“Women have had to suffer in silence and shame for too long” (Exclusive)

“Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I’d Known about Menopause” hits bookstores on January 21, 2025

Naomi Watts is releasing a new book – and it’s not your typical celebrity memoir.

In January, Mulholland ride Actress, 55, is featured all over the cover of I dare say: Everything I wish I knew about menopausewhich, as the title suggests, is a guide to menopause and other aspects of aging.

The book contains much of Watts’ personal story, including accounts of her own experiences with menopause, as well as conversations with friends and experts and a foreword by Dr. Mary Claire Haver. Its aim is to break down the taboo surrounding this time of life.

“For too long, women have had to suffer in silence and shame as they navigate the changes they go through during menopause, with little access to information, support or even an open conversation,” Watts tells PEOPLE exclusively.

Related: Naomi Watts recalls feeling ‘out of control’ after experiencing menopause symptoms at 36: ‘Not easy’

“I hope this book can help women feel a little less alone, a little more supported and, dare I say, a little more excited about the natural changes that life has in store for us,” she adds.

I dare say is the resource Watts, already a leading voice in menopause education, craved when she was blindsided by the symptoms of menopause at age 36. According to the National Institutes of Health, menopause typically begins between ages 45 and 55.

“Watts felt confused, alone and unsupported during this period of her life. Determined to make things better for herself and other women, she courageously began using her platform to normalize conversations about this natural process,” a press release about the upcoming book reads.

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“I want this book to read like sitting down over a cup of coffee and having a private conversation with your girlfriend,” Watts said in a statement. “I hope it will help anyone who is trying to come to grips with this period of life and make it a time of release rather than just a time of trial.”

“Menopause is part of a woman’s midlife, but midlife encompasses much more than menopause,” she added.

Related: Naomi Watts says she was in perimenopause at 36 when she tried to have children: ‘I was so alone’

Watts also tells PEOPLE that she is “so grateful to everyone who has spoken to me for sharing their stories with me.”

In a message to her future readers, she adds: “I can’t wait for you to hear about the ups and downs and everything in between of this season of life and get real, practical advice and comfort on how to tackle these changes head on.”

Tagged Ben Watts, Crown Publishing Group, Menopause, Naomi Watts