Indian Women Hit Menopause 5 Years Earlier — Nutritionist Reveals How To Take Control Of Your Midlife Health

Menopause. It’s a word that still doesn’t get talked about enough—especially in Indian families, but it’s a reality every woman faces. For Indian women, this phase of life arrives earlier than most people think. Nutritionist Pooja Makhija recently took to Instagram to explain menopause in Indian women—and her message is clear: it's time to stop shying away from menopause and start taking charge of midlife health.

“Did you know Indian women hit menopause nearly five years earlier than Caucasian women?” she wrote. “While the global average is around 51 years, Indian women reach menopause at about 46.7 years. That’s a big deal,” she says in her reel.

So, what does that mean? It means that Indian women need to start thinking about midlife health—heart, bones, hormones, and mental well-being—much earlier than they probably are. According to Pooja, we’re not talking about it enough.

“Menopause isn’t the same for everyone,” she said in her post. “Indian women experience it a little differently. Let’s understand why midlife care in India needs a fresh perspective.”

As women transition into menopause, their risk of heart disease increases significantly. Bone density begins to decline, and with already low levels of vitamin D common among Indian women, the risks become even more pronounced. But the problem isn’t just biological—it's cultural too.

“There’s a global silence around menopause, but in Indian homes, it’s even more hushed,” she pointed out. “Women are suffering in silence because this topic is still seen as taboo. That has to change.”

Pooja also explains another concerning issue: Indian women are far less likely than their Western counterparts to seek treatment or support for menopause symptoms. Whether it’s exploring Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), making targeted lifestyle changes, or simply adjusting their nutrition, many women are unaware of—or hesitant to explore—their options.

So, how do we work on it? According to Pooja, it starts with awareness and honest conversations.

“Midlife care isn’t about just surviving menopause,” she wrote. “It’s about thriving through it.”

She suggests starting with small but meaningful steps:

Most importantly, don’t suffer in silence. Seek help, ask questions, and keep yourself informed, because the more we talk about menopause, the less mysterious—and scary—it becomes.

“I think it’s high time we stop shying away from menopause,” Pooja said. “Let’s take charge of this together.”

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