The Silent Crisis: A Closer Look at Menopause Challenges for Indian Women

While studies indicate Indian women typically undergo menopause at an average age of 47—often earlier than women in the West—access to adequate resources and conversations surrounding this natural phase in life remains severely lacking.

Menopause is a natural part of life for women, yet in India, it remains shrouded in stigma and taboo, making the journey through this transition markedly challenging. Latest findings reveal that Indian women typically reach menopause at an average age of 47, and studies suggest a concerning trend of increasing premature menopause cases among younger women, specifically aged 30-39.

Dr. Ruma Satwik, a well-regarded gynecologist at Sir Gangaram Hospital in Delhi, explains, "Some women experience menopause by 44-45, while others may not until they turn 50, which is still considered within the normal range." This shift contrasts sharply with the United States, where the average onset of menopause is around 51.

The onset of menopause can stem from various factors, including nutritional and environmental circumstances as well as genetics. However, in a nation where discussions about menstruation are often stigmatized, the awareness surrounding menopause lags significantly behind, leaving many women in the dark about their health.

Take Sangeeta, a 43-year-old janitor from Delhi who has been navigating the difficulties of menopause for a year without initial knowledge of the dedicated clinic available at her hospital. Dealing with debilitating symptoms such as severe hot flashes, insomnia, and bodily aches, she reflects on her struggles: “What’s the point of living like this? Sometimes I feel my pain will end when I die.”

Conversely, in Mumbai, Mini Mathur, a television host, found herself overwhelmed after turning 50, experiencing symptoms that left her nearly incapacitated. Despite her healthy lifestyle, she discovered that many healthcare providers were dismissive of her symptoms until she sought help abroad, where she finally received effective treatment.

According to Dr. Anju Soni, president of the Indian Menopause Society, India's 2011 census recorded approximately 96 million women over 45 years of age. This number is projected to soar to 400 million by 2026. Once women reach menopause—defined by a cessation of menstruation for a year—they enter a phase referred to as perimenopause, where symptoms can vary greatly and potentially deteriorate their quality of life.

Unfortunately, even though menopause can be managed with dietary changes, exercise, and hormone replacement therapy, the lack of proper education—including in medical schools—means that many women struggle to find the help they desperately need.

Mathur's experience mirrors that of many. After consulting multiple healthcare institutions in her quest for relief, she found that her previously dismissed symptoms improved significantly once treated appropriately. “I had to go to Austria to find a doctor who understood my pain,” she noted.

Atul Sharma, a social worker focused on empowering rural women, echoes the frustrations. Many rural clinics lack the necessary resources and trained personnel to adequately address menopause, leaving women feeling bewildered and unsupported. “Even healthcare workers say, 'Just bear it; it happens to every woman,’" she shared with palpable disappointment.

With forecasts showing a swelling population of menopausal women in the near future, there is a pressing need for increased awareness and resources. Social media has become a vital source for information, with many women turning to international specialists who share discoveries and advances in menopause treatment that remain underexplored in India.

To bridge the gap, Mathur is pursuing education in the U.S. focused on women's health to disseminate that knowledge back in India. However, the costs associated with treatment often remain prohibitive for underprivileged women.

“Women need more conversations about menopause, just as we have about fertility and youth health,” insists Dr. Satwik. Dr. Soni highlights that existing healthcare infrastructure can extend support to menopausal women similar to what is provided for pregnant women, thus ensuring comprehensive care throughout various life stages.

As India approaches a critical demographic threshold, it’s imperative to prioritize women’s health discussions—and the resources to support them—while striving for a future in which menopause is no longer a taboo topic but a shared experience of solidarity and understanding.