A new wave of research has pulled menopause – often a whispered word – into India’s public spotlight. According to striking new findings drawn from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted between 2019 and 2021, 2.2% of Indian women aged 15 to 39 have already experienced menopause. The number leaps to 16.2% among women aged 40 to 44, meaning a sizable portion of women are reaching this milestone well before the usual age of 45 to 55.
Early Menopause: What’s Driving This Spurt?
So, what’s behind this early transition? The research, published in *Scientific Reports*, lays much of the blame on lifestyle and socio-economic factors. Smoking, stress, poor diet, and early childbirth have all been shown to increase the risk of hitting menopause early. For some women, the process may be triggered by medical treatments (like chemotherapy), surgery, or unknown causes.
The implications are serious. Women who experience menopause before age 40 (classified as premature menopause), or between 40 and 44 (early menopause), face higher risks of bone loss, heart disease, and other complications linked to lower estrogen levels. In India, where cultural expectations around motherhood remain strong, the emotional and social toll can be just as daunting as the physical effects, especially when young women see their fertility decline sooner than expected.
Health Risks and the Call for Awareness
Osteoporosis, dubbed a “silent threat,” is particularly worrying. More than 200 million postmenopausal women worldwide suffer from this bone-weakening condition, and women in India are at even greater risk due to early menopause, poor nutrition, and low physical activity. Simple screening tools like the OSTA score (using age and weight) can help doctors spot women at risk sooner and hopefully prevent serious fractures down the road.
Yet, experts say awareness remains far too low. Many women don’t know the signs of early menopause or its long-term health impact. The recent unveiling of “Me No Pause Me Play”—India’s first feature film to put menopause center-stage—may help. Director Samar K Mukherjee hopes the film will “break the silence” and remind viewers that menopause isn’t just an end, but “a powerful new beginning.” Actress Kamya Punjabi adds: “Every woman will see a part of herself in this story.”
Doctors urge Indian women to manage stress, keep their weight healthy, and consult with their healthcare providers—especially before any surgery involving the ovaries. Meanwhile, society is just beginning to acknowledge that early menopause is a reality, not just for a few, but for millions—a reality that deserves support, awareness, and action.
