For years, women’s health was largely overlooked by mainstream medical research. While men’s health was studied extensively, women were often left out of the conversation — and we’re still catching up.
But it’s time we start talking — and acting — more seriously about the health of women, especially between the ages of 40 to 60, when hormonal shifts like menopause bring in a wave of physical and emotional changes.
We all know our mothers, aunts, and even older siblings who say they’re “just tired” or brush off knee pain or mood swings. But behind that could be bone density loss, severe hormonal imbalances, mental health strain, and even early signs of chronic illness. And these aren’t just “natural aging problems” these are treatable, manageable conditions that need clinical attention.

The Journey Through a Woman’s Life: Not One Size Fits All
Women’s health isn’t linear — it changes dramatically across life stages:
• Pre-puberty & puberty
• Fertile years and pregnancy
• Perimenopause and menopause
• Post-menopause
Each stage carries its own set of health needs. But it’s the perimenopausal and menopausal years (typically 40-60) that often get silently suffered through — especially in cultures where discussing mental or hormonal health is still taboo.

Menopause Isn’t Just About Hot Flashes
Menopause is often oversimplified — but did you know it can affect:
• Mental health (including increased risk of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation)
• Weight (both sudden gain and unexplained loss)
• Bone health (reduced bone density, leading to fractures or knee pain)
• Sleep patterns, skin, digestion, energy levels — the list goes on.
What’s worse? Many of these changes are dismissed as emotional or “just part of aging.”

Let’s Talk About Depression — Because It’s Real
One of the most underdiagnosed consequences of hormonal changes in women over 40 is depression. Often masked as “moodiness” or “fatigue,” depression can silently chip away at a woman’s self-esteem, relationships, and quality of life.
Women may not always recognize these symptoms or feel comfortable speaking up. They may say things like:
• “I just don’t feel like myself.”
• “I don’t have the energy for anything anymore.”
• “I cry for no reason.”
According to research, women are nearly twice as likely as men to experience depression, and the risk spikes during perimenopause and menopause due to fluctuating hormone levels. Addressing this early with mental health support, therapy, and medical intervention can transform lives.
🔗 https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2024/03/menopause-depression-risk-has-been-exaggerated/

But There’s Good News: We Can Catch It Early
It’s time to change how we view these symptoms. Unexplained crying, mood swings, loss of interest, physical fatigue — these are medical signs, not personal weaknesses.
If you’re around 30–35, your mother is likely in this high-risk age range. Don’t wait for a big health event. Take the initiative. Book that check-up. Consult a gynecologist, endocrinologist, or even a wellness expert.
At Milann Fertility and Birthing, we’ve seen first-hand how timely clinical intervention has changed lives. Team members have brought in their mothers or aunts for evaluations, and it’s made all the difference — whether it was finding the right hormonal therapy, recommending physical therapy for joint issues, or even small lifestyle changes that brought back energy and confidence.

It’s Not Just Medicine — It’s a Mindset Shift
A lift in the house isn’t the solution to knee pain — figuring out why the pain exists and treating it is. Ask questions like:
• Do they need PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy for joint strength?
• Is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) appropriate?
• Could physical therapy improve their mobility?
• Are they getting enough calcium, Vitamin D, and regular bone scans?
Often, what seems like a small issue snowball into a chronic condition because it wasn’t addressed in time.

Let’s Normalize Care — Not Crisis Response
Caring for women’s health should not be reactive. It should be proactive, respectful, and consistent.
Let’s normalize regular checkups for mothers, aunts, sisters, and colleagues — not just when something feels “off”, but as a preventive measure. Because when we invest in the health of women, we’re investing in the health of entire families and communities.

A Final Word: Be Their Advocate
If you’ve noticed small emotional or physical shifts in the women around you, don’t ignore them. Be the one to step in, ask the questions, and schedule the check-up. Because she won’t always say it But her body might be.

🩺 According to the World Health Organization (WHO):
• The global population of postmenopausal women is growing. In 2021, women aged 50 and over accounted for 26% of all women and girls globally — up from 22% in 2010.
🔗 WHO: Ageing and health – 2022 factsheet
• Women are living longer. A woman aged 60 in 2019 could expect to live on average another 21 years.
🔗 UN Women: Gender snapshot 2023
🔗 https://flip.it/Ql2TCt

Let’s make those years healthy, strong, and support together.