Mulholland Drive and The Watcher star Naomi Watts has spoken about her experience of early menopause when she was aged 36.
In an interview with HELLO!, the now 54-year-old British-Australian actress said, "Going through menopause at such a young age was not easy, especially during a time when there was so little information available about it."
She said she suffered "mood swings, night sweats, and migraines…I was feeling like I was spiraling out of control."
"I truly believe that if menopause hadn't been such an off-limits topic when I first started experiencing symptoms, I would've had an easier transition," she explains. "I was part of a cycle that desperately needed to be broken.
"There was a lack of open conversation and resources to help women navigate the changes we go through. That’s why I’m now so passionate about raising awareness and encouraging more honest conversations."
Watts said that going through the experience led her to gaining "a deeper understanding of myself, and I came out on the other side feeling more authentically me."
Watts spoke about her new partnership with Menopause Mandate, a US not-for-profit organization that is on a mission to revolutionize midlife support for American women.
Early menopause happens when a woman's periods stop before the age of 45 and it affects approximately 5% of women.
Watts also said that she feels that the topic of menopause "hasn't been adequately portrayed' on the big screen: "It's a side comment here or there, barely even a secondary plot line, but menopause can consume a significant portion of a woman's life - some people it can last over a decade. How is that not worth writing stories about?"
She elaborated, "So many things can happen in a women's life during this time; caring for elderly parents, an emptying nest, a divorce, a career shift, getting back into the work force.
"High stakes! All great fodder for meaningful and rich storytelling. Watch this space!"
