Menopause and Pre-menopause Issues: New Women are breaking the Wall of Silence

Dr. Shalini Yadav

"Our mothers were largely silent about what happened to them as they passed through this midlife change. But a new generation of women has already started to break the wall of silence." – Trisha Posner

Menopause doesn’t burst into a woman’s life like a sudden explosion; instead, it’s a slow-burning fire that simmers in the shadows during her forties and fifties, its effects seeping into every moment—day and night, month after month. This relentless, invisible force often wears down mental resilience more profoundly than physical strength, casting a long, haunting shadow over daily life.

The turmoil of pre-menopause can feel overwhelming, as if a dark storm cloud has descended, shrouding everything in its path. The physical symptoms—hot flashes, mood swings, itching, burning, infections, and sleepless nights—can feel like poisonous serpentine tails, lashing at both body and mind. A woman may feel as if a merciless force has buried her positivity beneath the surface, replacing it with irritability and emotional upheaval. The experience can be profoundly isolating, making it difficult for others to grasp the depth of the struggle.

Dr. Christiane Northrup’s insightful book, The Wisdom of Menopause, reveals that this life phase is far more than a collection of physical symptoms—it is a profound mind-body transformation. Much like adolescence, it is a pivotal moment for personal growth. The decisions women make during this time—in relationships, diet, lifestyle—can unlock vibrant health and well-being for the years ahead.

From a medical standpoint, menopause is a natural biological process that signals the end of a woman’s reproductive years, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. However, the transition, including the premenopausal phase, brings myriad physical, emotional, and psychological challenges. Despite being a universal experience for women, menopause remains shrouded in stigma—particularly in countries like India and, to a lesser extent, in Western cultures.

In India, menopause is often seen as a taboo subject, leading many women to suffer in silence. According to a survey conducted by the Menopause Society of India, approximately 85% of women experience symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances, significantly impacting their quality of life, relationships, and careers. A gynecologist based in Alwar notes, “The physical symptoms, combined with societal pressures and expectations, can lead to emotional distress. Many women feel they must endure these challenges alone and in silence.”

Globally, however, awareness around menopause is gradually increasing. Two elderly women, wise with the experience of seventy summers, once shared with me the unspoken truths of their youth. For them, even mentioning menopause was taboo—something never to be discussed in public. But times have changed, and with them, the narrative.

Today, women are breaking free from the shackles of silence, speaking openly about their experiences, and in doing so, rewriting the script of what it means to age with dignity and self-awareness.

Yet many women continue to report a lack of support and information from healthcare providers. Dr. Sarah Reynolds, a gynecologist in New York, remarks, “Menopause often doesn’t receive the attention it deserves in health care. Many women are left to navigate their symptoms without adequate guidance, leading to a lack of confidence and increased feelings of isolation.”

The reluctance to discuss menopause remains a significant barrier to care. In India, cultural norms continue to shape perceptions of women's health, trivializing menopause as merely an inconvenience of aging. “It’s considered a personal issue or a sign of aging that should not be discussed publicly,” says Radhika, a 52-year-old woman from Jaipur. This enforced silence has prevented many women from sharing their struggles or seeking help.

Internationally, although the stigma is lifting, particularly in the media and wellness industries, women in the corporate world still fear judgment or professional repercussions if they disclose their menopausal experiences.

Courageous public figures are helping to change that. In Bollywood, actress and fitness icon Shilpa Shetty has spoken openly about her journey, emphasizing the importance of addressing both physical and emotional health. “Menopause is a natural phase of life, but that doesn’t mean we should endure it silently. We need to support each other,” she says.

In Hollywood, actress Naomi Watts has been vocal about her experience. “It’s a time when you feel somewhat invisible,” she shared in an interview. “Yet, it’s essential we bring attention to our experiences. It’s about maintaining our vitality and being heard.” Actress Angela Bassett echoes this sentiment: “It’s a gift of life, and we should celebrate it. The more we talk, the less taboo it becomes.” TV personality Whoopi Goldberg adds, “All of a sudden, I don’t mind saying to people, ‘You know what? Get out of my life. You’re not right for me.’ It’s wonderful and liberating.”

I’ve heard many women in their forties and fifties say they’ve become more fearless, no longer burdened by the need for social approval. Hormonal changes during menopause seem to trigger a deeper confidence—a shift where women begin to prioritize themselves unapologetically.

To foster this confidence, we must evolve the conversation around menopause. Countless women suffer daily in silence. Gynecologists stress the need for better education—both within medical institutions and the wider public. “We need to normalize this conversation and create safe spaces where women can talk openly about their experiences,” says Dr. Anjali Mathur.

Empowering women to speak up and seek help without shame is critical. Support groups and community outreach can serve as vital platforms for awareness and solidarity, helping women feel less isolated. Changing societal attitudes will lead to better healthcare practices, ensuring menopause is seen not as a burden to be borne alone, but as a shared journey of transformation and resilience.

In this era of rising women's voices, it is crucial to extend that empowerment to menopause. By shedding stigma and embracing dialogue, we ensure that women everywhere are respected, heard, and supported through this significant life change.

Women must also take charge of their own health and well-being. A gynecologist from Jaipur recommends regular exercise like yoga, walking, and swimming to strengthen bones and muscles, alongside a balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. Staying hydrated, managing weight, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol are key. Equally important are stress-reduction practices such as meditation and hobbies that bring joy, alongside a strong support network of family, friends, or peers. A consistent sleep routine and regular health check-ups also go a long way in maintaining wellness during this transition.

Author Patricia Akins once wrote, “Menopause is like autumn leaves falling; it’s a natural shedding of the old to make way for the new.” It’s not an end—it’s a transformation into a beautiful, powerful phase of life. Amid these changes, a woman can rediscover herself, embracing who she becomes. British fiction writer Tanith Lee beautifully captured this, saying that menopausal symptoms are the body’s way of “crying out for love, help, and attention.”

Let’s listen to that call.

Dr. Shalini Yadav is a Professor, Writer, and Columnist from Jaipur, Rajasthan.