Wake Up Call: Over 71% Women Feel Unsupported In Menopause, Shows Survey

Peri menopause and menopause are more than just a biological change; they reshape a woman's emotional and social life, too. The fatigue, the brain fog, the hot flushes, and the sudden weight changes. These are not just minor inconveniences; they are daily disruptions that can derail confidence, relationships, and work. So why does support still lag in reality?

A recent survey by Gytree, a digital health platform and wellness brand for women, found that 71% of Indian women do not feel fully supported in their menopause journey.

Indian women in midlife report feeling judged by family, friends, or colleagues because of their mental health or their changing bodies. This 71% is not just a statistic; it is an alarm bell.

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A major health shift met with stigma

As women cross 40, fatigue emerges as one of the most reported and disruptive symptoms of (peri)menopause, yet it remains largely unaddressed. 

According to Gytree’s Survey on Menopause, over 60% of women reported persistent fatigue during this life stage. 

This fatigue isn’t just tiredness or laziness; it’s a nagging exhaustion that drains both body and mind, often accompanied by disrupted sleep, nutritional deficiencies, and mood swings.

As estrogen and progesterone levels drop, women experience shifts in energy production, leading to slower metabolism, increased inflammation, and reduced ability to recover from daily stressors.

Women are just expected to power through this "phase." But it has real, measurable consequences that affect productivity, relationships, and the overall quality of life. 

Yet the support systems meant to cushion this transition are inadequate. These symptoms are seen as "not serious enough" to warrant workplace accommodation or even basic empathy at home. 

The Gytree survey found that 85% of women feel workplace menopause conversations are lacking, impacting productivity and well-being.

Time to acknowledge the urgency of menopause support

Women in perimenopause and menopause are often juggling multiple responsibilities, career, family, and personal health while battling an energy crisis within their own bodies.

As 71% of women reported feeling unsupported in this journey, it is a crucial moment for more awareness and collective support across homes, workplaces, and healthcare.

Gytree proposed key strategies to help manage menopause-related fatigue:

• Workplace and social support: Advocating for menopause-friendly policies, such as flexible work schedules, access to wellness resources, and awareness programs, is crucial.
• Protein and nutrient support: With declining estrogen affecting muscle and bone health, protein intake becomes a critical daily requirement. Plant-based protein, with adaptogens like ashwagandha and shatavari, can help balance stress hormones.
• Improved sleep quality: Prioritising melatonin-rich foods like mushrooms, eggs, and oats, combined with relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation, can improve rest.
• Hormonal balance through diet: Foods rich in B vitamins, magnesium, and omega-3s can help support hormonal shifts and improve energy levels.

Ultimately, supporting women through (peri)menopause is not just a health concern; it’s a social responsibility to address the stigma and implement proactive support.

Gytree’s survey is a wake-up call, and the solutions are clear. Awareness, empathy, and sustainable, actionable support can ensure women's well-being and social equity.