Dare I Say It

Everything I Wish I'd Known About Menopause

By: Naomi Watts, Mary Claire Haver - introduction MD

Narrated by: Naomi Watts, Allyson Ryan

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A “refreshingly real” (People) guide to menopause and aging by beloved actress Naomi Watts, one of the leading voices in menopause awareness—with a foreword by Mary Claire Haver, MD, author of The New Menopause

“This book will resonate with women everywhere seeking guidance, solidarity, and the reassurance that they are not alone in their journey.”—Dr. Lisa Mosconi, author of The Menopause Brain

At thirty-six, Naomi Watts had just completed filming King Kong and was trying to start a family when she was told that she was on the brink of menopause. It is estimated that seventy-five million women in the United States are currently dealing with menopause symptoms (dry itchy skin, raging hormones, night sweats), and yet the very word “menopause” continues to be associated with stigma and confusion. With so little information, many women feel unprepared, ashamed, and deeply alone when the time comes.

This is the book Naomi Watts wishes she had when she first started experiencing symptoms. Like sitting down over coffee and having an intimate chat with your girlfriend, Dare I Say It blends funny and poignant stories from Naomi and her friends with advice from doctors, hormone experts, and nutritionists to take the secrecy and shame out of menopause and aging. Answering questions such as: What’s hormone therapy and should I be on it? Will I ever sleep again? Will I get myself back? What happened to my libido? Do I need eighteen serums for my aging skin? Whose body is this anyway? Who am I now? Naomi Watts shares the most up-to-date research on how to manage menopause symptoms and tackle the physical and emotional challenges we encounter as we age.

Irreverent, bold, and reassuring, Dare I Say It is the companion every woman needs to embrace the best version of herself as she moves into what can be the most powerful and satisfying period of her life.

Critic reviews

“Refreshingly real.”—People Magazine

“Winningly memoiristic. . . . [A guide] for those entering and enduring years of disorienting symptoms [and] a panoply of woes that often coincide inconveniently and confusingly with demanding life changes, ranging from the midlife acceleration of a high-pressure career to raising adolescent children or the emptying of the familial nest.”—The New Yorker

“In a society that values youth above all else, Watts celebrates women’s inherent value, no matter their age.”—Kirkus Reviews

“I stand in admiration of Naomi Watts for tackling the verboten subject of menopause. She is frank, funny, and fearless. Women all around the world will be grateful for her guiding light, as I know I am. Naomi is an American hero (even though no one really knows where she’s actually from).”—Chelsea Handler, New York Times bestselling author of Life Will Be the Death of Me. . . and You Too!

“Naomi Watt’s book, Dare I Say It, simultaneously educates, destigmatizes, and personalizes this universal female experience called menopause. Her book is clear, well-resourced, and provides a balanced approach to navigating the challenges of menopause. By sharing her story, she is showing women how to minimize suffering and maximize their health and happiness as they age. A must-read for every woman over thirty!”—Dr. Sharon Malone, New York Times bestselling author of Grown Woman Talk

“Wow! Dare I Say It is much more than a book about menopause—it’s a revolutionary guide, best friend, and expert wrapped into a fun-to-read package. Watts writes openly about her own story while beautifully weaving in cutting-edge research and expert opinions. A must-read for all women and those who care about them.”—Eve Rodsky, New York Times bestselling author of Fair Play

“With humor, vulnerability, and wisdom, Dare I Say It turns the often taboo topic of menopause into a conversation that is not only necessary but long overdue. This book will resonate with women everywhere seeking guidance, solidarity, and the reassurance that they are not alone in their journey.”­—Dr. Lisa Mosconi, New York Times bestselling author of The Menopause Brain

“Naomi Watts has gathered stories of her experiences around menopause and those of her friends into a book that imparts the much-needed facts to the female population, from one woman to another. Thank you and brava!”—Gillian Anderson, New York Times bestselling author of Want

Very informative!

Very informative! But for an actress, her narration is really robotic. I kept having to ignore her lack of inflection and just focus on the content.

So informative and comforting!

The ultimate menopause guide! It help me make decisions and I keep using it as a reference.
I especially loved that she shared her personal difficulties. It makes you feel better about your own.

I really needed this!!!

It was so good to hear that I am not on this journey alone! This book was funny as well as enlightening! If we cannot laugh about all of this we will go (more!) crazy!
I learned so much that I can take to my dr AND be more confident with my care. I am recommending this book to all of my friends!!! Thank you, Naomi!

Loved the stories and up to date medical info

Thankful for this book. As an author myself, I know it can be very scary putting out your private thoughts and stories into the world but it’s worth it when you are helping others. This book and Naomi are relatable and sweet. Her narration was exceptional and heartfelt. Looking forward to my menopausal journey with more information than I had before. I have a positive outlook that we are all in this together and together we are strong, resilient and brave. Thank you Naomi.

I’ve always loved Naomi

Incredible insight and knowledge for all women. Great stories & advice and all the fave menopause drs suggestions as well all wrapped up in this book. Highly suggest and also helps with frustration surrounding menopause and helpful suggestions to help you be an advocate for yourself.