In the Indian context, menopause extends far beyond biology it is deeply embedded within cultural norms, gender roles, and social expectations. For many Indian women, it is not just a physiological transition, but a complex psychosocial experience shaped by silence, stigma, and shifting identities.
The Culture of Silence Around Women’s Bodies
In India, conversations around women’s bodies remain limited, even in educated and urban families. Topics such as menstruation, sexual health, and menopause are often considered private or even taboo. Research in reproductive health communication highlights that limited open dialogue contributes to low awareness and preparedness among women approaching menopause (IJRCOG study)
As a result, many women enter menopause without understanding what to expect. Symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and vaginal dryness may feel alarming or confusing. According to the Indian Menopause Society , awareness levels about menopause in India are significantly lower compared to Western countries, particularly in rural and semi-urban populations. This knowledge gap often delays help-seeking and increases distress.
The “Suffering is Normal” Mindset
A woman’s identity is closely connected to her roles as a mother, wife and caregiver. Social norms for girls encourage them to prioritize the needs of others, caring for family members, managing the household academics and career. Women are socialised to neglect self-care, physical and mental well-being resulting in normalising poor health care seeking behaviour.
By the time women reach menopause these beliefs are so ingrained, as a result when they experience fatigue, mood changes, anxiety, they tend to ignore them rather than seeking help professionally or from loved ones.
A common cultural narrative surrounding menopause is encapsulated in the phrase: “Yeh toh har aurat ko hota hai” (this happens to every woman). While biologically accurate, this mindset can be harmful. It normalizes suffering and discourages women from seeking medical or psychological support.
Scientific literature suggests that untreated menopausal symptoms can significantly affect quality of life, including sleep quality, cognitive functioning, and emotional well-being PMC,2011. Despite this, Indian women are less likely to seek care due to normalization of discomfort and lack of accessible information. This often results in prolonged untreated symptoms, including severe mood changes, anxiety, depression and irritability often driven by hormonal changes inside the body.
Emotional and Mental Health : The Silent Burden
Menopause is associated with hormonal fluctuations that can influence neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood. This makes women more vulnerable to symptoms such as anxiety, irritability and mood swings. WHO recommends that social, mental and physical health support during the menopausal transition and after menopause should be an integral part of multi-prong response of health care system.
Women face stigma and discrimination compounded by social and economic barriers to access mental health care. The fear of bringing “shame” to the family compels many relatives to conceal a woman’s condition rather than seek professional help, delaying diagnosis and proper intervention. (Reji TR, 2025)
Moving Forward Towards Awareness and Support
Supporting women through perimenopause and menopause and associated mental health conditions requires:
- Encouraging open conversations with couples and within families on how women transitioning this important phase can be supported.
- Building a culture for normalising conversations around mental health.
- Integrating mental health support with menopause care as part of health care response. The Delhi Government as recently integrated healthcare programme for menopausal women.
- Promoting a culture of awareness and information through support groups which can help women navigate this challenging phase in life.
Pragmana Foundation offers a 5-week structured online programme on Empowering your Menopause Journey with Nutrition, Movement and Gut ensuring that women are feel supported throughout this transition. https://www.pragmanafoundation.org/