Maharashtra Menopause Clinics Treat Over 30,000 Women as Awareness Grows
Women in Kharghar, Mumbai, and across Maharashtra are increasingly seeking medical guidance for perimenopause symptoms that were previously dismissed as everyday stress or ageing, amid an expansion of dedicated healthcare services in the state.
Between January 14 and February 11, 2026, Maharashtra's 580 dedicated menopause clinics examined 31,288 women. Of those evaluated, 30,034 received medical treatment, while 82 were referred for specialised care. The surge comes as national data from the Indian Menopause Society's 2026 guidelines shows India's population of women aged 45 to 49 grew to around 46 million in 2024, up from 30 million in 2011.
Perimenopause marks the hormonal transition leading up to menopause and can begin several years before menstrual cycles stop entirely. Women frequently experience irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood changes, anxiety, fatigue, vaginal dryness, reduced libido, weight fluctuations, and difficulty concentrating.
Dr Surabhi Siddhartha, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital in Kharghar, noted that she consults with two to three women aged 40 to 50 every week who are recommended Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) following clinical evaluations.
Dr Siddhartha explained that perimenopause occurs as the ovaries gradually lower their production of estrogen and progesterone. The hormonal fluctuations can last anywhere between four and ten years. Factors influencing the phase include ageing, family history, smoking, obesity, stress, and underlying medical conditions.
Doctors warn that leaving severe symptoms unaddressed can harm quality of life, leading to sleep issues, relationship strains, and bone-health complications. For suitable candidates, HRT can reduce hot flashes and night sweats, improve sleep and concentration, stabilise moods, and protect bone health. Medical professionals emphasize that HRT must be tailored to each woman's specific health profile alongside lifestyle interventions such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management.
Among those seeking care, a 42-year-old marketing professional from Navi Mumbai sought medical help after suffering two years of fatigue, sleep disruption, and irregular cycles, reporting marked improvement in energy and symptoms following treatment.
