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Menopause is a complex and transformative phase in a woman’s life. It is essential to take proper care so that this transition serves as an opportunity for self-care and holistic well-being.
A well-balanced diet and overall wellness can make dealing with menopause easy.
World Health Day 2025 was celebrated on April 7. The theme ‘Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures’ highlights the critical role of maternal and newborn health. A global call to action emerges urging women to prioritize their health, especially during the transformative phase of menopause. Menopause is often misunderstood and overlooked by many. But with proper care, it doesn’t have to be a crisis. In fact, with the right guidance, menopause can be a powerful milestone — a time to not only manages symptoms but to thrive.
Menopause is a complex and transformative phase in a woman’s life. Taking the time to care for women during this period is crucial to ensure they navigate it with strength, confidence, and optimal health. By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of menopause, we empower women to embrace this transition as an opportunity for self-care, growth, and holistic well-being.
Dr. V.M. Gopal Menon, an Ayurvedic physician at Vaidyaratnam Vrindavan Ayurveda Chikitsalayam, stresses that menopause is more than just a biological shift — it’s a pivotal period requiring proactive care. “In my practice, I’ve seen how menopause, when not managed holistically, can trigger imbalances across various dimensions—physical, emotional, and hormonal. This is where preventive care, especially rooted in Ayurveda, becomes crucial,” he said.
Ayurveda, with its emphasis on balance, offers natural solutions to ease symptoms like hot flashes, anxiety, and insomnia that many women experience during menopause. “Simple lifestyle changes such as regular movement, mindful eating, and following a daily self-care routine, or Dinacharya, can significantly improve how women feel during this stage,” Dr. Menon noted. Ayurveda also recommends herbs such as Shatavari, Ashoka, and Yashtimadhu, which help nourish the reproductive system and stabilize Vata and Pitta doshas—imbalances that can worsen during menopause.
However, it’s not just physical health that needs attention. Dr. Menon emphasizes that World Health Day should serve as a reminder for women to prioritize emotional and mental well-being too. “Walking in nature, practicing yoga, and seeking community support all contribute to long-term health. This holistic approach reduces the risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, and metabolic disorders,” he explained.
In line with this holistic view, Dr. Mannan Gupta, Chairman and Head of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Elantis Healthcare in New Delhi, highlighted that menopause can increase a woman’s risk for conditions like osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders. “Loss of estrogen during menopause causes the bones to thin, which increases the chances of fractures. At the same time, weight gain and poor metabolism can lead to conditions such as diabetes and heart disease,” Dr. Gupta noted.
He stresses the importance of a well-balanced diet, rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein, to maintain bone health and overall wellness. Regular physical activity, including strength training and cardiovascular exercises, also plays a critical role in maintaining bone density and cardiovascular health. “Equally important is mental health. Stress management, mindfulness, and seeking emotional support can significantly ease the transition,” he adds.
While managing the physical symptoms of menopause is key, Dr. Gupta also emphasizes the importance of regular health check-ups and screenings for conditions like osteoporosis and heart disease. Menopause, in its essence, should be viewed as a milestone rather than a crisis— a chapter in a woman’s life where she takes control of her health, embracing the wisdom and experience that come with age. “By focusing on prevention, care, and self-love, we empower women to age not just gracefully, but powerfully,” Dr. Menon concluded.
Women’s health during menopause deserves more attention, understanding, and celebration. Proper care during this time can greatly enhance a woman’s quality of life, prevent long-term health complications, and help her navigate the transition with greater ease and empowerment.
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