Mumbai Women Seek Help For Perimenopause Symptoms

Mumbai has seen a rise in women seeking medical help for perimenopause symptoms, with many consulting doctors for hormonal changes that were earlier dismissed as stress or ageing. This trend is attributed to growing awareness about perimenopause and its impact on personal and professional lives.

According to doctors, the number of consultations for hormonal changes is increasing, with many women becoming more aware of the need for menopause-related healthcare in Maharashtra. The state's dedicated menopause clinics have examined over 31,000 women in a short period, with many receiving treatment and some referred for specialised care.

Perimenopause is the hormonal transition leading up to menopause and can begin several years before periods stop. Women may experience a range of symptoms, including irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood changes, anxiety, fatigue, vaginal dryness, reduced libido, weight changes, and difficulty concentrating.

Dr Surabhi Siddhartha, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar, sees several women aged 40-50 every week who are recommended Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) after evaluation. She explains that perimenopause occurs when the ovaries gradually begin producing lower levels of estrogen and progesterone, and that this hormonal fluctuation can start several years before menopause and may last anywhere between four and ten years.

Factors that contribute to perimenopause include ageing, family history, smoking, obesity, stress, and certain medical conditions. Untreated severe symptoms can affect quality of life and may contribute to problems including sleep disturbance, relationship difficulties, and bone-health concerns.

HRT can reduce hot flashes and night sweats, improve sleep quality, stabilise mood changes, improve concentration and mental clarity, relieve vaginal dryness, and support bone health. However, HRT should be individualised according to a woman's age, symptoms, medical history, risk factors, and preferences.

Lifestyle measures, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, maintaining an optimum weight, and stress management, should also form part of the overall approach. A 42-year-old Navi Mumbai marketing professional, who sought medical help after nearly two years of fatigue, mood swings, disturbed sleep, and irregular periods, reported improvement in sleep, hot flashes, mood, and energy levels after treatment with HRT and lifestyle changes.

The growing awareness about perimenopause and its impact on women's lives is a positive trend, and it is essential for women to seek medical help if they are experiencing symptoms. With the right treatment and lifestyle changes, women can manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

In Maharashtra, the need for menopause-related healthcare is growing, and the state's dedicated menopause clinics are playing a crucial role in providing treatment and support to women. The Indian Menopause Society's 2026 guidelines estimate that India had around 46 million women aged 45-49 in 2024, up from 30 million in 2011, highlighting the need for increased awareness and support for women's health.

In conclusion, the rise in women seeking medical help for perimenopause symptoms in Mumbai is a significant trend, and it is essential for women to be aware of the symptoms and treatment options available. With the right approach, women can manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.