World Menopause Day — 18th October

WorldMenopauseDay.

Menopause can affect far more than your periods, shaping how you feel and experience midlife. Here, you’ll find doctor-informed guidance, research and practical support to understand what’s changing and know your options.

Explore your journey →

Pledge to listen to your body through menopause.

This World Menopause Day, choose to understand your symptoms, ask questions and seek the care and support you deserve.

Four women joining hands in a circle, looking up and smiling

How the menopause transition unfolds

  1. Reproductive years

    Regular cycles

  2. Perimenopause

    Hormones fluctuate, periods change, symptoms often begin

  3. Menopause and after

    Menopause is confirmed 12 months after your last period

Perimenopause can begin years before the final period, and the transition continues well beyond it. This hub follows that journey, from the first changes through menopause and beyond.

What is World Menopause Day?

Observed on 18 October, World Menopause Day raises awareness of menopause and the support women need through midlife. Led by the International Menopause Society (IMS), it uses a dedicated theme to focus attention on an important area of menopause health.

Why this matters in India

01

Menopause tends to arrive earlier.

A pan-India survey found the average age of menopause to be about 46, earlier than in several Western populations.

02

Symptoms are often dismissed.

Hot flashes, joint pain, sleep and mood changes are still brushed off as stress, ageing or “just part of life”.

03

Reliable information can be hard to find.

Medically sound menopause guidance is not always easy to access, especially in languages beyond English.

04

Midlife leaves little room for women’s health.

Work, family and caregiving can push a woman’s own health further down the priority list.

Chronicpainatmidlife

The 2026 World Menopause Day theme highlights persistent pain during and after the menopause transition, an issue that is still often overlooked.

Browse the Research →
01

What the theme means

Chronic pain is pain that lasts three months or longer and, in midlife, may show up as joint aches, stiffness, or persistent back and neck pain.

02

Why it was chosen

Persistent pain can affect sleep, mobility, mood, work and quality of life, yet it remains under-recognised in women.

03

What women should take from it

Hormonal changes may contribute to pain, but arthritis, thyroid problems, low vitamin D and other causes can also play a role. Persistent pain deserves proper assessment.

04

How it connects to midlife health

Pain can affect sleep, mood, movement and muscle strength, making it an important part of overall midlife health.

Hormonia — Hormonia

India’s FIRST illustrated stories on perimenopause

See all Hormonia stories →

Menopause, explained in your language

Clear menopause information should be easy to understand, whatever language you use every day. Read these guides yourself or share them with your mother, sister or friend.

EnglishMenopause in India: A Practical GuideSymptoms, diagnosis, HRT and when to see a doctor — the complete guide in English.Read the English guide →
Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru

Karnataka

ಕನ್ನಡ

Kannada

Menopause: ಋತುಬಂಧ

Read menopause guide in Kannada
India Gate, New Delhi

North India

हिन्दी

Hindi

Menopause: रजोनिवृत्ति

Read menopause guide in Hindi
Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai

Tamil Nadu

தமிழ்

Tamil

Menopause: மாதவிடாய் நிறுத்தம்

Read menopause guide in Tamil

Chronic pain in midlife

Research spotlight

What does the evidence say about pain, hormones and midlife?
A look at what’s established, what’s emerging and where questions remain.

  • Well established consistent findings across many studies
  • Growing evidence good support, some gaps
  • Emerging early or limited research
01Well established

About
7 in 10

Muscle and joint pain is common during the menopause transition

A 2020 meta-analysis found musculoskeletal pain in about 71% of perimenopausal women.

Lu et al., Neural Plasticity, 2020
A woman holding the back of her neck, with the painful area highlighted in red

PLATE 01 / MIDLIFE

Muscle • joint • movement

06Emerging

A name for the pattern

Researchers have proposed “musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause” to describe related joint, muscle and bone changes. It is a framework, not a formal diagnosis.

Wright et al., Climacteric, 2024
07Emerging

Can HRT ease joint pain?

A major trial found modestly less joint pain with estrogen alone than placebo. The evidence is promising, but HRT should not be started solely for joint pain.

Chlebowski et al., Menopause, 2013

Not all midlife pain is caused by menopause. Arthritis, thyroid conditions, vitamin D or B12 deficiency and injuries can cause similar symptoms. See a doctor if pain persists, worsens, causes swelling or redness, or comes with fever, weight loss or numbness.

Read more about the IMS 2026 theme →

HRT and menopause: understand your options

HRT can ease menopause symptoms and support bone health, but it isn’t right for everyone. The choice should be made with a doctor, based on your symptoms, health history and preferences.

HRT is the most effective treatment for hot flashes and night sweats. It can also help vaginal symptoms and support bone health.

Explore the MIROR HRT Centre of Excellence →

FAQ

Common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, mood changes, brain fog, joint and muscle aches, vaginal dryness and urinary changes. Symptoms vary from woman to woman.

You don’t have to figure out menopause alone

MIROR brings women together with doctors, specialists and experts to better manage perimenopause and menopause symptoms, improve midlife health and feel more supported through every stage.

Join the MIROR community

Honest conversations

With women who understand.

Expert-led sessions

With doctors and specialists.

Trusted guidance

Clear information when you need it.

Dr. Smitha A P

Medically reviewed by Dr. Smitha A P, Medical Director, Miror

Focused on evidence-based HRT, menopause care and preventive health through midlife.

This page is for general education and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Please speak with a qualified doctor about your symptoms and treatment options.