Naomi Watts and menopause: what to know

Menopause is reached after periods have stopped for a sustained period because ovarian hormone production has changed. The transition before it can bring changing cycles and symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, vaginal dryness, sleep disruption, and low sex drive. Symptoms vary in type and intensity, and they may affect work, relationships, comfort, and concentration. Menopause is not a diagnosis made from a celebrity story or one symptom alone. Pelvic organ prolapse is a separate condition, although pelvic symptoms may be discussed during the same stage of life.

Write down symptoms, timing, bleeding changes, sleep, medicines, and how daily life is affected. Gentle movement, regular meals, layers for heat changes, sleep routines, and suitable vaginal moisturising products may help some people. A clinician can discuss hormone therapy and non-hormonal options after considering your medical history, symptoms, and preferences. Seek help for vaginal dryness, low mood, anxiety, or sexual discomfort rather than accepting them as something you must simply endure. Treatment can be adjusted as your needs change.

Arrange a medical review for bleeding after menopause, bleeding that is unusually heavy, or symptoms that interfere with sleep, work, mood, or relationships. Seek urgent help for severe pelvic pain, fainting, or heavy bleeding with weakness or breathlessness. Contact a clinician promptly for new breast changes, severe depression, or thoughts of self-harm. A symptom needs assessment based on its features and urgency, not on whether it is common during menopause.

Am I in perimenopause or menopause? Could another condition explain these symptoms? Which options suit my health history? How can vaginal symptoms or sleep disruption be treated? What bleeding or mood changes should be reported quickly?