Building a Menopause Brand: Naomi Watts on HRT, Hot Flashes & Hollywood

Summary

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unPAUSED with Dr. Mary Claire Haver

Episode Title: Building a Menopause Brand: Naomi Watts on HRT, Hot Flashes & Hollywood
Guest: Naomi Watts
Date: February 17, 2026

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Overview

This episode explores Naomi Watts’ personal journey through early menopause, her decision to become an outspoken advocate for menopause awareness, and the creation of her brand “Stripes.” Dr. Mary Claire Haver and Naomi discuss the challenges of talking about menopause publicly, the stigma surrounding it in Hollywood, and broader changes in women's health advocacy. The conversation is candid, empowering, and laced with humor, providing valuable insight for women navigating midlife and menopause.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Naomi Watts’ Backstory and Resilience (05:22–10:11)

• Naomi grew up moving frequently after her father’s death, which made her adaptable and shaped her identity (“being a good adjuster, very adaptive” – 06:29).
• Early aspirations included being a doctor or teacher, but an experience watching her mother act inspired her love for the stage.
• Acting became her true calling after a pivotal workshop in her late teens, even after a brief career detour into fashion.

The Hollywood Climb and Facing Rejection (12:27–17:46)

• The road to Naomi’s big break (“Mulholland Drive”) was marked by years of rejection and feeling demoralized; “the rejection is personal and it's abundant.” (10:53)
• The transformative role in “Mulholland Drive” at age 33 set the stage for her later career.

Fertility Struggles and Early Menopause (17:46–25:46)

• Naomi faced a shocking, early diagnosis of perimenopause at age 36 while trying to get pregnant.
• The emotional toll was intense: “I was blindsided by the declaration of me being close to menopause.” (18:45)
• Turned to extensive alternative therapies out of desperation, and eventually conceived two children.
• Shared the importance of destigmatizing both fertility challenges and menopause through open dialogue.

Unraveling the Symptoms and Stigma of Menopause (26:17–34:19)

• Naomi recounts experiencing symptoms as early as her late 20s, but attributing them to other causes due to lack of information.
• “It was very alarming to me...what have I done to harm my body?...All that self loathing. We pile it on as women.” (18:45–19:30)
• Symptoms included night sweats, brain fog, skin changes, migraines, UTIs, and even a frozen shoulder—most recognized only in hindsight.
• Naomi and Dr. Haver discuss how even doctors were not adequately trained, contributing to a taboo culture.

Navigating Relationships and Maintaining Intimacy (28:30–33:00)

• Naomi details her relationship with actor Billy Crudup, meeting later in life and navigating vulnerability about menopause.
• A humorous and touching story: having to remove her HRT patch before intimacy and deciding to be open about it—“I could just own this and say, this is what's going on with my body.” (31:15)
• Billy’s supportive reaction was a “gateway to intimacy” and to fully owning her menopausal story in both her relationship and the public.
  • Quote: “He cracked up laughing and just said, oh my god, first of all, I'm so glad you're getting the right treatment.” (31:56)
• Normalizing these conversations is seen as key to deeper connection and self-acceptance.

Hormone Replacement Therapy, Hot Flashes, and Workplace Challenges (33:00–36:32)

• Both Naomi and Dr. Haver share anecdotes about hot flashes at the worst moments.
• HRT became life-changing for Naomi: “I have been successfully on HRT since 2013.” (34:08)
• Dr. Haver cites research showing that untreated menopause symptoms lead 10–20% of women to quit jobs at career peaks due to brain fog and cognitive struggles.

Changing the Narrative: Menopause in Media & Hollywood (36:32–39:12)

• The after-40 “career cliff” for women in Hollywood is challenged by Naomi, who emphasizes the importance of being seen and celebrated at every stage of life.
• Naomi cites recent examples of age-appropriate, sexually empowered roles for women over 40 (e.g., Nicole Kidman, Pamela Anderson, Demi Moore):
  Quote: “We're not unsexy, we're not unfuckable. We're not done.” (38:06)
• The rise of women in production (e.g., Reese Witherspoon, Ryan Murphy) is increasing authentic representation for midlife women.

Building “Stripes”: Creating a Menopause-Focused Brand (43:22–48:24)

• Naomi explains her motivation: “I wanted this woman to feel like she could have her dignity...she was not lost, she was not done...this is a time for her to shine and be vibrant.” (46:02)
• The brand is positioned not with “anti-aging” messaging, but as something “targeted, proud, and community-based,” aiming to provide education as well as products.
• Naomi overcame initial reluctance to discuss “the vagina stuff” in public, acknowledging the importance of honest dialogue—especially as her kids watched on social media.
• Observes the cultural shift, with vibrators and lube now found in major retailers—something unimaginable when she started.

Writing "Dare I Say It" and Embracing Public Advocacy (51:48–54:03)

• Naomi’s book was long in the making, delayed by fears of “career suicide” and not wanting to be pigeonholed as “the menopause lady.”
• “Carrying that fear, that secret for so long just gets exhausting...eventually you meet certain people who give you enough encouragement along the way.” (52:23)
• The book combines personal narrative, expert interviews, and humor: “There are moments truly undignified. But hey, it's just biology.” (54:04)
• The feedback has been deeply impactful, particularly women thanking Naomi for permission to open up with loved ones.

What’s Next: Longevity, Redefining Aging, and Supporting the Next Generation (54:26–61:25)

• Naomi balances brand growth and new product launches with a commitment to “functionality” and “innovation,” while seeking a slower, more fulfilling pace of life.
• Both she and Dr. Haver are driven to change the narrative on women’s healthspan, not just lifespan.
• They discuss the importance of being proactive about brain, bone, and overall health—“I want to be functional...I had two grandmothers, one that lived to 99...all the marbles in place.” (56:39–57:03)
• Advice for younger women: there is now a foundation, a network, and resources, thanks to collective advocacy—future generations can approach menopause with “curiosity, not fear.” (59:41–60:16)
• Naomi feels purposeful and energized by knowing she’s made the path easier for those after her.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Naomi Watts, re: Early Pushback (00:06):
  “I wasn’t listening to the pushback, I was listening to myself...I was getting met with ‘no, no, no, no, you’re not in menopause, you’re far too young.’”
• Naomi Watts, on Early Menopause Diagnosis (18:45):
  “I got...blindsided by the declaration of me being close to menopause.”
• Naomi Watts, on Sharing with Billy Crudup (31:15):
  “I could just own this and say, this is what’s going on with my body...that was just, like, the gateway to owning my story and intimacy.”
• Dr. Haver, on Workplace Impact (35:41):
  “A good study out of the UK: one in five to one in ten women will quit their jobs at the height of their career because of untreated menopause symptoms.”
• Naomi Watts, on Changing Media Representation (38:06):
  “We're not unsexy, we're not unfuckable. We're not done.”
• Naomi Watts, on the Brand’s Purpose (46:02):
  “I wanted this woman to feel like she could have her dignity…she matters and she should be able to hold her head high.”
• Naomi Watts, on Book Writing Fears (52:22):
  “The fear was just too great...branding myself as the menopause lady—no way. That would just change everything.”
• Naomi Watts, on Impact of Advocacy (49:58):
  “The newness of being stopped in the street...and having a woman...look me in the eye and say, ‘Thank you for giving me permission to open a dialogue’...that brings me a lot of joy. Not just useful, but purposeful.”

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Naomi’s Childhood & Shaping Resilience: 05:22–06:53
• Discovering Acting: 07:44–10:11
• Breaking into Hollywood: 12:27–17:46
• Fertility Struggles & Early Menopause: 18:45–21:38
• Symptoms Unpacked: 26:17–27:58
• Impact of HRT and Hot Flashes: 33:00–34:19
• Career “Cliff” and Changing Roles in Hollywood: 36:32–39:12
• Launching Stripes & Building Community: 43:28–48:24
• Discussing Menopause Publicly (with Children & Media): 48:24–49:38
• Feedback & Purposefulness: 49:58–50:57
• Writing “Dare I Say It”: 51:48–54:03
• Advice for Younger Generations: 59:41–60:16

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Closing Thoughts

This episode powerfully reclaims the menopause narrative, with Naomi Watts embodying courage, wit, and commitment to authenticity. Her story makes clear that menopause is not the end, but potentially the most liberated, impactful chapter of a woman’s life. Both guest and host inspire listeners to seek support, embrace evidence-based care, and help forge a more open, empowered future for women.

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Transcript

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

So you decide to do a brand around menopause.

[Naomi Watts]

Yes. And that's where we met. Pushback. I wasn't listening to the pushback, I was listening to myself. That was, you know, like, I'm sure you've had a moment, you know, you've had ideas that you've percolated for several months, possibly years, you know, and you play, you test the waters with your contemporaries. I'm sure that most people, when they come up with an idea, just like comedians go out and test their jokes. Yeah, we think it through. We test our. Through our friends. We. And I was, I was getting met with, you know, like, no, no, no, no, you're not in menopause, you're far too young. You know, like, or don't be silly, you know, like, if I would say, you know, oh, I'm having an estrogen dip, I would be getting plenty of messaging from those around me that this isn't a real thing. Don't go there. Kind of, you know, I'm not willing to talk about it, so why should you? So I definitely kept it tight for.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

The views and opinions expressed on onpause are those of the talent and guests alone and are provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. No part of this podcast or any related materials are intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Three and a half years ago, I was invited to consult on a new brand that was being developed in the menopause space by my guest today, the Academy Award nominated act and now entrepreneur and author Naomi Watts.

[Podcast Sponsor/Announcer]

She was building this brand after her.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Own personal struggles with menopause. At the time, I was still a practicing obgyn, running a very new small menopause clinic with just a modest social media following. I was flattered and curious. So I said yes and got on a plane to New York. When I got there, honestly, I was a little nervous. I walked into a room with 30 people, medical experts, advocates and. And a group of people from brand development.

[Podcast Sponsor/Announcer]

In the middle of it all was Naomi.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Not celebrity Naomi, but quiet, focused, intent Naomi. She didn't just wanna sell products. She wanted to normalize the conversation around menopause, build community and give women language and tools. I asked her point blank if it.

[Podcast Sponsor/Announcer]

Was scary as an actor to label.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Herself as menopausal in an industry that punishes women for aging. She answered fully and honestly and something she has continued to do in the years since. Since that weekend, Naomi and I have shared the stage on panel discussions and at conferences. And when she asked me to write the foreword for her book Dare I say It Now? A New York Times bestseller.

[Podcast Sponsor/Announcer]

It was one of my greatest honors.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

And she is here today to talk more about all of this with her trademark honesty and desire to build a community of empowered women. I'm Dr. Mary Claire Haver, a board certified obstetrician and gynecologist and certified menopause practitioner. I'm also an adjunct professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Texas Medical Branch. Welcome to Unpaused, the podcast where we cut through the silence and talk about what it really takes for women to thrive in the second half of life.

[Podcast Sponsor/Announcer]

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[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Welcome to Unpaused.

[Naomi Watts]

Thanks for having me so excited.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Tell me a little bit about baby Naomi. Where did you grow up?

[Naomi Watts]

Gosh, it's A long story. I'll try to keep it short. I grew up in a small town called Shoreham in Kent, outside of London. I lived there for the first eight years of my life. My father died very young, and I think after my father died, my mom was on the move a lot, looking for the right place to live to set up her family. We stayed with my grandparents for quite a while while my mom tried to find her feet. And I'm sure my grandmother's gonna come up through the conversation because she holds a special place in my heart and has a big presence in my life that comes up over and over again. Yeah, we moved around the UK from school to school, county to county, you know, back and forth to my grandparents, and then. Oh, and boarding school in there as well, in Suffolk. Eventually, at the age of 14, my family immigrated, my mom and my stepfather at the time and my brother, to Sydney, Australia.

[Podcast Sponsor/Announcer]

Wow.

[Naomi Watts]

So I moved around a lot as a kid, which had its frustrations, but definitely played a part in me sort of, I suppose, being a good adjuster, very adaptive, someone who's willing to move in different circles, learn and reshape and mold. But then, that said, identity is a big, repetitive theme in my life.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Your kids have pretty much been. Grew up in one location, right? You've had them in New York.

[Podcast Sponsor/Announcer]

Yes.

[Naomi Watts]

Were you, like, focused on them? I was definitely. It was a priority. Not to the point where it was like, this is how it has to be, or broken. But yeah, it was definitely important to me and my ex. Absolutely. And really, we went back and forth from the west coast to the East Coast a lot in the early days, and even did lots of trips on the road while they were little. And then came a point where it's like, you know, they want to be on a team, Right? They have to be normal teenagers. Yeah, exactly. Well, no, but well, before teenagers, actually, even, you know, like, second grade. Yeah. Second and third grade. That's when we were like, choose a place and hunker down.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Did you always want to be an actor?

[Naomi Watts]

No. No, of course. At the early days, I wanted to be a doctor. I wanted to be a teacher. I wanted to be all those things that regular young boys see.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

I wanted to be an actor.

[Podcast Sponsor/Announcer]

Did you really?

[Naomi Watts]

Yes. That's so funny. I didn't know that acting was a job, but I did have a very interesting moment watching my mom on stage at four years old with my grandmother in the front row. And I kept waving to her like a little kid would, trying to join the story of what was Happening. I knew she was like moving around the stage with this beautiful dress and talking in this funny voice and had a wig and I kept waving and she wasn't acknowledging me. And eventually after that many times of trying to connect with her, she gave me a little wink and a hand gesture. And it felt like I was transporting in that moment into this world of make believe. But I didn't know that that was a job or much less, you know, definitely not a career. I just thought, ooh, I want to do that. Yeah, that's something.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

So did you do much in high school acting or did you dramatize?

[Naomi Watts]

I did. I mean, ever since that moment I joined. Cause we were still living in the small town there, what was called the Shoreham Players. So every festive season, there was some skits or whole plays, and I would always be the first to sign up. And. And that turned into when the move came up from ninth grade. So I was 14 to come to Australia, go to Australia, which I really didn't want to do because I was settled in my peer group. And I was like, what do you mean we're moving to Australia? That sounds like the worst idea. The proviso was. Or the way that my mom, you know, calmed me down was like, okay, I promise I'll get you acting classes. Which was never something we could afford at that point. But I thought, okay, all right, maybe I'll agree to this. As if I had any choice anyway. But yeah. And we got there and sure enough, she delivered. And every weekend there was a class, and it was like, be your favorite tree, your favorite season, your favorite animal. And it was a very sort of rudimentary beginning of a class. And then that led to another, more serious class. And then eventually that was it. I knew this is what I wanted to do.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

So when did you realize this could be. You started getting paid. You know, this was becoming your career.

[Naomi Watts]

Yeah. Still lots of detours because, you know, there's that funny old thing called fear, and it drives hard at certain points in your life. I started, you know, doing commercials. I did embarrassing Tampax commercials or serial commercial anything. I got to know casting directors. Then they started sort of inviting me into bitmap, you know, TV walk on moments. And that took place. And, you know, it just wasn't enough. That was making me feel like this is something I'm gonna really be able to hang around in. And, you know, the rejection is personal and it's abundant.

[Podcast Sponsor/Announcer]

Hard.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Yeah.

[Naomi Watts]

I kind of was a bit beaten down. Then I sort of stumbled into a Fashion career. At the age of around 19, I started assisting my mom, who was working on film and TV as a costum designer. And then that led to assisting other people. And then I got poached by this company called Grace Brothers. I had to sell apparel and create photo shoots, and it was quite a responsible job. And then I got into Taken from there to a magazine which was, like, on par with Elle and Harper's Bazaar and Vogue and high fashion. It was called Follow Me. And I lasted there for about a year until this very pivotal moment where an old actor friend said, I want you to come and join this class, this workshop for a weekend. And I said, no, no, I'm not acting anymore. And he said, oh, right, yes, but you're really good. And please. And I said, no, you don't get it, because I swore off it, and it was horrible for me. And he said, well, could you think of it like this? Do me a favor. We're short on women, and it's gonna be amazing. But, you know, you don't have to say this is for you anymore. Just do it for me. So I said, okay. So I went and did it. And then by Sunday afternoon, this very sort of small group of actors. And the teacher said, this is who you are. And you realize you're denying your dream. And you should, you know, start owning that and just, you know, just go for it. Yeah.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Do you think it's because maybe you had nothing to lose that weekend that you were able to kind of pour.

[Naomi Watts]

In and not worry about retirement? I went and. Because I did feel like that. I did feel like I was having a moment of, you know, something huge, and I wasn't really in. I do love fashion to this day, but it wasn't really my calling. And so I went on Monday morning and sat in front of my boss and said, I'm gonna quit and I will train someone. I'll stick around for a month. And he said, why are you quitting? You have the world at your feet. You're just beginning at such a young age. You can take this to any place. And I said, it's just not who I am. And he was like, and you wanna be an actor?

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Sure.

[Naomi Watts]

Do that on the weekends, anytime. And I'm like, yeah, but I really have to put my mind to it. And anyhow, I did it. And then two weeks later, I got cast in this movie called Flirting, which was with my friend who I knew, but not super well, Nicole Kidman.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Okay. That was the beginning of that relationship.

[Naomi Watts]

Yes. It wasn't the beginning. The beginning started when we were very, very young. Her sister and I dated the same guy and there was no overlap, but we were friends and we saw each other. We also, I worked in a deli on the weekends. She would come in. You know, there was social connections, but that's definitely when the friendship was forged. Yeah.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

And then when did you end up moving to the US and did you come for a part or job?

[Naomi Watts]

No, I moved in my early 20s and I did what many actors were doing, which was come take meetings. There was no part available or promised to me. I didn't even have a film that was launching me like certain people, like Nicole, like Judy Davis, like Hugh Jackman. So I was really starting again, basically. Even though I had done some work in Australia and it's a small industry over there, I definitely was known within the industry. It really was beginning all over again.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

And so you were working part time to.

[Naomi Watts]

I was working. I waitressed here. I know I came with some savings, like a few thousand dollars and a couple of phone numbers. And I stayed with my mom's best friend, took a bunch of meetings. Everyone was very positive in the beginning. Oh, Australia, we love it. What is in. Is it in the water? You guys are amazing. And I thought, oh, wow, everything's going to go great for me. So I sort of went back to Australia, packed up my life, had my farewell party and said things are going to go great in America. I'll see you later. Anyway, cut to. Went back and met with some of those people again and they were like, oh yeah, I remember you. Hmm, let's see your. Okay, well good luck to you. And I was like. But I moved my life on the promise of, you know, like I took all of their positivity as literal and again back to square one. And that really led to years and years of auditioning and coming close. But then. Or getting a small part, just a little bit to keep me here. Very demoralizing time of my life, trying to prove myself. And you know me well enough, you've seen me in high pressured situations. Now I'm not great when I'm feeling nervous or tested in any way, when I have to prove myself. So auditions just would not go well for me. Yeah. So it wasn't until I met David lynch who had.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

So that's 10 years. You were 30. Well, I guess you were 33 when the movie was released.

[Naomi Watts]

By the time it was released, yeah. But there was some hiccup stops and starts with that one as well. I think I met With David lynch just before I turned 30, or maybe it was 30. And then we did the pilot and then that got rejected by abc. And then it sat on the shelf for like a year and a half. And then some French producers came and said, david, could you make that into a movie? Can you think of any ideas? And sure enough, he did. So it was like three years from the very beginning. Point to the launch moment for our listeners.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

She is speaking of Mulholland Drive. So anyway, this was your breakthrough role, really.

[Naomi Watts]

This was definitely a change your life role. It meant every director, every filmmaker saw this film alive today. I mean, David lynch is, you know, so prolific. And it was also the role of a scent of the century. Like, you know, I played two different parts almost that were diametrically opposed. One of them was this happy, go lucky, you know, Betty Elms. And then Diane Selwyn, who was miserable and the world was beating her down. And so I got to play these two parts. And so it was the most wonderful showcase in this film that worked and resonated with audiences and filmmakers and critics as well.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

So let's fast forward a little bit. So at 36ish, you decide you're going to start. It's time to have a family. You met the person you want to have children. You're like, this is it. I'm 36. I know that clock a little bit was probably ticking in your head.

[Naomi Watts]

Of course it was.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

And some of the hardest part of my job has always been giving tough news to patients. I bet even today, you know, I'll get labs. Usually we, in my clinic, we run the labs before we see them for the most part. And so sometimes I'll get surprising news ahead of time. And immediately my mind goes to how am I gonna present this news in a way that is kind but direct. And I'm gonna have all of the resources available to help her. I mean, I've diagnosed lupus in the last year. You know, severe anemia, iron deficiency, lots of things. Fertility is tough. And, you know, I have my own fertility struggles.

[Naomi Watts]

We have a lot, you know, invested in it as women.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

You're just going in, why am I not getting pregnant? Yeah, what happened?

[Naomi Watts]

I got. I got. Yeah, I shocked with the news. Blindsided by the declaration of me being close to menopause. And my doctor, like you, very gentle, obviously had everything right to say, these are the solutions. These are the things that can take place. It's not the end. You know, he was very gentle. And anyway, fast forward. He delivered my first baby. Yeah, it was shocking. It was really a moment I was not prepared for, though. I had in the back of my head of my memory bank that my mother had gone into early menopause. She did tell me that. She said that she went in at 45. I was 36. I thought I was well ahead of the game. And she also didn't give me any detail around it, that there were a multitude of symptoms that could go for a lot of years, or that there was any suffering or any of that. She never said that because, I mean, you've heard me say it. These were the stories I didn't share with you because my mother never shared them with me. Yeah, they were told to just sort of suck it up and zip it and cope. And so it was very alarming to me. And I thought, oh, God, this is the end. And what have I done? What have I done to harm my body? That blame on yourself. Like, I have lived too much of a stressful life. I've not nourished my body in the right way. Yeah, all that self loathing. We pile it on as women. We're the first ones to say it's all our fault. So it took a long time for me to move through that. I really was focused on just my fertility. How can I make no a yes?

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Basically, you've told me stories about being on location overseas China and coming home with baskets of herbs from the Chinese diet. You were doing anything and everything you could to enhance your fertility.

[Naomi Watts]

Yeah, I've said. I mean. And I don't know, you know, I know what the magic was. I don't know what the magic was in the end because I did a whole lot of things, and I know there are many of them are not FDA approved. And so I wouldn't say recommend these to all other people by any means, but I felt desperate. I wasn't a candidate for ivf, and I just wanted to try and see, you know, if anything. You know, it was literally like throwing spaghetti at the wall. What's gonna stick? Is this gon. Am I going to end up, you know, with an alternate road, which I was coming to peace with? You know, I looked into adoption egg donors, you know, all of those things.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

How was your partner through all of this? It's very stressful.

[Naomi Watts]

I think I drove myself crazy, definitely. Yeah. I was, you know, peeing on those sticks, getting those ovulation tests, those scans, all of that. So anyone around me would have also been rattled. I'm sure he was pretty.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

It's the 27th. It's the 27th, I went through it too. Yeah. Both my oldest, Catherine, who's 25 now, was a straight up fertility baby. We had gotten pregnant with some help right before her. And I lost the baby at like week six, very, very early, but just in the middle of labor and delivery in front of all of my, you know, coworkers who were all having, all pregnant. And I was the one like limping behind and then lost the baby and then, but did manage to get pregnant very soon after that. And that was Catherine. So. But yeah, like obsessive about today's the day, we have to have sex today, there's no other option. Or being in that clinic room with my feet in stirrups while they're cooking up sperm or wherever they're doing and injecting while I'm hanging upside down, praying, praying this will be the one.

[Naomi Watts]

I mean, I think there was a book that I read called Inconceivable by Julia Indachova. I think I'm saying that right. And I was churning up wheatgrass and getting acupuncture and removing certain things from my diet. I saw a great, all reasonable, a great practitioner who put me on this wheat free, sugar free, dairy free diet. You know, I was checking my alkaline, I was doing all of that. But one thing that was showing, I mean, I don't know how far you want to go into the fertility thing, but my egg quality or amount was showing as good. But my FSH was always very high.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Yeah, your brain was working really hard to get those eg eggs, you know, out there.

[Naomi Watts]

That's that last special batch.

[Podcast Sponsor/Announcer]

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[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

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[Naomi Watts]

So.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

So you were able to get pregnant.

[Naomi Watts]

Yeah.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

And you have two wonderful kids.

[Naomi Watts]

Yes.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

And they are growing and flowing and you are very quickly getting close to empty nesting.

[Naomi Watts]

Very quickly. Very close. Yeah. One's already gone.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Doing well.

[Naomi Watts]

Doing well. A freshman. Yep. And very, very proud of him. Worked really, really hard to get in the exact place that he wanted to go. So good for him. Very proud of him.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

So you have your two kids, you're done with your family. I'm assuming at that point you're happy, you're moving on. Then the symptoms come.

[Naomi Watts]

Yeah.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

From the book.

[Podcast Sponsor/Announcer]

I remember.

[Naomi Watts]

Yeah. I mean that some of the symptoms were there way. Did it take before I even had that blood test? Yeah, of course.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

I think, you know, I didn't know.

[Naomi Watts]

Until I started learning. And again, the Internet was not active. So. Yeah. I mean, in my late 20s I would have night sweats.

[Podcast Sponsor/Announcer]

Okay.

[Naomi Watts]

And I would chalk that up to an allergy. Heavy PMS symptoms, stressful living, glass of wine, too many, you know.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Yeah. All the things we blame ourselves for.

[Naomi Watts]

Yeah.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Yeah.

[Naomi Watts]

And yeah, maybe it was. It was hormonal and maybe it was just my. I was sensitive to hormonal changes. I wasn't tracking my hormones in my late 20s. Yeah. Yeah. And migraines. That was the other thing. I was having migraines. Those two things were well before those blood tests, which we know now, now that I had looked. So then after my second baby, all of those things returned. Massive night sweats. I mean, I remember changing the clothes and lying on towels and changing T shirts all through the night. Then brain fog because of the disrupted sleep. But then lots of them came much later when I did learn Enough. You know, things like. Well, the skin, which led me to. And we'll get to that. But the brand, developing the brand, that was a crazy one. I had no idea that skin issues and dehydration from scalp to vag take place. And then the frozen shoulder and then the UTIs. I thought UTIs were for people in their 20s or, you know, Honeymooners disease, we used to call it.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Yeah, honeymoon cystitis is what we called it in medicine. No, it is definitely a lack of estrogen, which we know. But I didn't know that either, you know, even in my training.

[Naomi Watts]

And that is what's so fascinating that, you know, it had to be all of us come together, women, to say, I can't handle this. I'm gonna be brave enough to talk about my stories and my body letting me down, and I don't wanna suffer. And then the doctors have to listen and then go back, right, and say, yeah, this is what we didn't learn. And this is what we now have to get up on. You know, get up to speed on.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Yeah. So women don't suffer unnecessarily. So you met your husband, Billy Crudup.

[Naomi Watts]

Yes, at work.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

You guys were doing a play?

[Naomi Watts]

No, we were doing a TV show called Gypsy, which was definitely. It was interesting cause it was probably the most sexual role of my career at that point. In my late 40s, I remember I had my 47th birthday, I think it was 47th or 46th. God, I can't do the math on the set. And, yeah, I met him. I had only recently liev. My ex and I had been separated for a while, but we had recently declared that we were not together anymore. Just before I started filming. And so my head was down. I was like, just all about getting the work done and focusing on the kids. I was really not expecting to meet someone right away.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Right. Did you. Was it instant you just knew, or.

[Naomi Watts]

No, you know, it was instant in that it was, you know, an immediate reaction and connection. But the brakes were on. I was moving, letting them off slowly, very slowly. I certainly didn't want anything to build too quickly. So a friendship was born. Most of all, a very strong. Which was kind of key. And then bit by bit, it just grew. And, you know, really wasn't until after Covid that we really got deeper into our relationship.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Where did you spent Covid in New York or.

[Naomi Watts]

Yes, out East. There was at the very beginning. It started in LA and then came back to New York.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Okay.

[Naomi Watts]

It was an interesting time for everyone. We were all like, Separated. And especially if you had, you know, he had his.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

You have kids. Yeah. And you want to be with your kids.

[Naomi Watts]

Yeah. And you, you know, want to keep the lockdown tight, be respectful. And a lot of texting. Yeah, a lot of texting. A lot of FaceTiming.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

So you were. There's a great story you shared on Oprah when we were on Oprah together, about you were menopausal, you were being appropriately treated. You had your patch or something on, and you didn't. You hadn't really shared that with him yet.

[Naomi Watts]

No, no, it was this shame plays such a big part of, you know, menopause or especially if you go in early. And I had recently gone on the patch at my new endocrinologist's advice, and that moment came where we were going to get hot and heavy, and I had to excuse myself. And it was not to slip into something more comfortable. It was to scratch off that patch, which we know. Ladies, I'm sure your listeners have tried the patch or some of them. It's got a massive adhesive, and it leaves a nasty mess. And circle or square when it happens. Yeah. If you. You switch sides. And there's one on the other side that hasn't yet come off either. And now you've got two sides. Like, ah, what do I do? So I was in the bathroom far too long, and Billy's like, is everything okay? Knock, knock. And. And then I came out flustered, and I was like, what am I going to do? I could either just excuse myself and be, you know, uncomfortable and weird to him, or I could just own this and say, this is what's going on with my body. And I did. I ended up, you know, through a flustered, you know, amount of words I just said. I. Well, there's this thing, and I was trying to get it off, and, you know, I'm. I'm in menopause. And I don't know if you know much about that, but you have to wear a patch, and that levels your estrogen and, oh, my God, should I just leave? And he cracked up laughing and just said, oh, my God, first of all, I'm so glad you're getting the right treatment. And let's talk about this. How could I help? And, you know, that was just, like, the gateway to owning my story and intimacy. The gateway to intimacy. I felt, like, more supported, more seen. Yeah. It was just a loving moment.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Amazing. And it kind of gave you power to say, you know what? I did the worst thing. I said the thing, and it was Spooky.

[Naomi Watts]

Yeah. And it was a litmus test. Like, I'm gonna stick around.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

So hot flashes was one of your main symptoms?

[Naomi Watts]

I wouldn't say it was my main. But yeah, definitely there. It was the most embarrassing.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Okay, let me hear it.

[Naomi Watts]

I was on a plane and I wouldn't actually. Embarrassing's the wrong word. Panic, because you just wanna take off everything, you know, get rid of the layers. And I was in a middle seat and I'd already gone to the bathroom too many times, much to the chagrin of the man on the aisle seat. And if there was an eject button, I would have just pressed it. I was like, get me out of here. You just want the earth to swallow you up. And in this case the skies. It just fills you with panic and dread. Like you just assume that everybody is looking at you and you know the blood pressure that is rising.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

There's a sense of impending doom. Many, many women have.

[Naomi Watts]

Right.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

As the hot flash occurs.

[Naomi Watts]

Yeah. And it was so early on that I definitely didn't have my stuff together any. You know, I didn't really know what was happening. I thought maybe it was a panic attack or. But the hot flashes, I would say I got under control quickly because I went on. I went on hrt and I have been successfully on hrt. I know it's not everyone's choice, but I have been on it since 2013.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Yeah. I'm almost at 10 years.

[Naomi Watts]

Right.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

So yeah, 48.

[Naomi Watts]

Those hot flashes. And I know they hit some people in the most extraordinary of places that can be your undoing. And you know, I've. There's some mentions of it in my book of other women as well. Not just the story.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

I just said mine was in the. Or was the worst. Cause you're draped in all these gowns and you've got your scrubs and the hat and the mask. And then my mask, you know, we had a protector.

[Naomi Watts]

Yes.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Because I wore glasses so I couldn't wear the goggles.

[Naomi Watts]

And you're steaming up. Steaming, steaming. And they would have to see in your operating.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

They would have to come with a four by four little gauze, you know, dipped in water to keep. To clean the screen off so I could see to operate while I'm drenched underneath. It was very quickly after that I said I was still under the impression that HRT was dangerous. You only do it if it's the last course. And I said, I can't live like this. I'll take the gamble.

[Naomi Watts]

I went on hrt and now I think the Work that has been done by you guys, you doctors, and us other people. I think women can now in those moments, say, give me a minute.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Yeah.

[Naomi Watts]

Can I just adjust the. Who's got the remote control? Or let me just take off a layer or I'll be back in five, you know, and no shame. Own that and hold your head high. It's just biology. Right.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

And not be so embarrassed and ashamed. I think good study out of the UK that 1 in 5 to 1 in 10 women will quit their jobs at the height of their career when they have the most to give the most wisdom because of untreated menopause symptoms. And they just don't feel it. And a lot of that is the brain fog and the cognitive struggles that they're like, I can't remember the numbers or the names or the math. And people who rely on that recall.

[Naomi Watts]

That's crazy.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

That's really tough. And we don't have to live like that.

[Naomi Watts]

No, absolutely not.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Okay. So here you are now on the other side, exploding career. I love the algorithm. Happily shows me every new part. All of these incredible roles that you're just killing right now. And you're hydrated, you're lubricated, your symptoms are appropriately treated. You're on this path. What is gonna stop you now?

[Naomi Watts]

I'm tired. I'm definitely tired. You're working on a few naps. No, I mean, this is the thing is that we're not done. And that was the message that we were fed.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

I remember your interview, the roundtable with Hollywood Reporter. Yep. And you so beautifully were talking about the work, work, work mantra. You know, once you hit, you know, once. Once, the big breakthrough roll. And then it was like, do as much as you can. So, like, talk about that.

[Naomi Watts]

Yeah. Cause I came into Hollywood, you know, the launching of Mulholland Drive was, as you said, like 33ish. And it was like, you gotta work. Cause it's all finished at 40. And I was like, well, why? What do you mean? And then, well, you know, it's like femme fatale roles are not gonna be there for you anymore. And you know, when you get to a certain age, you're the grandma. Yeah.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

It feels like. At least not now, but back, you know, when I was in my 30s, thinking of, there's like these ages in Hollywood of girlfriend, some kind of gritty character, you know, a lawyer, whatever. And then grandma.

[Naomi Watts]

Yeah, exactly. And there's nothing in between. Nothing in between, which is changing.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Yeah.

[Naomi Watts]

And I mean, just look, last year, three women that I know, Pamela Anderson, Nicole Kidman, Demi Moore in sexually driven movies.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

And age appropriate.

[Naomi Watts]

And age appropriate. It's fantastic that that means that the tide and the narrative is definitely changing. And I think we all have something to do with that. You know, we want to be seen. We want our stories reflected. That's all people are looking for the whole time, is to know that they're not alone.

[Podcast Sponsor/Announcer]

It's.

[Naomi Watts]

They're not outside of it.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Do you think it's the Reese Witherspoons?

[Podcast Sponsor/Announcer]

And I think.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

I mean, everybody's getting into production now, but, like, women are starting to drive these product, you know, producing, and so therefore.

[Naomi Watts]

Exactly.

[Podcast Sponsor/Announcer]

Right.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Getting their mind open to this could be financially successful. Cause you have to make money.

[Naomi Watts]

Right.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Everything is. But they're proving that these are going to be good financially success. And women will go and see them.

[Naomi Watts]

Yes. Yeah, definitely. Rhys has been absolutely instrumental in driving Female Driven Stories and lots of other. I've been working with Ryan Murphy recently, and not only is he giving me roles at this age, but multiple women around my age, and it's heartening. It really is. Because like I said, we want to see ourselves celebrated, reflected at every point in life. And we're not unsexy, we're not unfuckable. We're not done.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

You stuck me in my tracks the first time. And the backstory I talked about when we first met, and I. Do I owe you a debt of gratitude because your team kind of plucked me out of obscurity to bring me up to this meeting, and it just took me out of my little shell. I had a modest social media following. I wasn't.

[Naomi Watts]

But I was following you.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

You were?

[Naomi Watts]

Of course I was. But you know what? Here's the thing. I was still in secret menopause, right? Trying to jump on the. I mean, were you, like, was this.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Gonna be career suicide at some point?

[Podcast Sponsor/Announcer]

Yes.

[Naomi Watts]

Were you worried? Yes, absolutely. Of course I was. I thought this would be a terrible idea, but I was trying to find resources myself through Instagram, and I have a private account, and I would follow you and a great number of others, the whole list of doctors. And I really relied on these people because I needed to piecemeal the information.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Cause you were young and you didn't have. I'm guessing that weren't. You know, they got there eventually. But you were kind of the first.

[Naomi Watts]

Well, I. I mean, not in my 30s. I wasn't doing that. But, like, in my 40s. Yeah.

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[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

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[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

So you decide to do a Brand around menopause.

[Naomi Watts]

Yes. And that's where you met. Did you hear the pushback? I wasn't listening to the pushback. I was listening to myself. That was, you know, like, I'm sure you've had a moment, you know, you've had ideas that you've percolated for several months, possibly years, you know, and you play, you test the waters with your contemporaries. I'm sure that most people, when they come up with an idea, just like comedians go out and test their jokes, we think it through, we test through our friends. And I was getting met with, you know, like, no, no, no, no, you're not in menopause, you're far too young. You know, like, or don't be silly, you know, like, if I would say, you know, oh, I'm having an estrogen dip, I would be getting plenty of messaging from those around me that this isn't a real thing, don't go there. Kind of, you know, I'm not willing to talk about it, so why should you? So I definitely kept it tight for a long time, but I did have just enough people encouraging me. One friend who this was back in my 40s, said, Write the book. Because I said, you know, I wish there was a handbook. I wish there was something that, that gave me the courage, that made me feel like this wasn't the end, that made me feel like I can still be sexy and funny and navigate this with some kind of ease. Not this horrible narrative that tells you you must go to the corner and pull out your frickin knitting needles. No, you know, we're living longer, we're half the population. Why is it so taboo? So I definitely sat quietly with it for, for a very long time. And it wasn't until Covid and I'd already had that wonderful level of support from my boyfriend, now husband. And then I cold pitched the idea to Amyris, which was a biotech company. I literally just rang them up in Covid out of the blue and said, I have an idea. And I've been thinking about it and I literally pulled off Instagram pictures and quotes and you know, I'm sure one of your quotes was on there, you know, and made this kind of pitch deck, which I'd never even done before, you know, like, and this is before.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Chatgpt, you know, to help you out.

[Naomi Watts]

Absolutely.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

To do it all on your own.

[Naomi Watts]

And said, you know, and chatted with them for like 20 minutes. And before the call was over, they were like, this is great, we want to do it. Let's do this.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

So tell me about scalp to vag.

[Naomi Watts]

Yeah. Well, firstly, I wanna talk about this woman. I wanted this woman to feel like she could have her dignity, that she could have agency over this time, that she was not lost, she was not done, that her experiences amounted to something she matters and that she should be able to hold her head high. And because of her wisdom and cumulative experiences and it's a time for her to shine and be vibrant and she's earned her stripes. That title came to me when I was struggling to find it and I was pitching the elevator pitch to a friend, and then I just thought, okay, stripes. That's what it is. It doesn't have to scream menopause, but this is what it is. So I thought, I want this woman to feel like she has education on her side and I want her to have her community with her because we need our community and at every point.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

So that is where I kind of walked out that weekend. Well, you know, I was invited to this kind of brand launch tank, you know, and I was a medical expert, and there were multiple people there of different, you know, every one. And so. But you were so focused on that woman sitting on the couch in Ohio. How can we serve her? And sure, if she buys the products, great, that's great. But like you, I was just so impressed that you were so intent on building a community of making her feel special and welcome and not that this was the end of life for her and. Or the beginning of the end, you know, and I'll just, you know, it is different.

[Naomi Watts]

It's different. And let's own that piece.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

And that's okay.

[Naomi Watts]

That's okay. And I mean, I had worked closely with lots of wonderful brands, but I felt like they were over promising. Beautiful ingredients, beautiful everything. You know, this ideology that we can reverse time and, you know, or you can 28 again. We don't want that.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

We don't want anti aging. No.

[Naomi Watts]

So, yeah, and thank you for saying that. It was absolutely crucial to me that this woman feel seen and proud of everything that she's been through. And yes, hydrated, very importantly with very targeted ingredients. But also that she felt supported through her community and education.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Did you ever think that you would say the word vagina so many times in public?

[Naomi Watts]

No. And you remember this too, that I was like, the vagina stuff is off the table. I'm not gonna say vagina. I'm not gonna say dry vagina. I'm not gonna do any of that. I was really nervous still, you know, but I guess you can't do things in half measures, can you? You've gotta go there.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Do your kids follow your accounts at all on tv?

[Naomi Watts]

Yes, they do. And they've been. And they've had the ick with me. So many.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Mine too. They're super proud of me. Not now, of course. We've been doing this 10 years now, but in the beginning, my mom's famous for talking about vaginas on social media. Not in a way that is at all sexy.

[Naomi Watts]

No, for sure. In the beginning, it was like, ew, Mom. No way. And then saying, well, you'll never get in Sephora if you're talking about vibrators or lube or any of that. No way. And I said, well, I don't know, actually. And now we see vibrators being sold at Urban Outfiters and lube everywhere and Target, Sephora, Ulta, all of these places.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

But when you started, when you conceived this brand, you saw a gap in the market.

[Naomi Watts]

I did. I saw that this woman had been left out and not spoken to directly or honestly.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

People come up to you on the street because if they saw you in a movie or a part or something. But that's changing. That wave is changing for you, too. Thank you so much. You've really helped me. How does that feel?

[Naomi Watts]

It feels so meaningful. Not that the other stuff isn't still meaningful, but I think as I've gotten older, I just have enjoyed that shift of being used to. To other women. And, yeah, I still think that being. Showing up in different characters and reflecting someone else's story that, you know, an audience member is going to connect with, that's also useful. But the newness of being stopped in the street and having a woman not ask for my picture, but looking me in the eye, down the barrel and saying, thank you for giving me permission to open a dialogue with my partner, with my children, with my boss, you know, it's been really helpful. And, you know, that brings me a lot of joy. A lot of it makes me feel not just useful, but purposeful.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

So you were just. I think it just got released with Lena Dunham you played. Was menopause written into the part?

[Naomi Watts]

Yeah. Was that your idea? And she. No, it wasn't. She called me because she knew I was gonna be okay. We're talking about menopause, and it's happened a few times now, but that one was a direct. Hey, Naomi, I've got this lady and she's wacky and she wants to talk about menopause now. I actually haven't point blank Asked her did she write it for me because. Or did she think of me after she written it? Either way, it has worked for me in my favor. Maybe it's, you know, hurt me in some ways, too. I don't know about that.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

I doubt it. But women are really leaning in and they're loving it because. And I think you were hot flashing, you know, on screen, you know, with the character. All right, let's talk about your book.

[Naomi Watts]

Yes.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Which was an honor to write. The foreword.

[Naomi Watts]

Thank you so much.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Beautiful, beautiful story. But this book has been in your mind for a long time.

[Naomi Watts]

Yeah.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Why didn't you write it when you first thought?

[Naomi Watts]

I think the fear was just too great. I was. Well, first of all, I'm not a writer. You know, that's my big fear. Then the big other big piece of fear is like, who wants to hear from you? And also career suicide. Like branding myself as the menopause lady. No way. That would just change everything. And I still hope to play leading lady roles, so.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Yeah.

[Naomi Watts]

But eventually carrying that fear, that secret for so long just gets exhausting. And. Yeah. Then you meet certain people who give you enough encouragement along the way that help you out of that fear. And. And then I realized, you know, okay, I'm past the average age of menopause, which is what, 50, 51?

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

20. 51. Yeah. So it's okay for you to be. I'm allowed.

[Naomi Watts]

Guess what?

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

I like how you said, you know, you had books for infertility, you had books for puberty, you had, you know, books to help you with your kids going through different phases, what to expect when you're expecting and, like, what to expect when you're never gonna expect again, you know.

[Naomi Watts]

Where's that book? No, it wasn't there.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

And you also brought in lots of experts, you know.

[Naomi Watts]

Oh, yeah. No, no. I always knew that I can do only so much of this. And, like, with the brand, I needed the backup and the endorsement from the people that have devoted their lives to taking care of people.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

And what kind of feedback have you gotten on the book? Well, I was a New York Times bestseller.

[Naomi Watts]

Yes. That was wonderful. The feedback has been amazing. Again, those moments where people stop me on the street or in the airport or something, that. That's so meaningful. But I wanted this story to be not just useful, but, like, palatable, you know, expert, driven through conversations with people like you and then other women sharing their stories and, you know, some things like how tos, but also, hopefully, levity, some humor, because it was funny.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

I laughed out loud.

[Naomi Watts]

There Are moments truly undignified. But hey, it's just biology, you know, we feel less awful about it ourselves if we know that somebody else has had been down that road and coped and survived and found ways to walk through it. So, yeah, that's ultimately why I did it in the end.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

What do you think is next for you? What's your next big horizon? You've got the book, check the brand, check. It's growing. What's new coming out for Stripes?

[Naomi Watts]

Yeah, we're launching a new product. I think the book is now in paperback.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

In February. Yeah, in February.

[Naomi Watts]

Launching a new product of body butter. And that's exciting. We're always social, listening, trying to understand what else this woman wants, you know, not just in hydration, what she needs. You know, we're finding that these in real, you know, irl. I'm learning my acronyms in real life, you know, like connectivity, you know, like these events. Just people love them.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Pulling people together.

[Naomi Watts]

Yeah. Lifting each other up, sharing their stories. More of that. In terms of Stripes, I don't know about writing another book. I felt like that was a lot. You are very productive. Yeah, I know.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Like, the manuscript is in. I mean, and I'm already pregnant with the next book. You know, like I haven't even given birth.

[Naomi Watts]

Oh, no, you were on number four. Oh, geez.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

I just. I wanna.

[Naomi Watts]

I wanna.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

I wanna explore longevity, you know, like menopause.

[Naomi Watts]

Check.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

But menopause is one day medically.

[Naomi Watts]

But how do we had this last 30 years?

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Like, what is the blueprint?

[Naomi Watts]

I think we're all invested in that.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

And take the bro science out of it.

[Naomi Watts]

Yeah.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

To be honest. But, you know, not all studies can be applied to women. And really lean in on what do we know about women. Women living longer. We are living longer. But when we look at the statistics, we live 20% of our lives in poorer health than our male counterparts.

[Naomi Watts]

I'm seeing it in parents generation.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

I'm very focused because my mom, Alzheimer's, fractured hip, osteoporosis, my grandmother, exact same thing. And I am refusing for that to be my. You know, I'm doing everything I can, but I will not allow that to be my daughter's reaction. You know, they deserve to live long, healthy, happy, full lives. But I don't want to live to 120.

[Podcast Sponsor/Announcer]

Do you?

[Naomi Watts]

No, definitely not a nice ripe old age.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

But I want to be functional.

[Naomi Watts]

Like I said, I want to be functional. I had two grandmothers, one that lived to 99 just past her birthday and one to 101amazing. And all the marbles in place. Mercifully. My grandmother on my mother's side, she was living at home right up until the end.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

I mean that still I want, you know, be independent.

[Naomi Watts]

Yeah.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

And have a fulfilled life.

[Naomi Watts]

So to answer your question, I still have lots of energy, I still want to innovate, but I don't want to miss, you know, a moment which I have seen happen to many of my parents generation, you know, where they get done with lots of things and then they want to have time for themselves to travel and do, you know, adventurous, brilliant things and then suddenly they're. Gets in the way. So I don't want to lose too much time. So to your point, I want to take care of my health. I'll never be not a doer. I'm my grandmother's daughter. Her work ethic is in me. Get off your butt and get it done. You know, she's muck out the goats, feed the chickens, you know, all of that. So I'm a busy bee. That said, I want, you know, I want my kids to be content and off out into the world and be compassionate, empathetic, curious human beings. And I want some time with my husband. I want to travel and loaf around a bit too.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

We're empty nesters. Totally.

[Naomi Watts]

Yes.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

And we went to Norway for two weeks and went hiking with our best friend.

[Naomi Watts]

I saw that. That's so great.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Incredible. You know, we are trying, you know, we spent the summer in the mountains pretty much and just kind of just the two of us and we're.

[Naomi Watts]

Yeah. So it's the balance. It's like I know you, you're still gonna be wanting to do. Move mountains and I will too. But. Yeah, creating the balance is what it's all about.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

And enjoying this relationship, you know, we've. Yeah.

[Naomi Watts]

Cause Billy and I came into it late. We've got.

[Podcast Sponsor/Announcer]

Yeah.

[Naomi Watts]

Time to put some time on the clock.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

So if you could sit down with. With a woman just entering perimenopause. You know, I'm sure you're, you're, you're different. You know, you always get to work with different people.

[Naomi Watts]

Yeah.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

And so are you now the menopause person, the queen, they come to you and they ask your advice.

[Naomi Watts]

I mean, I definitely do find my inbox flooding with questions about menopause from my industry because they know and have heard me bang on about it enough now. And it is like a little club, like where I welcome them in and try and be an ear and shoulder and I set them up with doctors some I've led you away just for that conversation. Just like, you know, it's okay. Don't worry. Yeah, it's.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

But for the younger ones, for the youngest. Yeah, I think putting a toe in the water. What's your advice?

[Naomi Watts]

I think collectively, everyone has created enough of a good network for the next generation, the millennials, and definitely Gen Z, to feel not daunted by what's ahead.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

And that's what I see on my social is the audience is skewing younger and younger, and especially the new perimenopause coming out. Yeah. You used to see these so many. They're not scared, they're curious. They want to get ahead of this. They're willing to talk about it. They are willing to invest in their own healthcare. They're willing to set themselves up for success and not just wait for the tide to crash over them.

[Naomi Watts]

It's great for them. And I'm happy that I had a little piece of. Of something to do with that. And you were the first. But in my mind, I think we were all there, and collectively, we knew it had to be done. We've always been fascinated with the older generation, you know, like in storytelling. I remember growing up on Thelma and Louise and going badasses. Those ladies, you know, they were, you know, kicking butt and living life for themselves. And I wanted, you know, so they've always wanted to learn from us, the next generation. So it's just menopause was never part of the conversation. So hopefully, yes, we have been instrumental in shifting that narrative and bringing them in with less fear. Yeah.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

So menopause often feels like society wants us to hit pause and go off in the corner and get the knitting needles and become more invisible, and we're not doing that. This is our time to unpause. So what are you doing in your life besides writing books, starting companies, building brands, building communities.

[Naomi Watts]

Yeah, I mean, I really just want to make sure that travel. I've always been someone who likes to travel. That's a big part of my picture. Getting my kids in a place. Well, I mean, it never ends. Your daughter's right outside, and, you know, we're. The parenting is never done, and the worry is never, I'm sure gonna go away, but I think just more of the same, but maybe not at such a speed, and I definitely have been guilty of that. I need to slow the pace a bit, so that's definitely a goal of mine.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

Well, I'm so happy to have talked to you today on Unpaused, and good luck with everything. I can't wait to see all your new projects come out and everybody grab your paperb copy of Dare I say it in February.

[Naomi Watts]

Thank you so much for having me. Thank you.

[Dr. Mary Claire Haver]

As a reminder to our audience, you can follow Naomi on Instagram, Naomi Watts or RIPesBeauty or on their website at StripesBeauty.comNaomi's book Dare I say it is currently available in hardback and the paperback edition will be released in February. I'd love to hear from you about this topic or anything else that's on your mind. You can find me on Instagram @Dr.maryclaire and get honest, accurate information on health, fitness and navigating [e-mail] My new book, the New Perimenopause is now available for pre order on Amazon. If you're loving this podcast, be sure to click Follow on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. While you're there, leave us a review and be sure to share the show with the women you love. We would be so grateful. You can also find full episodes on YouTube at Dr. Maryclaire Unpaused is presented by Odyssey in conjunction with Pod People. I'm your host, Dr. Mary Claire Haver. The views and opinions expressed on Unpause are those of the talent and guests alone and are provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. No part of this podcast or any related materials are intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.