With International Women’s Day tomorrow, as we celebrate the achievements and resilience of women worldwide, it’s imperative to delve deeper into the complex tapestry of women’s health. Today, we shed light on a topic often overlooked — the profound impact of emotional and mental well-being on a woman’s journey from childhood to menopause.
A WOMAN’S JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE
From the moment a mother conceives her baby, the emotional and mental state she experiences sets the stage for her child’s development. Research underscores the pivotal role of maternal well-being during pregnancy, with stress and emotional turmoil influencing the growing foetus in ways that extend far beyond mere physiology. As the child emerges into the world, environmental factors further shape their experiences, highlighting the interconnectedness of mind, body and environment.
With the first cry of a newborn girl, hormones begin to shape her journey through life — a dance as intricate and profound as the cosmos itself. From infancy through the trials of adolescence and into the complexities of womanhood, these hormonal rhythms weave through her experiences, influencing her growth, emotions and sense of self.
But this journey isn’t just about hormonal changes; it’s also deeply intertwined with the circumstances and experiences that mould her along the way. Childhood, often a time of innocence and wonder, can also be marked by family drama and early adversities that cast long shadows over her formative years. Whether it’s witnessing parental conflict, experiencing familial discord, or navigating the complexities of blended families, these early challenges leave lasting imprints on her psyche and hormonal balance.
As she navigates the landscape of schooling, friendships and societal expectations, the hormonal dance intensifies, guiding her through the highs and lows of adolescence. The onset of puberty brings not just physical transformations but also emotional complexities — peer pressure, academic stress, and the quest for self-identity — all under the influence of hormonal currents.
Into adulthood she ventures, where the rhythm of hormones continues to pulse, shaping her experiences and choices. For many women, this stage may include the transition of getting married — a momentous occasion that often entails leaving behind the familiarity of home and settling among unknown people with whom she must navigate new dynamics and compromises. The weight of societal expectations and familial pressures may bear down on her as she strives to balance her own desires with the expectations placed on her.
Every individual, regardless of gender, harbours hopes of carving out a fulfilling career path. Yet, for many young girls, the journey toward realising these aspirations is fraught with complexities that extend far beyond the realm of professional ambition.
Amidst the backdrop of family life, the expectations of being a devoted mother, a supportive wife, and a dutiful daughter-in-law often overshadow their own aspirations. Beneath the surface of smiles and responsibilities lies a discordant melody of unfulfilled dreams and suppressed desires. Despite harbouring ambitions and aspirations, the weight of familial responsibilities and societal expectations can leave them feeling trapped, unable to express their true desires.
Occasionally, in fleeting moments of vulnerability, they may hint at the dreams they once held dear, only to watch them fade into the background as life’s obligations take precedence. Yet, beneath this facade of acceptance lies a deep-seated sense of discontent — an emotional discord that reverberates through every aspect of their lives.
Puja Karnani Agarwal
The TelegraphThis underlying stress and emotional turmoil have far-reaching implications, extending beyond mere psychological distress to impact their hormonal balance and overall health. From disordered eating patterns and sedentary lifestyles to gut issues and chronic stress, these emotional imbalances manifest in myriad ways, affecting everything from thyroid function to sex hormone imbalances such as PCOS, fibroids, endometriosis and infertility.
Mid-life leads to perimenopause, which marks a pivotal juncture in a woman’s life, signalling the gradual decline of oestrogen levels and ushering in a series of profound changes that reshape both her body and her sense of self. As oestrogen levels begin to wane, the youthful vibrancy that once defined her begins to fade, making way for a more mature, albeit sometimes unwelcome, version of herself.
The signs of this transition are unmistakable — the emergence of wrinkles, the appearance of crow’s feet, sagging skin and the gradual accumulation of fat around the midsection. Energy levels dip, muscles ache, and joint pains become a constant companion. Hot flashes, those sudden waves of intense heat, become all too familiar, disrupting sleep and sapping vitality. This is the time when most women experience osteoporosis and cardiac health issues due to severely declining oestrogen levels.
But perhaps the most challenging aspect of this phase lies not in the physical changes, but in the emotional and psychological adjustments it demands. As children grow and carve out their own lives, the once bustling household may quieten, leaving some women grappling with feelings of loneliness and isolation. Yet, amidst this solitude, many silently accept this new phase of life, navigating its challenges with quiet resilience.
For some women, however, the transition to menopause is fraught with additional hurdles. Heavy menstrual flow, often diagnosed as endometriosis or fibroids, may necessitate the removal of the uterus — a surgical intervention that brings its own set of physical and emotional complexities. And for others, the journey through menopause may take an even more treacherous turn, with hormonal imbalances manifesting as breast cancer — a devastating reality that many women face.
Despite the formidable challenges posed by menopause, it is also a time of profound transformation and growth. As women navigate this transition, they tap into reservoirs of inner strength and resilience they may not have known existed. With each obstacle overcome, they emerge stronger, wiser and more empowered, embracing the full spectrum of their womanhood with grace and courage.
PRIORITISING EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL WELL-BEING
We know that nutrition, exercise, sleep and various lifestyle factors all play crucial roles in determining her overall well-being. However, amidst these considerations, there is one often-overlooked aspect that holds profound significance — her emotional and mental well-being.
Stress, happiness and emotional fulfilment are not mere abstract concepts; they wield immense power over a woman’s hormonal balance and physiological health. Chronic stress, in particular, can disrupt the delicate hormonal hierarchy, leading to a cascade of repercussions that extend far beyond mere psychological distress.
From thyroid imbalances to disruptions in sex hormone levels, the effects of unchecked stress reverberate throughout a woman’s body, leaving a trail of physical and emotional turmoil in their wake. Yet, despite its profound impact, the importance of addressing stress and prioritising emotional well-being is often underestimated and undervalued.
As we strive to raise awareness and foster a culture of holistic health, it is imperative that we recognise and respect a woman in all her complexities. Her desires, emotions, and ambitions are not secondary considerations — they are integral components of her health and vitality. For it is she who serves as the soul and heart of the family, the very centre around which life revolves.
In honouring and supporting the well-being of the women in our lives, we not only ensure their individual health and happiness but also contribute to the strength and resilience of our families and communities as a whole. Let us, therefore, commit to becoming more aware, more empathetic, and more proactive in nurturing the holistic health of the women who enrich our lives, honouring their strength, resilience, and inherent worth.
Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
— Maya Angelou
Puja Karnani Agarwal is a functional medicine practitioner, certified human performance nutritionist, and a REPS-certified Level-4 trainer. She consults at Reverra Aesthetics, 15C Hazra Road, Calcutta 700026, phone number 9830038646. She is also on Instagram @pujakarnaniagarwalofficial and her website is pujakarnaniagarwal.com
