THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, OCTOBER 17, 2026

The Ministry of Ayush has emphasised the importance of awareness, preventive care and scientific research in promoting women's health during menopause, advocating a holistic approach that integrates lifestyle management, dietary guidance, emotional well-being and evidence-based healthcare.

Ahead of World Menopause Day, observed on October 18, the ministry, through the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), highlighted the need for greater understanding of menopause and its impact on women's physical, emotional and psychological health.

Menopause is a natural biological process that usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, marking the permanent cessation of menstruation following the loss of ovarian follicular activity. The transition can bring several changes, including irregular menstrual cycles, hot flushes, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, mood fluctuations, joint pain and anxiety.

In Ayurveda, this phase is understood in the context of 'Rajonivritti', with emphasis on recognising associated symptoms and adopting appropriate measures to support women's health and quality of life.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the transition to menopause is often gradual, beginning with changes in the menstrual cycle. Perimenopause, which may last several years, extends from the first signs of the transition until one year after the final menstrual period. The phase can affect physical, emotional, mental and social well-being, with hormonal and non-hormonal interventions available to help alleviate symptoms.

"Women's health requires sustained attention across every stage of life, including the transition through menopause. Ayurveda offers a comprehensive framework that emphasizes prevention, appropriate lifestyle practices and individualized care," Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, said.

The ministry remains committed to strengthening research and scientific validation in this area while promoting greater awareness of women's health and approaches that support their well-being and quality of life, he added.

CCRAS Director General Prof Rabinarayan Acharya said Ayurveda views menopause as a natural transformation rather than a disorder, with traditional approaches focusing on rejuvenation therapies, dietary guidance and practices aimed at supporting mental well-being.

"At CCRAS, our research focuses on validating classical formulations such as Ashokarista and Amalaki Rasayana for their effectiveness in supporting hormonal balance, bone health, and emotional resilience," he said, adding that awareness and preventive care remain central to the council's efforts.

CCRAS Deputy Director General Dr N Srikanth said Ayurveda could help women navigate this phase through traditional dietary practices, Rasayana therapies, yoga and measures to support emotional well-being.

The Ayurvedic approach to menopausal health includes Rasayana, or rejuvenation therapies, lifestyle modifications, counselling, yoga, meditation and selected herbal formulations. Preparations such as Ashokarista, Lodhrasava, Usheerasava, Chandanadi Loha, Amalaki Rasayana and Mukta Shukti are traditionally used in Ayurvedic practice for concerns associated with menopausal health.

Their use, however, should be guided by qualified healthcare professionals, with appropriate medical assessment and attention to individual needs.

Dietary guidance also forms an important component of this approach. A balanced and varied diet, with adequate protein, calcium and other essential nutrients, can help maintain muscle strength, bone health and overall well-being during and after menopause. Ayurvedic dietary recommendations may be tailored to an individual's constitution, digestive status and clinical condition.

Yoga and meditation, including practices such as Setu Bandhasana, Vipreetkarani Asana, Marjariasana and Shavasana, may support relaxation and help manage stiffness, back pain and fatigue. Breathing techniques such as Sitali and Bhramari Pranayama, along with Yoga Nidra, may also aid relaxation, emotional balance and sleep quality.

The ministry's guidance further emphasises moderation in food intake, limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding tobacco, and managing physical and emotional stress as part of a balanced lifestyle.

The Ministry of Ayush and CCRAS continue to pursue research into Ayurvedic approaches to women's health, focusing on scientific evidence, clinical outcomes and informed awareness of menopausal care.

On World Menopause Day, the ministry has called for open conversations, timely medical attention and greater public awareness to help women understand the changes associated with menopause and make informed decisions about their health.

The emphasis, it said, is on ensuring that menopause is recognised as a natural stage of life that deserves appropriate care, informed choices and sustained attention to women's health and quality of life.