Menopause: Understanding the Natural Transition
The term “menopause” is derived from the Greek words men, meaning month, and pauein, meaning to cease or stop. In other words, menopause marks the time when a woman’s monthly (lunar) cycle comes to an end.
This article is for all women—and yes, that includes teenage girls. There’s a common tendency among those who are not yet close to menopause to ignore anything related to it, thinking it’s not relevant to them now, or even in the near future. But that’s a mistake. Every female, from the moment her menarche (the first menstrual cycle) begins, should understand that just as this phase started, it will also eventually end. Awareness of the changing phases in a woman’s life—menarche, pregnancy, breastfeeding, premenopause, and menopause—is crucial. Knowledge is power. By understanding each phase, a woman can better prepare herself, embracing these natural processes with joy and self-awareness rather than fear and rejection.
Menopause is a natural transition that every woman will experience, just as she experienced menarche.
In India, according to Hindu philosophy, human life is divided into four stages:
Brahmacharya: The student stage, where one prepares for success in later stages of life.
Grihastha: The "householder" stage, which involves maintaining a home and raising a family.
Vanaprastha: The third stage begins after fulfilling family obligations. Traditionally, this was a time to retreat into the forest to focus on spiritual practice. Today, it often means devoting more time to community service and deepening spiritual pursuits. The goal is to focus on selfless service (seva) and the pursuit of liberation (moksha). Interestingly, this stage typically coincides with menopause for women.
Sannyasa: The final stage of renunciation.Vanaprastha, the third stage, is the phase that begins with menopause. The universe naturally prepares a woman to enter this stage. Yet, more than 90% of women are not educated about menopause; it’s only when it approaches that they begin seeking information.
This article is just the beginning. We will continue to explore menopause and its impact in future installments. Stay connected with Sahasi Breast Care’s educational blog for more insights on having a smooth transition and healthy , holistic way of living.
