I am passionate about working to improve the health and well-being of others during menopause. In fact, I’ve built a whole business doing just that, inspired by overcoming debilitating symptoms during my own journey. Yet, as a South Asian woman, I don’t see anyone that looks like me talking about menopause, and that makes me feel very alone.
Menopause is getting attention for the first time, but where are all the prominent South Asian women within the menopause conversation? I just don’t have a role model in the sense of another Asian woman going through menopause who can share their experiences while also immersed in Indian culture. We are there, but there is silence when it comes to speaking up about menopause, South Asian women, and what’s needed.
Menopause, South Asian women, and barriers
Your body is changing and it is like the reverse of puberty. I want to get the message across to South Asian women that, whether you are on HT or not, you’ve got to be the fittest and healthiest you can for your body. Don’t leave it any longer to look after yourself.
Ten months ago, I started supporting South Asian women with menopause programs to improve their sleep, physical strength, and nutrition. The women coming to me now are predominantly South Asian because they can relate to me. They are comfortable that I understand Indian culture and why they can’t talk to their peers and family about menopause. Slowly we break down the barriers together.
Menopause is not a white person’s disease
Menopause just isn’t talked about in the South Asian community and there isn’t even a word for it in Punjabi. I am often told that menopause is a myth and that it is a white person’s disease. I have no idea where this comes from but I ask myself whether this is because the people shouting about menopause do not look like them?
I am used to putting myself out there to champion women in my community. I am headstrong, stubborn, and will push the boundaries if I have to. For many South Asian women, finding a voice is difficult as, generically, they have a definite place – to look after the house and make sure everyone’s needs are met. This is how it is even for those in high-powered full-time jobs, let alone women who can’t speak or write English.
So many women come to me for help with a fat loss journey but they all fall into a pattern of perimenopause symptoms. Often they are just a shell of themselves with low self-esteem – they feel ‘crazy’ and have lost who they are. Many have been to their healthcare provider and have been offered antidepressants.
Historic HT confusion
Many within my community are scared of HT and believe it is bad for you and derived from horse urine. In fact, I was part of a panel featuring South Asian women on a webinar when someone said: “HT should be your last resort, but if you are suicidal then of course go for HT.”
I couldn’t believe it and replied: “While I agree that herbs and natural methods can help, please don’t wait until you are suicidal to take HT! That is wrong! HT can help you and it is so different today. They have created hormones that mimic actual human hormones. The doses are different and the way it is applied is different – it can be life-changing.”
Find out more about the different types of HT.
Menopause literature needed for South Asian women
We need to get representation and support out into our communities. Menopause literature is needed in different languages and healthcare providers need training. They may not understand what someone is trying to say, or the patient may not have the words to describe what she is going through. Menopause needs to include all women.
I see women leaving my programs standing straighter and telling their husbands and kids to sort themselves out. There’s nothing better than seeing other South Asian women going through menopause challenges and coming out the other side empowered.
Coming soon…
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