Brooke Shields is ready to discuss menopause.

Her latest book, “Brooke Shields is Not Allowed to Get Old: Thoughts on Aging as a Woman” (now available from Macmillan), provides a heartfelt conversation following several recent works highlighting the experiences and needs of women in perimenopause and menopause, such as “The Substance” with Demi Moore, “Babygirl,” featuring Nicole Kidman, and Miranda July’s “All Fours.”

The central message from this Hollywood icon is straightforward: Women often find themselves facing a no-win situation. If they age “gracefully,” they may be dismissed as relics of the past. If they opt for cosmetic enhancements, they might be criticized for being shallow.

However, “Brooke Shields is Not Allowed to Get Old” offers a message of hope. This memoir serves as both a heartfelt tribute and a call to action, encouraging open discussions about the taboos surrounding womanhood and aging. Here are five key takeaways from her insights.

1. Self-Knowledge and Advocacy: Take Charge of Your Health

Reflecting on her medical experiences, Shields recounts instances where her pain was dismissed or she was talked down to by doctors.

An unexpected and shocking account from her memoir includes an unconsented surgery during a labiaplasty aimed at addressing long-standing discomfort. When she regained consciousness, she discovered the procedure had resulted in her being given what the doctor described as a “younger vagina,” which she hadn’t wanted. The doctor boasted about the supposed “rejuvenation.”

In another instance, after being treated for precancerous cells on her cervix, she wasn’t informed that this could impact her chances of pregnancy, leading to multiple rounds of IVF and a miscarriage.

When Shields experienced a grand mal seizure attributed to low sodium, medical professionals incorrectly assumed it was due to a trendy diet, while it stemmed from excessive water consumption in preparation for a show.

Through these experiences, Shields urges women to advocate for their own health: “I’m not a health care expert. Not even close. But I am an expert on myself,” she emphasizes.

“If a doctor dismisses me because of my gender or age, that’s on them, but I will not shrink back or silence myself to accommodate their assumptions,” she states. “I refuse to hesitate in advocating for myself just to make someone else comfortable.”

2. It’s Time to Open Up About Menopause

Shields calls for more open discussions surrounding menopause. She believes that conversation fosters community and pushes for increased research on hormone therapies and other interventions, helping to reduce stigma and empower women to avoid suffering in silence.

Moreover, she challenges the negative narratives surrounding menopause, acknowledging that while there are challenges, the changes have strengthened her independence, improved her time management, and helped her prioritize what truly matters.

“Menopause is not the entirety of who I am. It’s a part of this life stage, and it deserves more attention, but it isn’t everything,” she writes.

3. ‘Ambition Has No Age Limit’: Pursuing Dreams at Any Stage

Becoming a CEO for the first time in her fifties, Shields was motivated to launch her haircare line for women over 40 in response to ageist attitudes towards aging women. Instead of focusing on why one might be too old to pursue new ventures or passions, she encourages women (and herself) to take the plunge. For Shields, ambition isn’t just about aiming for lofty achievements; it’s about embracing what inspires and challenges you.

“The notion that we must justify our desire to explore new opportunities because of our age indicates a deeper issue,” she observes.

Shields highlights the gendered double standards that label ambition as undesirable in women and the stereotype suggesting that women’s interests become unexciting as they age.

“As I get older, I feel more ambitious than ever because I have a clearer understanding of my desires. This clarity is one of the benefits of aging,” Shields shares.

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

As a mother to two young adult daughters, Shields expresses the sorrow she felt during her initial college drop-offs, reminiscing about the family dynamic that has shifted. However, she also shares joyful moments in this new phase of motherhood, like a solo trip to Italy to visit her daughter studying abroad and enjoying quality time with her older children over a glass of wine.

Shields refers to motherhood not only as a part of her identity but also as a protective shield. The departure of her children from home presents both a daunting and enriching chance to discover herself in new ways.

“During this transition where I’m needed less, I am free to focus on my interests, and it also compels me to confront who I really am and what I truly want,” she reflects.

5. Celebrating New Friendships in Midlife

Shields contemplates the evolving nature of friendships in her middle adulthood; she aims to refine her circle while also welcoming new connections. She pays tribute to her friend Ali Wentworth, who demonstrated that forging meaningful friendships at this stage is entirely possible.

The process of maturing has enabled her to approach friendships with greater intentionality.

“In my youth, I felt compelled to spread my time evenly among various acquaintances, which left me drained. Now, I’ve become more selective about the people I invest my energy in,” she remarks.

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Clare Mulroy is the Books Reporter, focusing on trending releases, engaging with authors, and delving into the reading culture.