Brooke Shields is ready to discuss menopause.

Her book, “Brooke Shields is Not Allowed to Get Old: Thoughts on Aging as a Woman” (available now from Macmillan), opens up a genuine discussion following several other projects that highlight the experiences and needs of women going through perimenopause and menopause. These include Demi Moore’s “The Substance,” Nicole Kidman’s “Babygirl,” and Miranda July’s novel “All Fours.”

The main point of Shields’ narrative is clear: Women face an impossible standard. If you embrace aging, society brands you as obsolete; if you opt for cosmetic enhancements, you’re criticized for being fake.

However, “Brooke Shields is Not Allowed to Get Old” also brings a message of hope. This memoir serves both as a love letter and a manifesto, promoting open conversations about womanhood and aging. Here are five key takeaways from her book.

1. Understand Yourself, Champion Yourself: The Importance of Medical Self-Advocacy

In her memoir, Shields recounts experiences where her pain was dismissed, and her concerns overlooked by medical professionals.

Among the shocking stories is an instance of a non-consensual procedure she underwent during a labiaplasty intended to alleviate discomfort. Upon waking, she discovered that the doctor had performed a procedure she never requested—a “youthful rejuvenation,” as he called it.

On another occasion, after having precancerous cells removed from her cervix, she wasn’t informed of the potential impact on her fertility. This incident later led to multiple IVF attempts and a miscarriage.

Additionally, after experiencing a severe seizure attributed to low sodium levels, doctors assumed she was merely following a fad diet, when in fact, she was overhydrating while preparing for a performance.

Her message is clear: “I’m not a health care expert. Not even close. But I know my own body best,” she asserts.

“If a doctor chooses to underestimate me because of my gender or age, that’s on them. It doesn’t mean I’ll accept their assumptions or minimize my own voice,” Shields emphasizes. “I’ll continue to advocate for myself, even if it makes others uncomfortable.”

2. The Conversation About Menopause Needs to Happen

Shields calls for a more open discourse regarding menopause. Discussions foster community, she believes. She urges for increased research on hormone therapy and other options, aiming to de-stigmatize menopause and empower women with the knowledge and resources they require to avoid “suffering in silence.”

Moreover, she aims to change the perspective on menopause from a negative experience to a valuable phase of life. “We need to improve how we talk about it,” she says. While acknowledging its challenges, Shields credits her evolving body for reinforcing her determination and enhancing her ability to prioritize what truly matters.

“Menopause is just one component of this life stage; it’s significant but should not define my entire existence,” she writes.

3. ‘Retirement is Not in My Vocabulary’: Ambition Has No Age Limits

Becoming a first-time CEO in her fifties, Shields was motivated to launch her haircare line for women over 40 due to societal views on aging women. Rather than focusing on why it might be too late to start new ventures, she inspires women (and herself) to take risks. For Shields, ambition isn’t measured by significant achievements but by what energizes and challenges you.

“The notion that we must explain ourselves due to our age is part of the ongoing issue,” she argues.

She reflects on how society often portrays ambition as a negative trait in women, and how the stereotype suggests women’s interests wane as they grow older.

“I feel more driven than ever, as my goals are clearer. This clarity is one of the advantages of aging,” Shields conveys, confidently stating her newfound understanding of what she desires.
 

4. ‘Motherhood: An Identity and a Protective Shield’

As a mother to two adult daughters, Shields shares her emotional experience of dropping them off at college and grieving the transition in their family dynamic. Yet, she also cherishes new experiences like traveling to Italy to visit her daughter studying abroad and enjoying moments with her now-grown children and husband.

She describes motherhood as both an “identity” and a “shield.” The departure of her children provides a daunting but enriching chance to explore her self-identity further.

“Adjusting to a time when you are no longer pivotal in your children’s lives offers the chance to prioritize other activities and confront your own desires and needs,” she reflects.

5. Embracing New Friendships in Midlife

Shields contemplates how friendships evolve as we age, expressing her desire to simplify her closest connections while also welcoming new ones. She pays tribute to her friend and fellow actress, Ali Wentworth, who reminds her that meaningful friendships in middle age are achievable.

Growing older has led her to approach friendships with a more deliberate mindset.

“In my younger days, I was less selective. I felt I had to divide my time among everyone, which was exhausting. Now, I seek out quality over quantity in my relationships and have become more discerning about those who don’t fit into my life,” she states.

Seeking Your Next Great Read? YSL News Has Recommendations.

Personal taste varies, and YSL News Books has a multitude of genres to suggest. Looking for a fresh literary fiction title? Check out our review of “Intermezzo” by Sally Rooney. Enjoy mysteries? Explore similar books to “Verity” by Colleen Hoover or challenge yourself with one of our top horror selections. If you prefer lighter reads and endearing characters, consider a “cozy mystery” or “cozy fantasy” book. For the latest hits, browse through YSL News’s Best-selling Booklist.

Clare Mulroy is YSL News’s Books Reporter, focusing on exciting releases, interviewing authors, and exploring the reading culture.