Menopause mayhem: How this period impacts women's physical and cognitive well-being - Times of India

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In a woman's life,

menopause

marks a significant transition, often accompanied by various challenges. Let's consider the case of Sarah, a 52-year-old woman navigating through this phenomenon. Once vibrant and energetic, Sarah finds herself with a ton of physical and emotional changes.

Let's understand Sarah's journey into menopause for the issues faced by women, both scientific and social.

Menopause is clinically defined as the cessation of menstruation for twelve consecutive months, marking the end of a woman's reproductive years. However, the transition leading up to menopause, known as

perimenopause

, can span several years and is characterized by hormonal fluctuations that can have profound effects on a woman's physical and emotional well-being.

During perimenopause, women often experience a lot of

hormonal changes

, which can manifest in multiple symptoms ranging from hot flashes and night sweats to mood swings and memory lapses. These symptoms not only disrupt daily life but also pose significant challenges to women's mental and emotional health. The fluctuating hormone levels during perimenopause can impact brain function, leading to cognitive changes such as forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating. For Sarah, these cognitive changes have been particularly distressing, as she finds herself struggling to recall simple tasks and information.

Image: CANVA

Furthermore, the social dimensions enveloping menopause infuse another layer of complexity into Sarah's journey. Across various societies, menopause remains veiled in stigma and misconceptions, perpetuating negative stereotypes that diminish and invalidate women's experiences. Throughout history, women grappling with menopausal symptoms often found themselves relegated to dismissive labels such as "hysterical" or "irrational," a derogatory narrative that not only eroded their dignity but also sanctioned harmful practices.

In India, menopause brings unique challenges for women like Sarah due to cultural, social, and economic factors. Society's traditional gender roles make menopause a taboo topic, leaving women to navigate it in silence. Women like Sarah face physical and emotional changes alongside societal attitudes that downplay their experiences and widen existing inequalities.

Menopause arrives during a critical life phase, where they juggle family duties, career goals, and societal pressures. Unlike Western societies where menopause is openly discussed, in India, it's often whispered about, leading to a lack of awareness and support. This cultural silence isolates women like Sarah, leaving them feeling unsupported in their journey.

Additionally, menopause poses significant

economic challenges

for marginalized women in India. Factors like the gender pay gap and limited access to healthcare and education leave many financially insecure, making menopause even harder. Traditional family dynamics, where women like Sarah care for elderly parents and younger generations, add to their burdens. Balancing these responsibilities leaves little energy for self-care, worsening the toll of menopause. This imbalance amplifies existing inequalities, making it harder for women to cope. Societal stigma surrounding menopause can exacerbate feelings of shame and isolation, hindering women from seeking validation and support. Women may internalize negative stereotypes, feeling invalidated in their experiences and emotions. This lack of validation can worsen mental health struggles, leading to anxiety and depression.

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As Sarah grapples with the complexities of menopause, it becomes evident that identifying and addressing the needs of women during this transition is crucial for promoting their overall well-being. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of perimenopause and providing women with the support and resources they need is essential for navigating this often-tumultuous phase of life. Open discussions and education can help dismantle stigma, empowering women to seek help without shame and encourages women to prioritize self-care and seek support from healthcare professionals. Addressing mental health needs during menopause promotes overall well-being and improve their quality of life. Moreover, fostering

social empathy

and dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding menopause can help reduce stigma and ensure that women feel validated and supported in their experiences.

(Article by: Dr. Sabine Kapasi, Co-Founder and MD at Enira Consulting Pvt Ltd., Well-known Gynecologist and an IVF specialist)