Marking World Menopause Day 2026, observed on 18 October, the Ministry of Ayush is drawing attention to the need for awareness, preventive care and comprehensive approaches to women’s health during menopause. Working through the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), the Ministry aims to build a better understanding of menopausal health, covering physical health, emotional well-being and quality of life.
Menopause is a natural biological stage, defined as the permanent end of menstruation after ovarian follicular activity is lost. It usually takes place between 45 and 55 years of age. The shift into menopause may bring a variety of physical and psychological changes, such as irregular menstruation, hot flushes, vaginal dryness, disturbed sleep, mood changes, joint pain and anxiety. Ayurveda discusses the symptoms linked to this phase in the context of Rajonivritti and its related clinical features. Recognising these symptoms and managing them appropriately is important for supporting women’s health and well-being at this stage of life.
The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that the menopausal transition can be gradual and usually starts with changes in the menstrual cycle. Perimenopause is the period from when these signs first appear until one year after the final menstrual period. It may continue for several years and can affect physical, emotional, mental and social well-being. Perimenopausal symptoms can be eased with both hormonal and non-hormonal interventions.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Emphasised, “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. 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.”
Prof. Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, CCRAS, emphasized, “Ayurveda views menopause as a natural transformation, not 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. 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.”
Dr N. Srikanth, Deputy Director General, CCRAS, noted, “Menopause is a natural transition that deserves mindful care. 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.”
Ayurveda takes a multidimensional approach to managing menopausal symptoms, using Rasayana (rejuvenation) therapies, dietary guidance, counseling, yoga and herbal formulations. Key approaches include:
Rasayana and Lifestyle Interventions: Rejuvenating herbs and suitable lifestyle changes are traditionally used to support vitality and address degenerative changes.
Counseling and Emotional Support: Ayurveda places emphasis on mental well-being through self-care, stress management and support from the family.
Herbal Formulations: In Ayurvedic practice, classical preparations such as Ashokarista, Lodhrasava, Usheerasava, Chandanadi Loha, Amalaki Rasayana and Mukta Shukti are traditionally used for concerns linked to menopausal health. They should be used only under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
Dietary Guidance: A balanced and varied diet matched to individual needs can support overall health during and after menopause. Ayurvedic dietary advice may be tailored to a person’s constitution, digestive status and clinical condition. Getting enough protein, calcium and other essential nutrients is especially important for keeping muscles strong and bones healthy.
Yoga and Meditation: Regularly practising Asanas, Pranayama, meditation and Dhyaan may support emotional balance, sleep quality and musculoskeletal health. Yoga practices including Setu Bandhasana, Vipreetkarani Asana, Marjariasana and Shavasana encourage relaxation and may help relieve stiffness, back pain and fatigue. Breathing techniques like Sitali Pranayama and Bhramari Pranayama, together with Yoga Nidra, may support relaxation, emotional balance and sleep.
Ayurveda stresses balanced eating and lifestyle habits, such as eating in moderation, avoiding excessive pungent and salty foods, limiting alcohol, avoiding tobacco, and managing physical and emotional stress.
The Ministry of Ayush and CCRAS continue to take forward research on Ayurvedic approaches to women’s health, focusing on generating scientific evidence, evaluating clinical outcomes and promoting informed awareness of menopausal health and well-being.
On World Menopause Day 2026, the Ministry of Ayush is calling for greater awareness, open conversations and timely, appropriate care so that women can navigate menopause with confidence and maintain their health and well-being.
For more information, the CCRAS IEC publication on Menopausal Syndrome may be accessed here: https://ccras.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Menopausal-Syndrome.pdf