CHENNAI: Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr. Priya Kalyani began looking at menopause through a new lens when she entered the perimenopausal stage herself.
As she read more about menopause and perimenopause and experienced the changes first-hand, she realised how unprepared most women are for this transition.
As these questions surfaced again and again, Dr. Priya noticed a larger pattern - menopause was being treated as something women were expected to endure quietly, without information or support. These everyday clinic conversations eventually led her to a broader realisation: while women are guided and supported through many life stages, menopause is rarely acknowledged.
With this thought, Dr. Priya joined hands with nutritionist Shiny Surendran, dermatologist Dr. Monisha Aravind, sexual health and fertility counsellor Jayashree Jothiswaran, and nutritionist Priyanka Ramamurthy to host the first Menoparty in 2025, a one-of-a-kind menopause awareness event designed to be informative, empowering and celebratory.
Gearing up for the second edition of Menoparty 2.0, to be held on February 1 at Feathers Hotel, Dr Priya shares that the response to the first event was overwhelming. Participants were enthusiastic, asked questions freely and bonded deeply, she reminisces.
“We are looking at a holistic conversation around this topic. Menoparty 2.0 focuses on a comprehensive assessment of women’s health, going far beyond surface-level symptoms. We don’t just talk about what women are experiencing physically. We look at sexual health, lifestyle, diet, exercise routines, psychological wellbeing, sleep and overall quality of life,” explains the doctor.
Equally important are the long-term health risks associated with menopause, an aspect many women remain unaware of. “Menopause isn’t just about menstruation stopping. It has implications for cardiac health, bone health and overall longevity. When women understand these risks early, they are better equipped to take preventive action and protect their long-term well-being.”
The organisers emphasise that attending the one-day event is not just about that single experience. “It equips women with the right knowledge and information for the rest of their lives,” says Dr. Priya.
Sexual health during menopause remains one of the most neglected topics, especially in India. Sexual health and fertility counsellor Jayashree Jothiswaran highlights the stigma and isolation many women experience during perimenopause.
“Women are taught how to prepare for pregnancy, but when it comes to menopause, the conversation stops altogether. This stage of life deserves to be recognised, valued and supported,” opines Jayashree.
She also addresses the widespread misconception that menopause marks the end of a woman’s sexual life. “Ageing brings changes, but that doesn’t mean women should suffer in silence.
There are solutions, but first we need to break the stigma.”
Jayashree believes sexual health awareness should be part of everyday conversation. “In Indian households, sexual health is rarely discussed. Age-appropriate sex education should be a basic necessity at home, in schools and colleges,” she suggests. At its core, Menoparty is about reframing menopause, not as an ending, but as a powerful transition.