What Is The Hidden Emotional Journey Behind Menopause That Millions Of Women Face; Know From Expert

Behind the scenes, there’s also a quieter, more intimate struggle, coping with changes in body image, relationships and social roles. Many women grapple with the fear of ageing, shifting family dynamics, or even a perceived loss of femininity, all while continuing to fulfil personal and professional responsibilities. In a society where open conversations about women’s health are still limited, the emotional weight of menopause can feel isolating. In conversation with The Daily Jagran, Mrs. Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson, Aditya Birla Education Trust, sheds light on the emotional journey behind menopause that every woman faces in life.

A 2021 study published in Menopause in the Journal of North American Menopause Society found that up to 68 per cent of women experience cognitive difficulties during this transition. What’s troubling is how rarely these symptoms are recognised as part of the menopause spectrum. Instead, many women internalise their struggles, fearing they’re "losing control" or "not coping well," without realising they are going through a very real and deeply layered hormonal shift.

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Despite being a natural biological transition, menopause is rarely spoken about with clarity or compassion. Most women enter it with little idea of what to expect. Hot flashes are often the only symptom that comes up in casual conversation, but the reality is far more complex. Women may experience anxiety, mood swings, cognitive fog, sleep disruptions, and even depressive episodes, to name a few, all of which are valid and deeply affecting experiences, yet largely absent from mainstream discourse.

This lack of awareness has far-reaching consequences. Without timely information and support, women are left to navigate a deeply personal journey without the tools to make sense of it. Mrs. Neerja Birla states, “This emotional complexity is often compounded by coinciding life-stage challenges. One of the most profound is Empty Nest Syndrome.” As children grow more independent or leave home, many women feel an emotional void, one that can upend their sense of identity, especially if their self-worth has long been tied to caregiving roles. Even when children remain physically present, the emotional shift can feel like a quiet grief, unspoken yet deeply felt.

How Women Must Know About The Emotiona Journey Behind Menopause (Image Credits: Canva)

Mrs. Neerja Birla says, “It is imperative that we begin to see menopause not just as a hormonal milestone, but as a crucial mental and emotional health transition. With the right awareness, women can move from confusion to clarity, from isolation to confidence and acceptance, But for that to happen, the conversation must become mainstream.”

Public education around menopause must begin much earlier, ideally when women are in their 30s and early 40s. According to the Indian Menopause Society, an estimated 150 million women in India are currently living through this transition, and the average age of onset is 46.2 years, significantly earlier than the global average of 51 years. Early awareness is key to helping women approach this life stage with preparedness rather than apprehension.

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Mrs. Neerja Birla mentions, “We need accurate, accessible information and open conversations not only within homes but also across social spaces and workplaces to ensure women receive the support they deserve through this significant transition.”

What this transition truly demands is compassionate awareness. When those around a woman like partners, children, families, co-workers and understand the biological and emotional changes she is going through, it creates room for empathy. It helps dismantle unrealistic expectations and empowers women to navigate this phase without the constant pressure to perform at their peak every day. Menopause is neither a personal failure nor an unexplained medical condition; it’s a natural transition that deserves understanding and support. It is a human experience and like all such experiences, it deserves dignity, dialogue and support.

True strength lies not in silence, but in honesty. In being able to say, “I need support,” and being met with understanding, not dismissal. When we replace judgment with empathy at home, at work, and in society and we not only support individual women, but we have the ability to transform the cultural landscape for generations to come.