Menopause affects nearly half the population, yet remains one of the most neglected areas of women’s health in India. Experts said this at an awareness seminar held in the Capital this weekend. Despite being a natural stage in every woman’s life, menopause continues to be surrounded by stigma, misinformation and a glaring lack of policy focus, leaving millions to endure its physical and emotional challenges in silence.

The Menopause Society of India, in association with Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, organised the seminar to draw attention to the urgent need for better awareness and medical support for women during this transition.

Leading gynaecologist Dr Ragini Agarwal highlighted that the average age for menopause in India was around 47 years — lower than the global average of 51. “We usually see menopause between 47 and 55 years in India,” Dr Agarwal said. “If it happens before 40, we call it premature menopause; if it occurs between 40 and 45, it is early menopause.”

Menopause is diagnosed when a woman goes 12 months without a menstrual period. Though it is a natural milestone, its symptoms — ranging from hot flashes and fatigue to mood swings and sleep disruptions — can seriously affect quality of life if left unaddressed.

Dr Agarwal stressed that as life expectancy rose, women spent nearly two to three decades of their lives in the post-menopausal stage, making it vital to prioritise their health during these years. “Menopause is an eternal truth every woman must go through,” she said. “Now, simply living is not enough — quality of life matters. For that, education and awareness and are crucial.”

She said the hormone estrogen, which played a central role in a woman’s body, dropped significantly during menopause, triggering changes that impacted muscles, bones and mental health. “When estrogen levels decrease, the entire body undergoes changes. We must talk about it openly, so women know how to care for themselves.”

Dr Agarwal also urged families and society to view menopause not as an illness but as a positive phase. “It’s not a disease. It should be cherished as a golden period when women can finally live for themselves. Their day-to-day responsibilities are behind them — this is their time,” she said.

Experts called for more community outreach, accessible counselling and policy measures to ensure women across India receive the support they need to navigate menopause with dignity and confidence.