As women share their stories about experiencing one of the biggest transformations of their lives alongside their peaking careers, we look at the real impact of having open conversations on health and well-being.

“There are days when I feel triumphant to be thriving at work in my forties. And then there are days when I feel a deep sense of loneliness. I’ve reached a senior position and earn well, but I still work in an all-male firm. As the only woman my age left standing, I feel like an outlier. There is certainly no one I can talk with about menopause.” – Ishani, 47, New Delhi.

Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman’s life, one that brings both visible and invisible changes. In India, women typically enter menopause around the age of 46, earlier than the global average of 49. In a recent women’s health survey by Abbott and Ipsos, 87% of respondents discuss the significant impact of menopause on their daily life, with many experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruptions and joint pain.

For many, this phase coincides with a time of personal growth and professional momentum. Yet often, women have to manage its challenges quietly, even as they continue to lead, perform, and excel.

“I remember planning for a big project launch, and suddenly I started bleeding. It went on for 17 days. I wasn’t scared, but it was odd,” says Pari, 48, Mumbai. “The months of transition that followed weren’t easy, but my gynecologist was of great help, and with her advice, I was able to manage my symptoms and keep my life as normal as possible. In hindsight, I wish someone had told me more about menopause.”

A comprehensive approach can make it easier for women to understand, share and deal with the changes their bodies go through. Workplaces can play a powerful role in supporting women to look after their health while they’re acing their career goals. And it doesn’t take much. Small changes can make the biggest difference in creating a workplace where women feel safe, supported and motivated to achieve their best.

Talking About What We Don’t Talk

As leaders across the world understand the importance of getting the best talent on their team, and what they can do to support that talent, they’re looking inwards to initiate change, beginning with conversations around health.

Women’s health, particularly, isn’t understood enough to help manage their well-being. Therefore, as more people share their experiences, be it women experiencing menopause or their caregivers — spouses, friends, children — we develop a collective understanding and a great support system that’s woven into the culture of progress. 

“Women always pretend to be fine. We don’t hurt, we don’t need help, and nothing can stop us. It’s like when you are a new mom and all the other moms around you say their babies slept through the night from day one, and you sit there in the wee hours of night with a crying baby, wondering what’s wrong with you.” – Lynette, 74, Mexico.

Conversations Matter

An open dialogue can lead to tangible steps that make women feel more at ease. A step as simple as ensuring physical comfort could mean offering proper ventilation, desk fans and cool zones, or being flexible with work hours to help women cope better with menopause symptoms and maintain a comfortable work-life balance. Access to an on-site gym or fitness program can help women incorporate exercise into their routines and stay active — a vital part of building muscle strength and easing menopause symptoms.

We live in a fast-paced world where the need for self-care has become crucial. Women may tend to deprioritize their own wellbeing, amid their caregiving and other duties. Menopause can bring fatigue, anxiety, brain fog and changes in mood that are challenging to deal with. Making it easier for women to account for self-care can go a long way in supporting their health. Team members can share responsibilities when possible and urge women to pause for a break or a short walk, to decompress.

Help, Within Reach

Women may need to consult a healthcare specialist, women’s health specialist or a mental health practitioner, should they have any questions about their experience. Access to the right expert can make a world of difference to the way one is able to navigate menopause while maintaining productivity.

There is Power in Knowing That You Aren’t Alone

Workplaces can consider creating peer networks or wellness programs that give women a platform to share and support one another. Abbott’s ‘The Next Chapter’ campaign and digital resources offer reliable healthcare information that can aid this process — they help women understand their bodies better, take control of their health and have an honest dialogue about their experiences, with one another and with others around them.

Menopause is a deeply personal journey, but it doesn't have to be isolating.

As Dr. Rohita Shetty, Medical Affairs Head at Abbott India, shares, “Raising awareness about menopause is more than just sharing facts. It’s about creating a space where women feel comfortable talking about their experiences.”

Disclaimer: The information mentioned in this document is only suggestive /for patient education and shall not be considered as a substitute for doctor’s advice or recommendations from Abbott. Please consult your doctor for more information.