal stories, to help women better understand their bodies and find effective ways to manage symptoms. Watts has partnered with leading medical experts and holistic practitioners to ensure that Stripes' offerings are scientifically backed and health-focused.
A Groundbreaking Conversation
The actress’s decision to launch Stripes has been widely praised for its authenticity and boldness, especially in an industry that often focuses on youth and beauty. Many women have voiced their appreciation for Watts’ honesty and commitment to breaking down the stigma surrounding menopause. “Naomi is opening doors that need to be opened,” said Dr. Jennifer Gunter, an OB-GYN and menopause expert. "By speaking up about her own experiences, she’s paving the way for others to feel comfortable talking about menopause. It’s an issue that affects millions of women, but it’s rarely discussed with the same openness as other stages of life.”
Watts herself has emphasized that her own experiences with menopause shaped her desire to help others. She explained how early on in her journey, she felt like she was being left out of conversations about health, beauty, and aging. “I would go into meetings with people, and they would be talking about anti-aging treatments and skincare lines, but no one was talking about menopause. I felt like I had to whisper about it,” Watts recalled.
Shifting the Narrative Around Aging and Menopause
In addition to launching Stripes, Watts has also become an advocate for shifting the narrative around aging. The actress, who has long been celebrated for her talent and beauty, is using her influence to change how we talk about growing older—particularly for women.
During a recent interview with Harper's Bazaar, Watts explained how the industry’s obsession with youth often sidelines women who are navigating menopause. “There’s this idea that once you hit a certain age, you’re no longer relevant or beautiful or desirable,” she said. “But I think the opposite is true. Menopause is a time of transformation, not decline. It's an opportunity for women to step into their own power.”
Watts is not alone in her mission to reshape perceptions of aging. Several high-profile women have spoken out about their experiences with menopause and the need for more visibility and understanding. Gwyneth Paltrow, Oprah Winfrey, and Michelle Obama have all addressed the topic in recent years, contributing to a growing movement to normalize menopause conversations.
A Changing Landscape for Women’s Health
Watts’ efforts with Stripes also come at a time when women’s health and wellness are receiving more attention than ever. The global health community is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of supporting women through all stages of life, including menopause. This shift is reflected in the growing number of products, resources, and even clinical trials aimed at improving women’s health during this time.
In recent years, many companies have started focusing on menopause wellness, offering everything from hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to non-hormonal supplements designed to manage common symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, and mood changes. Stripes stands out because of its holistic, all-encompassing approach that combines both modern medicine and natural wellness.
Watts is also a vocal proponent of the importance of mental health during menopause. In a recent interview with The Guardian, she emphasized that the emotional and psychological effects of menopause are often overlooked. “The mood swings, anxiety, and even depression that some women experience can be incredibly challenging,” Watts said. “We need to normalize those feelings and give women the space to talk about them.”
Looking Ahead
As Stripes gains traction, Watts’ hope is that it becomes a symbol of empowerment for women everywhere, reminding them that menopause is not something to be feared or hidden but embraced as a natural part of life. She is committed to fostering an environment where women can age with dignity and confidence, knowing they have access to the resources and support they need.
“It's about creating a new narrative,” Watts said. “We’re changing the conversation around aging and menopause. Women deserve to feel strong and supported, no matter where they are in their journey.”
Through Stripes and her advocacy, Naomi Watts is not only reshaping how we talk about menopause but also helping countless women feel more seen, heard, and empowered. The actress may have once been afraid to speak out about her experiences, but today, she’s helping others find their voices in the process.
Sources:
- "Naomi Watts Opens Up About Menopause and Launches New Wellness Company," Vogue, December 2024.
- "Naomi Watts Wants to Break the Stigma Around Menopause," Harper's Bazaar, December 2024.
- "Naomi Watts Talks Menopause and Aging: 'It's Time for Women to Embrace It'," The Guardian, December 2024.
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