Posted by New Delhi: A woman’s life is a roller coaster ride of various changes both biologically and physically. According to a study published in “BJOG: an International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology“, led by the School of Public Health, University of Queensland (UQ), found that women who experienced early menstruation are at higher risk of frequent hot flushes and night sweats compared to women who experienced their first period.
Dr Gayathri D Kamath, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fortis Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore told News9, “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. 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. Nutritional deficiencies: Iron deficiency anaemia is prevalent among Indian women, impacting their overall health and well-being during menarche.
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. 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. Unsafe abortions: Due to stigma and legal limitations, many women opt for unsafe abortions, putting their lives at risk.
3. Limited access to quality healthcare: In rural areas, the healthcare facilities are often not up to the mark hence it is a problem.
Menopause:
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. 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. Increased risk of chronic diseases: Menopause is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health issues.
Looking ahead:
1. 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.
2. Empowering girls and women: Comprehensive sex education, menstrual hygiene management awareness, and economic empowerment are crucial to equipping women with knowledge and agency.
3. Improving access to healthcare: Expanding healthcare infrastructure, training healthcare providers, and ensuring affordability of services are essential to address unmet needs.
4. Combating societal stigma: Open discussions about menstruation and menopause, along with challenging discriminatory practices, are vital to creating a supportive environment.
5. Strengthening policy and advocacy: Policies promoting menstrual health, safe abortion access, and affordable healthcare, coupled with advocacy efforts, can create lasting change.