Menopause and the changes of midlife

Menopause usually arrives between 45 and 55. Before it, in the years called perimenopause, hormones change and periods may become irregular. Many women are never told what to expect, and are often told to just 'bear it'.

What women often notice

• Hot flushes and night sweats.
• Poor sleep, tiredness and trouble concentrating.
• Low mood, worry, irritability or tearfulness.
• Aches in joints, dry skin or less interest in sex.

These can arrive at the same time as other life changes: children leaving home, ageing parents, caring work, worries over money. It makes sense to feel more tired or sad. You are not 'going mad'.

What can help

• Light daily movement, like a walk or yoga.
• Regular meals with calcium, such as milk, curd, ragi or leafy greens.
• A cooler room, cotton clothes, and a bedtime routine.
• Time with friends. Feeling alone makes it harder.
• A check-up at the PHC, CHC or district hospital. There is treatment for many symptoms, and your doctor can check for conditions like anaemia, thyroid or bone health.