Menopause

Menopause is when a woman's periods have stopped permanently — confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a period. Natural menopause usually happens between 45-55. In India, the average age is slightly earlier than in the West. The years around menopause (perimenopause) can bring significant physical and emotional changes, and are often talked about too little.

Common symptoms

• Hot flushes and night sweats.
• Irregular, then absent periods.
• Sleep problems.
• Mood changes — anxiety, low mood, irritability.
• Vaginal dryness, discomfort during sex.
• Urinary symptoms — frequency, urgency, recurrent UTIs.
• Joint aches.
• Brain-fog — difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness.
• Weight gain, especially around the belly.

Health risks that rise after menopause

• Heart disease — the protection that oestrogen gives drops.
• Osteoporosis — bones thin faster.
• Urinary and vaginal changes — can affect quality of life and sex.
• These are all partly manageable — making the menopausal years a natural checkpoint for a fuller health review.

What helps

• Regular physical activity — including strength training — best-evidenced for bones, weight, mood.
• Healthy diet — plenty of calcium and vitamin D; protein at every meal; soy/flax helps some for hot flushes.
• Sleep routine, stress reduction — yoga and meditation help many.
• Quit smoking, moderate alcohol.
• Vaginal moisturisers and local oestrogen — safe and effective for dryness and painful sex; often under-used.
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) — effective for hot flushes and can protect bone; suitable for some women, not all. Risks include a small increase in breast cancer and blood clots. Decisions are individual — discuss with a gynaecologist.
• Non-hormonal medicines for hot flushes — several options if HRT isn't suitable.

When to see a Health Expert

• Any bleeding after menopause — always investigate; rule out cancer.
• Severe hot flushes or mood symptoms affecting life.
• Symptoms under 40 — early menopause needs proper evaluation.
• Urinary or sexual symptoms.
• Bone, heart or diabetes screening at menopause — useful baseline.

Menopause is a transition, not a disease. With support, most women navigate it well. It's worth having a conversation with a gynaecologist rather than suffering in silence.