Until recently, menopause was a subject spoken about only in whispers. At most Indian households, a woman’s hormonal transition remained unspoken of and women had to sail through the turbulent phase all by themselves. Hot flashes, mood swings, brain fog, insomnia and other symptoms got chalked up to “just aging” or were ignored altogether. “Yet, in urban India, that story is now changing. Now they are talking, seeking medical advice and demanding attention for their midlife health.
Menopause signals the natural end of a woman’s reproductive years, typically between 45 and 55. The drop in estrogen and progesterone brings a slew of physical, aacnd emotional changes. Although these changes are common to women everywhere, talking about them has been stigmatised in India and held many Indian women back from seeking guidance.
Dr Radhika Narang, Gynecologist and Menopause Specialist, HealandCare
Women’s Clinic, Noida adds “A lot of women in urban India today are waking up to the fact that menopause is not something that needs to be suffered in silence. Awareness campaigns, social media conversations and workplace wellness programs are encouraging women to discuss openly hot flashes, “brain fog” and interrupted sleep. “Early intervention and personalised treatments can make a big difference to quality of life at this stage.”
Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
A hot flash is sudden feeling of warmth, often followed by sweating and is among the most frequently reported symptoms. Night sweats may affect sleep and cause fatigue and irritability. An increasing number of women are turning to lifestyle solutions like cooling clothes, mindfulness activities and exercise to relieve these symptoms naturally.
Cognitive Changes and Brain Fog
So many women describe forgetfulness and difficulty focusing, colloquially referred to as “brain fog.” This can be frustrating, but adopting simple habits like maintaining a schedule, getting enough rest, engaging in cognitive activity and eating nutrient-rich foods reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Supportive workplace that recognise these challenges are making a big difference.
Emotional Well-being
You feel inconsistent, anxious, lazy and depressed during menopause. Women in the city are also seeking therapy, meditation and peer support groups for mental well-being. If mental wellness is seen as part of menopause care, it’s breaking old stereotypes that relegated emotional changes to the category of something minor.
Hormonal Treatments and Lifestyle Support
Newer day medicine can provide a remedy for women suffering from symptoms called HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy). That, combined with lifestyle choices (diet, exercise, stress management and sleep hygiene), will make us more comfortable (HRT) and reduce long-term health risks such as developing osteoporosis and heart disease.
Cultural Shift and Awareness
“Talking about menopause is the empowerment,” says Dr. Narang. “When women are able to speak openly about what they are going through, and access care without embarrassment, not only do we bolster their health prospects, but we ultimately foster a culture of candor where the enormous fraught of transition is midlife and will be honoured and affirmed.”
The shame and silence surrounding menopause is coming out of the closet, to be replaced by awareness, empathy and proactive care. Hot flashes, fuzzy brain, hormonal shifts and mood swings aren’t something to be ashamed of anymore. Urban Indian women are finding a voice, looking for solutions and converting menopause into a time of educated self-care and strength.
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