As women approach their 40s, their bodies begin a natural transition—perimenopause, which eventually leads to menopause. This phase, though normal, can bring physical and emotional changes that often go unrecognized or misunderstood.

Common early signs include:

• Brain fog: Difficulty focusing or forgetfulness

• Hot flashes: Sudden sensations of heat, often with sweating

• Mood swings: Unexplained irritability, anxiety, or sadness

• Sleep disturbances, Vaginal dryness or reduced libido

Many women silently endure these symptoms, assuming they're just part of "getting older." But understanding what’s happening and seeking help early can make a big difference. 

What happens during perimenopausal transition?

Estrogen and progesterone hormone levels fluctuate. You may not ovulate every month, however you can still have unexplained pregnancies. The hormonal shift can affect your metabolism, heart, and bones. Hormonal shifts are real—and so are the ways to manage them with care, lifestyle adjustments, or medical support.

If these symptoms disturb your day-to-day activities, if you notice period irregularities, and need fertility or contraceptive advise then reach out to your gynaecologist.

Tips to navigate this transition:

• Track your symptoms, especially your menstrual cycles

• Enrich your diet with calcium, fiber, proteins and healthy fats

• Daily exercise and yoga boosts mood, sleep and bone health 

• Limit caffeine, alcohol and sugars intake

Being informed means being empowered. Whether it’s talking to your gynecologist, tracking symptoms, or exploring options like hormone therapy, early awareness leads to smoother transitions and better quality of life.

As women cross the age of 40, regular health check-ups become even more vital—and one test that should not be overlooked is HPV (Human Papillomavirus) screening. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection, and while many infections resolve on their own, certain high-risk strains can persist and lead to cervical cancer over time.

Women over 40 may have had dormant infections from earlier in life, which can reactivate or progress silently without symptoms. This makes routine screening essential, even for those who feel healthy and have no noticeable signs.

Why is it important?

• Early detection: Identifies high-risk HPV types before abnormal cells develop.

• Prevention: Helps take timely action before cervical cancer can form.

• Peace of mind: A negative result offers reassurance and allows for a tailored follow-up schedule.

Guidelines recommend that women aged 30 and above undergo HPV testing every 5 years, often in combination with a Pap smear (co-testing). For women over 40, this becomes particularly important as the risk of cervical changes increases with age.

In summary, regular HPV screening is a simple but powerful tool that supports long-term health, offering women the opportunity to detect potential risks early and stay in control of their well-being.

For many women, the menstrual cycle is a monthly visitor with a predictable schedule and flow. However, for others, periods can be irregular, arriving early, late, or seemingly at random. Some also experience periods that are excessively heavy, impacting their daily lives. While occasional variations can be normal, persistent irregularity or heavy bleeding warrants attention and management.

What's Considered Irregular or Heavy?

• Irregular Periods: Cycles that vary significantly in length (more than 7-9 days difference each month), skipped periods, or very frequent periods.

• Heavy Periods (Menorrhagia): Soaking through one or more pads every hour for several consecutive hours, needing to double up on protection, passing large blood clots, or bleeding that lasts longer than seven days.

Why Does This Happen?

A variety of factors can contribute to irregular or heavy periods:

• Hormonal Imbalances: Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels, particularly common during puberty, perimenopause, and in conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders.

• Uterine Issues: Fibroids, polyps, endometriosis, or adenomyosis can cause heavier and sometimes irregular bleeding.

• Infections: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can lead to irregular bleeding.

• Certain Medications: Some medications can affect menstrual cycles.

• Stress and Lifestyle Factors: Significant stress, extreme weight changes, or excessive exercise can disrupt hormonal balance.

• Bleeding Disorders: Less commonly, underlying bleeding disorders can cause heavy periods.

When to Seek Help:

It's important to consult a gynaecologist if you experience:

• Persistent irregularity in your cycle.

• Periods that are consistently heavier than usual.

• Bleeding between periods or after physical contact with partner.

• Severe pain associated with your periods.

• Symptoms of anaemia (fatigue, weakness, dizziness) due to heavy blood loss.

Management Options:

The approach to managing irregular or heavy periods depends on the underlying cause. After a thorough evaluation, which may include a pelvic exam, blood tests, and imaging your doctor will recommend the next course of treatment. 

Taking Control of Your Cycle:

Don't dismiss irregular or heavy periods as just an inconvenience. They can sometimes indicate underlying health issues and significantly impact your quality of life. By understanding the potential causes and seeking timely medical advice, you can find effective ways to manage your cycle and improve your overall well-being.

Pregnancy and early motherhood bring so many joys—but they can also bring unexpected challenges to your mental well‑being. In fact, up to one in five women experience significant mental health concerns during pregnancy or after giving birth, regardless of how much support they have at home.

Why new motherhood can feel overwhelming

Growing and giving birth to a baby is a profound experience, but it can also be exhausting. Sleepless nights, constant feeding, physical aches, and the weight of responsibility for a tiny human all take their toll. It’s perfectly normal to feel anxious, tearful, or out of sorts as you adjust to parenthood.

Common postnatal challenges

In the weeks after delivery, you might notice any of the following:

• Baby blues: Brief spells of tearfulness, irritability, or mild anxiety. These feelings usually peak around day three or four after birth and fade within two weeks.

• Postnatal depression: Persistent sadness, loss of interest, or hopelessness that lasts beyond two weeks. Women with a history of depression are at higher risk, but it can affect anyone.

• Puerperal psychosis: A rare but serious condition marked by confusion, strange thoughts, hallucinations, or a feeling of detachment from your baby. This typically appears within the first month after childbirth and needs immediate treatment.

Watch for warning signs

If you notice any of these symptoms for more than two weeks—or if they intensify—reach out for help right away:

• Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness

• Overwhelming worry about your baby’s health or your own abilities

• Loss of interest in caring for your baby or everyday activities

• Changes in appetite or sleep that don’t improve

• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

When these feelings interfere with your daily life, it’s not “just a phase.” It’s a sign that you deserve understanding, compassion, and professional support.

You don’t have to face this alone

Talk with your partner, family, or friends about what you’re going through. Your gynecologist or a mental‑health specialist can guide you toward therapy or medication if needed. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a powerful step toward healing.

Remember: Most postpartum mental health issues are treatable and many women recover fully with the right support. You are not alone, and brighter days are ahead. Seeking help is the bravest thing you can do for yourself and your family.