Problems Affecting Women from Menarche to Menopause in India -Dr Gayathri D Kamath

Menarche, marking the onset of menstruation, and menopause, signifying its end, are two significant milestones in a woman's life. While these transitions come with biological changes, the journey for Indian women is often fraught with unique challenges due to social, cultural, and economic factors.

Menarche

1. 1. Lack of awareness and education: Many girls experience menarche with fear and confusion due to a lack of comprehensive sex education. Societal taboos surrounding menstruation often prevent open discussions, leaving girls unprepared to manage hygiene, pain, and emotional changes.

2. 2. Nutritional deficiencies: Iron deficiency anemia is prevalent among Indian women, impacting their overall health and well-being during menarche. This can lead to fatigue, increased pain, and hinder cognitive development.

3. 3. Restricted access to menstrual hygiene products: Affordability and accessibility of sanitary pads remain a concern, forcing girls to resort to unsafe alternatives or miss school due to period shame.

Reproductive Health

1. 1. Early and unintended pregnancies: High rates of adolescent marriage and limited access to contraception contribute to early pregnancies, impacting physical and mental health, educational opportunities, and future aspirations.

2. 2. Unsafe abortions: Due to stigma and legal restrictions, many women resort to unsafe abortions, putting their lives at risk. Comprehensive information and access to safe abortion services are crucial.

3. 3. Limited access to quality healthcare: Rural areas often lack qualified healthcare providers and facilities equipped to address women's reproductive health needs, including prenatal care, childbirth, and post-partum support.

Menopause

1. 1. Lack of knowledge and understanding: Menopause is often viewed negatively and shrouded in silence, leaving women unprepared for the physical and emotional changes they experience.

2. 2. Vasomotor symptoms: Hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances are common symptoms that significantly impact quality of life, yet awareness and access to appropriate management options are limited.

3. 3. Increased risk of chronic diseases: Menopause is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health issues. However, timely screening and preventive measures are often lacking.

Socio-cultural factors

1. 1. Gender norms and discrimination: Deep-rooted patriarchal norms restrict women's agency and decision-making power regarding their bodies and health. Societal expectations and taboos surrounding menstruation and menopause further exacerbate their experiences.

2. 2. Financial constraints: Poverty and economic dependence limit women's access to quality healthcare, nutritious food, and hygiene products, impacting their ability to manage menstrual and menopausal challenges.

Looking ahead

1. 1. Empowering girls and women: Comprehensive sex education, menstrual hygiene management awareness, and economic empowerment are crucial to equip women with knowledge and agency.

2. 2. Improving access to healthcare: Expanding healthcare infrastructure, training healthcare providers, and ensuring affordability of services are essential to address unmet needs.

3. 3. Combating societal stigma: Open discussions about menstruation and menopause, along with challenging discriminatory practices, are vital to create a supportive environment.

4. 4. Strengthening policy and advocacy: Policies promoting menstrual health, safe abortion access, and affordable healthcare, coupled with advocacy efforts, can create lasting change.

By acknowledging and addressing these challenges, we can ensure a smoother and healthier journey for women through life's significant transitions. This is not an exhaustive list, and the specific experiences of women vary depending on individual circumstances and regional disparities.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author and not of Medical Dialogues. The Editorial/Content team of Medical Dialogues has not contributed to the writing/editing/packaging of this article.