Menopause: The Overlooked Health Crisis Facing Indian Women

As women in India confront the challenges of menopause, they face a lack of medical support and social dialogue around this natural phase of life, which is a stark contrast to discussions in the West.

Menopause, often shrouded in stigma, is increasingly becoming a pressing health issue for Indian women, who tend to experience this transition earlier than their Western counterparts, with an average onset around 47 years. Notably, a concerning rise in premature menopause is emerging, particularly among women aged 30-39. In contrast, the average age for menopausal onset in the U.S. is about 51.

According to Dr. Ruma Satwik, a gynecologist at Delhi's Sir Gangaram Hospital, the combination of nutritional factors, environmental influences, and genetics contributes to this trend. Yet, despite the significant percentage of the population affected—Census data from 2011 reported around 96 million women over 45, a figure expected to grow to 400 million by 2026—awareness and resources surrounding menopause remain scant.

Women like Sangeeta, a janitor at a government hospital in Delhi, feel overwhelmed by the symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, insomnia, and mood swings. She only recently learned about a specialized clinic available to address these issues. Mini Mathur, a TV host, echoed similar frustrations, stating that many doctors dismissed her symptoms, leaving her to seek treatment abroad.

The transitional phase leading to menopause, known as perimenopause, can last anywhere from two to ten years, with symptoms affecting various aspects of health and wellbeing. As frustrating as it can be to get a proper diagnosis, medical experts highlight that most symptoms can often be managed through lifestyle adjustments and interventions like hormone replacement therapy.

Unfortunately, menopause is still a largely under-researched area within the medical field, with doctors lacking sufficient training to address women's needs during this time. Mathur shared her experience of needing to visit multiple healthcare facilities, even in different countries, before finding understanding and effective treatment for her symptoms.

Community health workers in rural areas are often unequipped to handle menopause-related concerns, as noted by Atul Sharma, an activist focused on women’s empowerment. Efforts to improve awareness and support must begin within the medical community, with calls for more attention to menopause akin to that on adolescent health and fertility.

Social media is becoming a reliable source for information as women seek out resources from international wellness coaches and activists. While seeking to enhance awareness and accessibility to treatment options in India for all women, Mathur highlights the disparities in healthcare resources, noting that many cannot afford treatments available in wealthier markets.

The conversation needs to shift from silence to openness regarding menopause, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical health support throughout this inevitable life change.