India’s First Documentary On Midlife And Menopause – A Gamechanger For Women’s Health

India is set to witness a groundbreaking moment in women's health with the launch of its first-ever documentary on menopause and midlife—a subject that’s gaining momentum globally but remains largely unspoken in the Indian context. While international conversations around menopause are growing, Indian women have long been left to navigate this life stage in silence, with little to no research, representation, or relatable content tailored to their unique experiences.

Trailblazing journalist and founder of SheThePeople and Gytree, Shaili Chopra, has announced this first-of-its-kind documentary, dedicated to shedding light on the real, raw, and unfiltered journey of women as they transition into midlife. The film will feature prominent voices from across India, diving deep into the physical, emotional, and societal challenges women face beyond forty from hormonal shifts and mental health struggles to workplace barriers and the cultural stigma surrounding menopause.

For generations, Indian women have been discouraged from openly discussing their health. Menopause, much like periods, fertility, or postpartum issues, has been brushed under the carpet—misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or outright ignored. Instead of being supported, women are reduced to outdated stereotypes—labeled as “moody” or “too hormonal” while silently managing fatigue, brain fog, mood swings, and joint pain. Today, most women in India rely on Western content for menopause insights, which fails to acknowledge how geography, culture, nutrition, and lifestyle shape female hormones differently.

“This documentary aims to reclaim that narrative,” says Chopra. “It’s time for Indian women to see their own stories reflected, to have a menopause conversation that is rooted in their reality, not borrowed from another country.”

Why This Documentary Matters Now

The biggest challenge midlife women in India face today isn’t just menopause itself—it’s the lack of awareness, acknowledgment, and solutions for their health needs. Despite affecting millions of women, menopause remains a taboo—unspoken in workplaces, homes, and even within healthcare.

A recent by women’s health platform Gytree found that:

85% of women said menopause conversations in the workplace are either insufficient or completely non-existent. Over 50% reported that menopause symptoms had impacted their productivity and career progression.

The statistics are alarming. Indian women experience menopause at an average age of 46, notably earlier than the global average of 51. Yet, menopause remains a non-priority in medical care, and many women are dismissed, misdiagnosed, or left to navigate it alone.