Namita Thapar Reveals Perimenopause Struggles: What You Must Know

Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause, typically starting in a woman's 40s, but can begin in the 30s or even earlier. Perimenopause lasts until menopause, the point when the ovaries stop releasing eggs entirely. During perimenopause, the production of most of the reproductive hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), decreases significantly. Common symptoms of perimenopause include irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, and mood changes.

Other symptoms may include fatigue, depression, irritability, racing heart, headaches, joint and muscle aches, changes in libido, vaginal dryness, and bladder control issues. Perimenopause can also cause a decrease in fertility due to irregular ovulation. 

In one of the episodes of business reality show Shark Tank India, the Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, Namita Thapar, opened up about her battle with perimenopause. In a video shared on X, Thapar revealed that she became anemic, and bled so much during her periods that it was uncomfortable for her to even sit down while shooting for the reality show. She added that hemoglobin went to 8 (g/dl), and she had to take injections for five months. 

Women don’t prioritise their health & don’t speak up. I’ve used the shark tank platform to speak about my experiences with mental health, IVF, fitness & now perimenopause. Most women are not aware of the symptoms, treatment options, let’s get educated & take charge of our health pic.twitter.com/b89LnGJVWN

— Namita (@namitathapar) March 4, 2024

According to Dr Sudeshna Ray, the medical director of Gytree.com, "Menopause is a natural biological process that occurs in women, typically between the ages of 45 and 55 when the ovaries stop producing eggs and hormone levels decline. This can lead to symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and vaginal dryness. While it can be a challenging time, many women experience menopause without any significant health issues. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management of symptoms."

Check out this popular program opted by women to prepare for their pause journeys. According to Mayo Clinic, changes in menstrual periods during perimenopause can be sudden and unpredictable. Periods may be longer or shorter, heavier or lighter, and occur more or less frequently.

Here's a list of basic changes or symptoms for you to expect:

• The most common symptom is irregular periods.
• Hot flashes, characterised by sudden feelings of warmth that spread over the upper body, are another typical sign of perimenopause.
• Women may have redness or flushing and sweating
• Sleep disturbances are a part of menopause too
• Vaginal and urinary tract changes can occur as estrogen levels decrease.
• Mood changes are another symptom to be aware of. Some women experience mood swings, irritability, or increased risk of depression during perimenopause. Physical changes such as weight gain and slowed metabolism are common during perimenopause.

Given the vast range of years across which menopause occurs, women should be aware and conscious of what it entails from the beginning of their 40s. Yes, don't be alarmed says Dr Sudeshna, this only improves your ability to manage it better. Reaching out to an expert to get your nutrition, health and fitness levels right is critical to being able to navigate menopause. Remember it is not a condition or disease, it's a life stage and it must be handled through the right approach to wellness.

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