Renowned author and philanthropist Sudha Murty, recognized for her candidness and insightful narratives, recently shared her personal journey of navigating through menopause during an intimate conversation with SheThePeople founder, Shaili Chopra. At the age of 73, Murty shed light on the emotional and physical changes she encountered, aiming to destigmatize discussions surrounding women's reproductive health.
Acceptance and Education
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Growing up, Sudha Murty was fortunate to receive guidance on health matters from her father, a gynaecologist. From the onset of puberty, her father emphasized the natural fluctuations in hormone levels and the eventual transition into menopause. "He made it a point that all three daughters accept these things as normal," Murty shared, highlighting her father's efforts in normalizing conversations about menstruation and menopause.
Navigating Emotional and Physical Changes
Approaching menopause with acceptance and understanding, Murty recognised the inevitability of bodily transformations. "No, I knew that when my hormones started retreating, I should accept that my skin would wrinkle, that I'm going to put a little more weight," she remarked, embracing the natural progression of life. Despite experiencing mood swings and emotional fluctuations, Murty remained grounded by pursuing activities she enjoyed, such as reading, exercising, and engaging in her philanthropic endeavours.
Embracing Emotional Vulnerability
Menopause is not merely a physical phenomenon but also entails emotional adjustments. Murty recounted moments of unexpected tears, attributing them to hormonal fluctuations. "I did not cry when they left to study in the US, why am I crying now?" she reflected, acknowledging the influence of hormones on her emotional state. Open communication with her husband, Infosys founder Narayana Murthy, played a crucial role in navigating these emotional highs and lows. By humorously addressing her mood swings, Murty fostered a supportive environment within her family.
Understanding Menopause: A Natural Transition
Menopause marks the cessation of menstrual periods, signalling the end of reproductive years. While the average age of menopause is around 52 years, individual experiences may vary, as per Dr Sushma Tomar, Consultant - Obstetrician & Gynecology, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan. Perimenopause, the transitional phase preceding menopause, typically begins in one's mid-40s and may last for several years. Early menopause, occurring between ages 40 to 45, affects approximately 5% of women. Premature menopause, or primary ovarian insufficiency, manifests before age 40 and necessitates medical attention.
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Recognizing Menopausal Symptoms
The symptoms of menopause encompass a spectrum of physical and emotional changes, ranging from irregular menstruation to hot flashes and mood swings. While hot flashes affect 70-80% of individuals experiencing menopause, other common symptoms include insomnia, vaginal dryness, weight gain, and reduced libido. It's essential to distinguish menopausal symptoms from potential complications such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and urinary incontinence.
Seeking Support and Guidance
Navigating menopause requires a multifaceted approach encompassing medical guidance, lifestyle modifications, and emotional support. Lifestyle strategies such as regular exercise, stress management techniques, and dietary adjustments can alleviate symptoms and promote overall well-being. Open dialogue with healthcare providers facilitates personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs, ensuring optimal management of menopausal symptoms.
Embracing Menopause as a Natural Phase
Embracing menopause as a natural phase of life empowers individuals to embrace bodily changes with grace and resilience. By fostering open conversations, dispelling myths, and prioritizing self-care, women can navigate through menopause with confidence and dignity. Sudha Murty's candid narrative serves as a testament to the transformative power of acceptance and resilience in embracing life's transitions.
Bottomline
Sudha Murty's journey through menopause underscores the significance of destigmatizing conversations surrounding women's reproductive health. By shedding light on her experiences and advocating for open dialogue, Murty empowers women to embrace the menopause as a natural phase of life. Through education, support, and self-care, individuals can navigate through menopause with grace and resilience, embracing the transformative journey with courage and confidence.