As women progress through various stages of life, their health and wellness needs evolve. Among these transitions, menopause marks a significant chapter in their lives, often shrouded in mystery and accompanied by profound physical and emotional changes. Observed annually on 18 October, World Menopause Day serves as an important opportunity to raise awareness and break the silence surrounding a natural yet often misunderstood phase of life.
Dr. Monika Chawla, Consultant Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (IVF) at Healthplus Fertility
This year’s World Menopause Day theme focuses on Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT) and the importance of breaking the stigma around treatment options. Through continued medical advancements, a blend of medical, holistic and wellness therapies now help women balance their physical and emotional health.
The HealthPlus network, part of the M42 group, offers a range of healthcare services tailored for women. The teams understand that menopause is a natural part of life’s journey, and their comprehensive, preventive care approach helps women not only manage symptoms but thrive during this stage. From perimenopause to postmenopause, their expert care is tailored to meet the unique needs of each woman.
A holistic approach
The Laha Wellness Hub provides holistic menopause care, offering services like hormone therapy, acupuncture, nutrition counseling and mental health support to promote balance and well-being.
Women are provided with the resources and care they need to manage menopause effectively. The team takes an open and supportive approach, helping women make informed decisions about whether hormone therapy is right for them.
Dr. Neha Gami, Consultant in Obstetrics & Gynecology at HealthPlus Family, explains,
“Menopause can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a natural process. At Laha, we focus on helping women understand these changes and manage their health proactively. Every woman’s journey is different, and open conversations about hormone therapy or other treatments are essential in helping each person find what works best for them.”
More than just hot flashes
Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, though it can happen earlier or later for some women. It is diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without menstruation and signals the end of a woman’s fertility. Menopause is far more than just the cessation of menstrual periods. It’s a gradual transition that takes place over three distinct phases:
- Perimenopause: This phase, which can start as early as a decade before menopause, is marked by fluctuating hormone levels and symptoms such as irregular periods and hot flashes.
- Menopause: Officially begins when a woman hasn’t had a period for 12 consecutive months, menopause signals the end of estrogen production from the ovaries.
- Postmenopause: While menopausal symptoms often subside during this phase, women become more vulnerable to conditions like osteoporosis and heart disease, making ongoing preventive care essential.
However, menopause in all its stages doesn’t have to be a difficult journey when approached with the right care and support. This transformative time can also bring a newfound sense of freedom and a phase of introspection and personal growth.
For women who may need more time to decide on hormonal therapy and not feel pressured to make immediate decisions, options like cryopreservation are worth considering.
Never too late
Dr. Monika Chawla, Consultant Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (IVF) at Healthplus Fertility says, “Menopause doesn’t mean women can’t pursue motherhood. Regardless of age or menopausal status, options remain available. Egg freezing allows women to delay motherhood by preserving their eggs before menopause, enabling conception later through assisted reproductive technologies, even as natural fertility declines.”
The network offers tailored therapies that address symptoms, helping women manage this phase with personalized care. For those experiencing early menopause or reproductive concerns, the network provides more than medical treatments — offering women access to workshops and resources that explore diet, exercise, stress management and mental health.
In honor of this day, let’s remember that menopause is not an end but a beginning, an open door to a phase of life that promises new adventures and opportunities for growth and happiness.
ENDS