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Menopause

Navigating Menopause in India: Challenges and Support Options

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Perimenopause and menopause are transitional periods before menopause when women experience various physical, emotional, and social challenges. In India, where 150 million women are currently experiencing menopause, the average age being 46.2 years, which is younger than the global average of 51 years. According to a survey conducted by Abbott-Ipsos among 1,200 women in seven cities, 87% of women feel that menopause symptoms can significantly impact their quality of life, 82% believe it can impact their personal well-being, nearly 48% mentioned experiencing severe menopausal symptoms, and only about 37% of women consulted a gynecologist for their symptoms.

Key Takeaways:

  • **Prevalence of Menopause Symptoms:** 87% of women feel that menopause symptoms can significantly impact their quality of life, 82% believe it can impact their personal well-being, nearly 48% mentioned experiencing severe menopausal symptoms, and only about 37% of women consulted a gynecologist for their symptoms.
  • **Physical Challenges:** Women experience various physical symptoms during menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances. Early menopause (before age 45) or premature menopause (before age 40) can have profound effects, including a higher risk for osteoporosis, cardiovascular issues, and emotional distress.
  • **Mental Health Impact:** The years leading to menopause can take a huge toll on the mental health of women. Common mental health challenges at this time include anger and irritability, low mood and feelings of sadness and depression, anxiety, forgetfulness, brain fog, loss of motivation, loss of self-esteem due to physical changes, and problems with sleep.
  • **Startups Focusing on Menopause:** Menoveda (Ayurvedic brand for menopause supplements), Elda Health (online platform for menopause education and interventions), Miror (360-degree care platform for women in the critical phase of perimenopause), and Miyara Health (awareness and digital symptom management self-guided programmes) are some of the startups offering support for women navigating menopause.
  • **Workplace Support:** Organisations like Intuit and Natwest are introducing initiatives to break the menopause taboo and offer support to women experiencing menopause, including virtual cafés, support groups, and personalized confidential online support.

Statistics:

  • **Prevalence of Menopause:** 150 million women in India are currently experiencing menopause, with the average age being 46.2 years.
  • **Survey Results:** 87% of women feel that menopause symptoms can significantly impact their quality of life, 82% believe it can impact their personal well-being, nearly 48% mentioned experiencing severe menopausal symptoms, and only about 37% of women consulted a gynecologist for their symptoms.
  • **Startups Reach:** Menoveda has reached 85,000 women through menopause education and interventions, while Elda Health has reached 20 million women in three years through social media and 125 + workshops.

Sources:

  • [Aparna Jha, Consultant-OBGY, Apollo Cradle, Bengaluru, in YourStory Media Private Limited, distributed by Contify.com]
  • [Tina Vinod, Founder, Diversity Simplified, in YourStory Media Private Limited, distributed by Contify.com]
  • [Uma Achuthan, HR professional, in YourStory Media Private Limited, distributed by Contify.com]
  • [Sources of startups including Menoveda, Elda Health, Miror, and Miyara Health mentioned in the article]

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