Being a woman comes with many expectations: to be graceful, radiant, and perfect. You’re supposed to balance a career and a family, while never discussing your health issues unless it’s about pregnancy or surgery. But women everywhere are changing this narrative. The truth is, many women are struggling with hormonal health problems, yet society remains silent about it.
In India, PCOS is increasingly common among young women. Menopause is happening earlier than expected. And the mental toll of dealing with these issues—without proper support—is causing anxiety, burnout, and infertility. Women are asking, “Why do I feel like punching everyone at work when I used to be nice?”
A Hot Flash and a Hard Stop
Mallika Timblo, an entrepreneur and founder of the women’s wellness platform Terrapy, went into early menopause at 42, right after giving birth to her second child. She was shocked when she experienced her first hot flash. “My mom said, ‘Stop being so dramatic,’” Mallika recalls. That moment made her realize how little support women have when facing hormonal health issues. It led her to launch Terrapy, a platform where women can discuss their hormones without being told to just smile more or drink jeera water.
Even celebrities aren’t immune to the silence. Hollywood actress Halle Berry shared in a column for Oprah Winfrey that she wished she had other women around her who could talk openly about menopause. “None of my friends were talking,” Berry said. “I wish I had other women to tell me I wasn’t crazy, that this was all normal.” To address this gap, Berry created Respin, a platform for women to discuss menopause without fear of stigma.
Hormonal Health Shouldn’t Be a Taboo
As Mallika puts it, “We make up half the population, yet we don’t have a place to talk about what’s happening to our bodies.” Hormonal health is not just a niche issue; it’s a widespread concern.
PCOS isn’t just about missing periods—it leads to weight gain, persistent acne, mood swings, and often, hormonal birth control is prescribed as a one-size-fits-all solution. Perimenopause isn’t just about “moodiness” or aging. It includes brain fog, sleep problems, dry skin, and those dreaded hot flashes. And still, no one wants to talk about it—whether it’s your mother, your HR department, or even your doctor, who may dismiss PMS rage as something that can be “fixed” by “rest and positive thinking.”
This is about more than just personal health. It affects public health, economic productivity, and overall well-being. Imagine half the population silently dealing with these issues while still expected to perform flawlessly in every aspect of life. It’s time to make hormonal health as normal as ordering a matcha latte.
What Needs to Change
Conversation: We need more women like Mallika speaking out and fewer people offering outdated advice like “Have you tried turmeric?”
Education: We must teach girls that menstruation, ovulation, and menopause are natural parts of life that all women will experience.
Healthcare Access: Women deserve doctors who are informed about hormonal health—not just focusing on BMI or marital status.
Safe Spaces: Platforms like Respin and Terrapy are essential for creating safe, judgment-free spaces where women can speak openly about their health.
Ladies, your hormones are not being dramatic. Your body is trying to tell you something. The hormonal health crisis is real, and it won’t go away quietly. If we want strong, empowered women leading homes, businesses, and governments, we need to give them more than just a sanitary napkin and a sympathetic smile. We need to offer access, education, and empathy. Most importantly, we need to create space for women to speak up.
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