New Delhi

The Ayush ministry on Saturday stressed the importance of awareness, preventive care and comprehensive healthcare for women during menopause, highlighting efforts to promote research and a better understanding of menopausal health on World Menopause Day 2026.

Through the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), the ministry seeks to promote a better understanding of menopausal health, with a focus on physical health, emotional well-being, and quality of life, a ministry statement said.

Menopause is a natural biological stage, defined as the permanent cessation of menstruation following the loss of ovarian follicular activity. It usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age.

The transition to menopause may be accompanied by a range of physical and psychological changes, including irregular menstruation, hot flushes, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, mood changes, joint pain and anxiety.

In Ayurveda, symptoms associated with this phase are discussed in the context of Rajonivritti and its associated clinical features, the statement said, emphasising that their recognition and appropriate management are important for women’s health and well-being.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the menopausal transition can be gradual, usually beginning with changes in the menstrual cycle.

Perimenopause refers to the period from when these signs are first observed until one year after the final menstrual period. It can last several years and affect physical, emotional, mental and social well-being.

Both hormonal and non-hormonal interventions can help alleviate perimenopausal symptoms, the statement said.

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, emphasised that women’s health requires sustained attention across every stage of life, including the transition through menopause.

"Ayurveda offers a comprehensive framework that emphasises prevention, appropriate lifestyle practices and individualised care.

"The Ministry of Ayush 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 said.

Professor Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General of CCRAS, said Ayurveda viewed menopause as a natural transformation rather than a disorder.

Through the use of Rasayana therapies, dietary guidance, and mental well-being practices, women can transition through this phase with balance and grace, he said.

"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. Empowering women through awareness and preventive care remains central to our mission,” he said.

Dr N Srikanth, Deputy Director General of CCRAS, said menopause was a natural transition that deserves mindful care, and Ayurveda empowers women to navigate this phase with balance, vitality, and confidence through time-tested approaches in diet, Rasayana therapy, yoga, and emotional well-being.

"Our focus at CCRAS is to translate classical knowledge into evidence-based solutions that enhance women’s holistic health and quality of life,” he said.

The ministry said Ayurveda adopted a multidimensional approach to managing menopausal symptoms through Rasayana (rejuvenation) therapies, dietary guidance, counselling, yoga, and herbal formulations.

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"The Ministry of Ayush and CCRAS continues to advance research on Ayurvedic approaches to women’s health, with a focus on generating scientific evidence, evaluating clinical outcomes, and promoting informed awareness of menopausal health and well-being," it said.

On World Menopause Day 2026, the Ministry of Ayush called for greater awareness, open conversations and timely, appropriate care to help women navigate menopause with confidence and maintain their health and well-being, it said.