As women in India confront menopause earlier than their Western counterparts, a lack of awareness and resources poses a significant challenge to their health. Experts call for a societal shift in addressing menopause openly while advocating for increased medical support and education.
Tackling the Menopause Taboo: Indian Women Demand Awareness and Support
Tackling the Menopause Taboo: Indian Women Demand Awareness and Support
The unique struggles of Indian women facing menopause amid societal stigma and limited resources highlight an urgent need for better healthcare support.
In India, menopause remains an overlooked aspect of women's health, with many women struggling in silence due to societal stigma and a dearth of resources. Recent studies reveal that Indian women typically experience menopause several years earlier than women in the West, often around the ages of 44 to 50. As the country anticipates a surge in the population of women aged 45 and above—projected to reach 400 million by 2026—the urgency for awareness and resources becomes clearer.
Dr. Ruma Satwik, an obstetrician at Delhi's Sir Gangaram Hospital, highlights the need for understanding menopause as a significant health phase when women stop menstruating for a year. This transition often begins with perimenopause, during which symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, and physical discomfort can pose daily challenges. Yet, many women, like 43-year-old Sangeeta, overlook vital health services, remaining unaware of dedicated clinics.
Testimonials from women like TV host Mini Mathur confirm that the journey to seek help is fraught with difficulty, often leading them to travel abroad for appropriate care. Mathur recalls feeling dismissed by healthcare professionals in India, where menopause symptoms were minimized with the comment "it happens to everyone." Her eventual journey for treatment included finding relief with progesterone cream, underscoring the frustration many face in navigating a healthcare system that often prioritizes other women's health issues.
Data shows that in an extensive survey, around 15-20% of women experienced severe menopause symptoms, a stark indicator of the emerging public health concern. Notably, women’s health activists like Atul Sharma voice their frustration over inadequate services and knowledge around menopause, particularly in rural regions where healthcare workers lack specialized training.
Despite the prevalence of these issues, many women have turned to social media for solace and guidance. Influential figures like American doctors and celebrities are working to bring menopause awareness into public discourse, aiming to bridge the gap in education that exists in India.
Experts urge for an alignment of healthcare focus, emphasizing the necessity for training and support specifically tailored for menopausal women. Dr. Satwik advocates for wider conversations around menopause that reflect discussions on fertility and other reproductive health topics. As awareness grows, it’s evident that more concerted efforts are needed to empower women, improve their access to suitable care, and eradicate the stigma surrounding this natural life stage.
Dr. Ruma Satwik, an obstetrician at Delhi's Sir Gangaram Hospital, highlights the need for understanding menopause as a significant health phase when women stop menstruating for a year. This transition often begins with perimenopause, during which symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, and physical discomfort can pose daily challenges. Yet, many women, like 43-year-old Sangeeta, overlook vital health services, remaining unaware of dedicated clinics.
Testimonials from women like TV host Mini Mathur confirm that the journey to seek help is fraught with difficulty, often leading them to travel abroad for appropriate care. Mathur recalls feeling dismissed by healthcare professionals in India, where menopause symptoms were minimized with the comment "it happens to everyone." Her eventual journey for treatment included finding relief with progesterone cream, underscoring the frustration many face in navigating a healthcare system that often prioritizes other women's health issues.
Data shows that in an extensive survey, around 15-20% of women experienced severe menopause symptoms, a stark indicator of the emerging public health concern. Notably, women’s health activists like Atul Sharma voice their frustration over inadequate services and knowledge around menopause, particularly in rural regions where healthcare workers lack specialized training.
Despite the prevalence of these issues, many women have turned to social media for solace and guidance. Influential figures like American doctors and celebrities are working to bring menopause awareness into public discourse, aiming to bridge the gap in education that exists in India.
Experts urge for an alignment of healthcare focus, emphasizing the necessity for training and support specifically tailored for menopausal women. Dr. Satwik advocates for wider conversations around menopause that reflect discussions on fertility and other reproductive health topics. As awareness grows, it’s evident that more concerted efforts are needed to empower women, improve their access to suitable care, and eradicate the stigma surrounding this natural life stage.
