Women experience heightened levels of stress during midlife; here’s how to navigate with care

As many would agree, the journey of a middle-aged woman rediscovering herself is beautifully captured in the Bollywood film English Vinglish. In it, the legendary actor Sridevi plays the character of Sashi, a homemaker who often feels overlooked and taken for granted by her family. As the story unfolds, we see her step out of her cocoon, learn something new and slowly find her voice. The film resonated with innumerable women because it showed them the truth — that midlife is not the end of growth or life. In fact, it is often the beginning of self-discovery.

Midlife or the time between 40s and 60s, is a time when women are juggling a lot at once. They are building their careers, supporting their children, caring for their ageing parents and trying to nurture relationships, all while their bodies are going through changes. Specific physical changes like fluctuating hormones (estrogen and progesterone), perimenopause and menopause occur during this time.

These physical and emotional changes together can make this stage of life quite stressful for many. In fact, research backs this up too. A study published in the National Library of Medicine shows that women often experience higher levels of stress during midlife. The hormonal changes women go through during midlife can affect their mood, sleep and overall mental wellbeing. Since these are the factors that give life quality at any given point in time, it is doubly important to pay close attention to women’s health during this phase.

With the right care and awareness, midlife can be a time of strength, happiness and renewed focus on personal wellbeing. However, according to nutritionist Pooja Makhija, midlife care in India needs a fresh perspective. She notes that Indian women hit menopause about five years earlier than Caucasian women. This shows the importance of starting to take care of one’s overall wellbeing from much earlier.

Makhija also elaborates on how Indian women mostly suffer midlife crisis silently, so there is clearly a need for change. Midlife care should not only be about surviving menopause, but thriving through it. International Women’s Day is celebrated on the 8th of March every year. It is observed globally to honour women’s achievements and raise awareness about issues affecting women’s lives. It also gives us an opportunity to talk about women’s health during the period that’s called midlife.

So, let us dive in and explore some gentle and practical ways in which women can care for their wellbeing during midlife.

Accept emotions without guilt

Many of us may have noticed our mothers angry and upset at times, with no clear reason. It is one of the ways midlife hits women. It brings in a mix of emotions, confusion, sadness, anger, anxiety and irritability. Around this time, most women tend to find themselves overwhelmed with tasks that were once handled with ease. Some days, they may even feel tearful, angry or upset for no apparent reason.

It is important to understand here that hormonal shifts can deeply affect mood and emotional stability. Nutritional therapist Alison Bladh explains, “You’re not too emotional. You’re not overreacting. Your hormones are changing, and your mental health matters just as much as your physical health.” Her words tell us that feelings deserve attention and care. Talking to a friend, writing down thoughts in a journal, or simply feeling emotions without judgment can help ease the crisis.

One of India’s leading gynecologist and obstetrician Dr Nozer Sheriar, in a YouTube podcast, discussed how midlife is a major transition for women where hormonal changes can affect mood, energy, sleep, metabolism and overall health. He stressed that while these changes are normal, women must pay attention to them. Dr Sheriar emphasised on the fact that mental wellbeing is just as important as physical health.