Why is it important for a woman to prioritise her health? Vidya Balan and Namita Thapar share their views

Within an age that is often ambiguous about women's health, especially when it comes to gynecological transitions such as the cessation of menstrual cycles, the need to discuss these matters remains extremely relevant.

A recent study claims that women experiencing symptoms of menopause tend to remember and think much worse for decades after menopause. This group also reported feeling ‘cold’ toward activities they previously enjoyed, which is associated with an increased risk of dementia.

Researchers from the Calgary University in Canada examined the health records of almost 900 women who were post-menopausal as a part of a bigger project on ageing. The records contained answers of a questionnaire in which participants were asked if they had any of 11 identified menopause symptoms such as night sweats and difficulties sleeping. The number of different symptoms they suffered from constituted the ‘burden’ of menopause symptoms.

It is very important for women to prioritise their health as it directly impacts their overall well-being, energy levels, and ability to manage daily responsibilities. A healthy lifestyle helps prevent diseases, boosts mental strength, and ensures a better quality of life for themselves and their families.

Understanding this important gap, veteran actor and health activist Vidya Balan and Namita Thapar came together to advocate for women’s health issues during the menopause stage.

They seek to address the gap in the menopause phase and other wellness issues that do not receive adequate attention. With the aim of encouraging women to take charge of their physical and mental health, Thapar and Balan start the much needed discourse and fight societal norms regarding women’s health issues.

Menopause, like pregnancy, is a natural stage in a woman’s life cycle. It is accompanied by several hormonal transitions that can impact physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Common symptoms—hot flashes, mood shifts, sleep issues, and vivid thinking changes—tend to go unattended, or at least not sufficiently so. Both agree upon a similar goal, which is to shift the focus away from the negative connotations surrounding menopause towards a more constructive view full of positive wellbeing and empowerment.

Menopause, which every woman has to go through at some stage in her life, consists of several biological transformations that can impact the body, mind, and feelings. Symptoms such as hot flashes, extreme mood fluctuations, sleep problems, and other neurological changes are usually part of this stage, but rarely dealt with properly. Thapar and Balan want to change the story around menopause from being a lonely and uncomfortable phase to a phase of power and wellness.

Vidya Balan said, “I am in support of women’s holistic well-being. Women are the backbone of families and communities, yet their health often takes a backseat. I admire the commitment to addressing women’s unique health needs and empowering them to take charge of their well-being. True empowerment begins with good health, and I hope to inspire and encourage women to prioritize themselves through informed choices.”

Namita Thapar, who take a lot of initiatives around women’s health said, “As a strong advocate for women’s health, I look forward to address and destigmatize topics around women’s health that are often considered taboo.”

Sustainable policies on women’s health issues such as menopause need to be discussed and managed adequately. Such voices from the prominent personalities directs towards raising awareness, but more importantly, strives to create a support network that profoundly understands the health choices women make. Public health experts and community leaders alike need to consider women’s health situations as critical conversations to engage in.

Support these efforts with educational campaigns and women’s health teaching and the enabling of supportive communities that help women manage their own health problems. Also, include healthcare providers, menopause information, and self-help groups to form a comprehensive community.

Thapar and Balan aim to help women proactively manage their health so that issues such as menopause and other women’s health concerns are treated with compassion and care. The advocacy and focus on health education set the foundation for the creation of a society that does not regard women’s health as secondary but rather as a priority area of holistic health care.