Shilpi Shankar
Founder MENOVERSE | Menopause Health Expert & Educator | Diet-Nutrition Counsellor Menstrual Health & Hygiene Facilitator
Q1. Can you tell us about your background and what led you to focus on menopause health?
I come from a humble, middle-class background, and have grown up in various cities and towns. While I had access to knowledge, I realized early on that women’s health issues were rarely discussed openly. Women often lacked a voice in both society and their own families when it came to their health.
As I grew older, I became deeply interested in these issues, constantly learning, researching, and seeking ways to address them. As a nutritionist, I had the opportunity to work with women across different socio-economic backgrounds. One thing that strongly stood out to me was that women almost always receive care and attention during pregnancy and lactation, but their health in other phases, especially menopause, is largely ignored. In recent years, conversations around menstruation have gained momentum, but menopause remains a silent struggle. When I entered my own menopausal transition, I noticed a glaring gap caused by misinformation, lack of awareness, and minimal support. This realization fuelled my passion to focus on menopause health. With women spending nearly one-third of their lives in a post- menopausal state, ensuring their well-being during this phase is critical. My mission is to break the silence, foster awareness, and empower women to navigate menopause with confidence, so they can lead healthy and fulfilling lives beyond it.
Shilpi Shankar
Founder MENOVERSE | Menopause Health Expert & Educator | Diet-Nutrition Counsellor Menstrual Health & Hygiene Facilitator
Q1. Can you tell us about your background and what led you to focus on menopause health?
I come from a humble, middle-class background, and have grown up in various cities and towns. While I had access to knowledge, I realized early on that women’s health issues were rarely discussed openly. Women often lacked a voice in both society and their own families when it came to their health.
As I grew older, I became deeply interested in these issues, constantly learning, researching, and seeking ways to address them. As a nutritionist, I had the opportunity to work with women across different socio-economic backgrounds. One thing that strongly stood out to me was that women almost always receive care and attention during pregnancy and lactation, but their health in other phases, especially menopause, is largely ignored. In recent years, conversations around menstruation have gained momentum, but menopause remains a silent struggle. When I entered my own menopausal transition, I noticed a glaring gap caused by misinformation, lack of awareness, and minimal support. This realization fuelled my passion to focus on menopause health. With women spending nearly one-third of their lives in a post- menopausal state, ensuring their well-being during this phase is critical. My mission is to break the silence, foster awareness, and empower women to navigate menopause with confidence, so they can lead healthy and fulfilling lives beyond it.
Q2. How Did Your Journey in This Field Begin?
Once I recognized the gap in menopausal health, I saw it as both a challenge and an opportunity. I began exploring ways to address this issue and create meaningful solutions for women navigating this phase.
The first step was acquiring credible knowledge, so I pursued a certification as a Menopause Awareness Coach. Along with this, I conducted in-depth market research to understand the existing landscape and unmet needs. With this foundation, I started small—organizing awareness sessions within local communities and small groups. These early interactions provided invaluable insights, allowing me to refine my approach and validate the need for focused menopause education and support.
This hands-on experience reinforced my commitment to the cause, shaping my journey towards creating impactful awareness initiatives and empowering women with the knowledge and support that they deserved.
Q3. How did your family supported you in this cause?
Behind every late night researching menopause symptoms and early morning preparations for awareness workshops, my family stood by me. My husband Harnam, my daughter Swastika, and my son Sidhant they have been my pillars of strength. Harnam encouraged me to take my passion to the next level, always believing in me and reminding me of the impact I could create. Swastika and Sidhant have been incredibly supportive, they’ve transformed from being simply my children to becoming my collaborators, my advisors, and my most honest critics. Their belief in my work fuels my determination every single day At home, menopause isn’t just my work—it’s a conversation we’ve normalized. The victory isn’t just in the workshops I conduct or the resources I create but it’s in the knowing glances between us when someone mentions menopause at a gathering. Through them, I see how change begins at home, ripples outward, and eventually creates waves.
Q4. Challenges in Building MENOVERSE & Overcoming Them
One of the biggest challenges I faced while building MENOVERSE was breaking the deep-rooted taboo surrounding menopause. While people were open to discussing it as a general concept, they hesitated to talk about their personal experiences. Since menopause is often linked to aging and the end of fertility, many women were reluctant to acknowledge that they were going through it. Despite it being a universal transition, menopause is still shrouded in silence, making women feel isolated and unprepared.
By sharing varied perspectives in my workshops and sessions, I help women see menopause not as an end but as an evolution—one that has been honoured and supported in different ways throughout history. This approach fosters a sense of connection and reassurance, making it easier for women to open up about their own experiences. Because life expectancy has increased and women now spend nearly one-third of their lives in a post-menopausal state – it is high time we start talking about menopause openly. Neglecting this phase can lead to a decline in quality of life, affecting everything from bone health to mental well-being. Unlike in ancient times, when women had strong community support and lived in extended families, today’s fast-paced, nuclear family structures have left many women navigating this transition alone.
Through MENOVERSE, I strive to rebuild this lost sense of community, combining ancient wisdom with modern knowledge to empower women. By normalizing conversations around menopause and providing practical solutions we can ensure that every woman experiences this phase with confidence, dignity and a renewed sense of self.
Q5. My Success Mantra: & "Stay on the Field and Make Noise"
This mantra has been my guiding force in helping women navigate menopause. I believe that change happens when we show up, speak up and keep pushing the conversation forward. By staying actively engaged in different spaces—whether through workshops, collaborations, media platforms, or community discussions—I have been able to create ripples of awareness where silence once prevailed.
Menopause is still a hushed topic in many circles, but the more we talk about it, the more we normalize it. This approach has allowed me to reach unexpected segments, connect with diverse stakeholders and expand my mission beyond what I initially envisioned.
By continuously engaging, educating and advocating, I aim to ensure that no woman feels alone in her menopausal journey. The more noise we make, the more empowered women become to embrace this phase with confidence and clarity.
Q6. Key Achievements and Accolades
My journey in menopause awareness has been marked by impactful initiatives and recognition for my work in women’s health. Some of my key achievements include:
1. Menopause Awareness Workshops – I have conducted numerous workshops and awareness sessions on menopausal health, reaching women across different socio-economic backgrounds. These sessions provide education, support and a safe space for open conversations.
2. Strong Social Media Engagement – Through my Instagram page, I have built an engaged community by consistently sharing educational content, bite-sized menopause tips and interactive discussions, to help in breaking the stigma around menopause.
3. MenoPulse Blog Series on LinkedIn – I regularly post insightful blogs under the title MenoPulse, where I explore various aspects of menopause, offering scientific insights, practical advice and personal reflections to foster awareness and support.
4. Monthly Feature Article on iStoryy – I contribute a dedicated monthly article to iStoryy, focusing on menopause-related health impacts. These articles delve into varied aspects of menopausal health – raising awareness, debunking myths, and providing actionable advice for women navigating this phase.
5. Podcast Series: ‘Menoverse – All About Menopause’ – In collaboration with Kyaa Matlab, I have released five episodes of an audio podcast on Spotify. This platform allows me to reach a broader audience, offering expert insights and real-life experiences to help women navigate menopause with confidence.
6. Award for Best Menstrual and Menopause Health Educator – I was honoured with the Best Menstrual and Menopause Health Educator award by The True Topper at the Global Education Mentor Awards 2024, recognizing my contributions to menstrual and menopausal health education.
Each of these milestones reinforces my commitment to breaking the silence around menopause and empowering women with knowledge, support, and practical solutions. The journey is ongoing and I continue to expand my reach and impact to create a menopause-friendly world.
Q7. Tell us about Menoverse?
MENOVERSE: Embracing the Power of Change Menopause is a universal experience, yet it has long been shrouded in silence. MENOVERSE was born out of the need to change this narrative—transforming menopause from a hushed topic into an empowering journey of awareness, education, and community support. As a women’s health educator and nutritionist, I noticed a critical gap: while menstruation and pregnancy received increasing attention, menopause remained misunderstood. My own experience with perimenopause reinforced the urgency for accessible, relatable information, inspiring the creation of MENOVERSE—a movement dedicated to understanding, managing, and embracing menopause as a powerful transition. From small beginnings with community awareness sessions, social media outreach, and consultations, MENOVERSE has evolved into a movement, breaking taboos and fostering open conversations. The MENOVERSE logo embodies transformation, with a butterfly symbolizing resilience and renewal, while the pink and purple hues reflect femininity, wisdom, and well-being. Our mission is to normalize menopause discussions, educate, and build a strong community where women feel informed and empowered. With a vision to make menopause awareness as mainstream as puberty or pregnancy, MENOVERSE continues to expand its digital presence, conduct impactful workshops, and strengthen key partnerships. This is more than a movement—it’s a mission to ensure every woman experiences menopause with knowledge, confidence, and celebration.
Q8. What are some common Misconceptions about Menopause & How do you Address then?
1. Menopause happens in just one day. One of the biggest myths is that menopause is a single-day event when, in reality, it is a transition spanning several years. Menopause itself is officially diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle, but the process includes:
Perimenopause (which can last 4–10 years)
Menopause (the one-year mark)
Postmenopause (which lasts the rest of a woman’s life)
I break this down into phases to help women understand that menopause is a gradual journey, not an overnight event.
2. Menopause only affects older women. Many believe menopause only happens in their late 50s or 60s, but the average age of menopause is around 46 years in India. Some women experience early menopause due to genetics, medical conditions or surgical interventions like hysterectomy.
I emphasize that menopause can start earlier than expected and educate women about signs of perimenopause, which can begin in their late 30s or early 40s.
3. Menopause is just about hot flashes. While hot flashes are a common symptom, menopause affects every part of the body, including bone health, heart health, mental well- being, metabolism and sexual health. There are in-fact 45+ recognised symptoms of menopause which very few people actually associate with menopause due to lack of awareness. I provide a holistic view of menopause, discussing lesser-known symptoms like anxiety, memory fog, joint pain and sleep disturbances
to ensure women don’t ignore critical health changes.
4. Once menopause starts, life goes downhill. Menopause is often linked to aging, weight gain, and a loss of vitality, making women feel like it’s an endpoint rather than a transition. I challenge this mindset by sharing success stories of women who have thrived post-menopause. With the right diet, exercise, and mental well-being strategies, women can lead active and fulfilling lives well into their old age as well.
5. Menopause is only a women’s issue. Menopause impacts relationships, workplaces and families, yet it is seen as a private women’s matter. I advocate for menopause awareness at a societal level, encouraging conversations with spouses, employers and communities to create supportive environments. By debunking these misconceptions, I aim to normalize menopause, empower women with knowledge and create a supportive community where this transition is understood, embraced and managed with confidence.
Through MENOVERSE, I aim to shift the narrative from menopause being a feared phase to an empowered transition – ensuring women receive the guidance, care and confidence that they deserve.
Q9. What is the role of Diet & Lifestyle in easing menopause symptoms ?
Oh, they’re absolutely crucial! Menopause is a natural transition, but how smoothly you go through it depends a lot on what you eat and how you live. A balanced diet and healthy lifestyle play a crucial role in managing menopause symptoms, improving hormonal balance, bone health, metabolism, and mental well-being. For instance, including phytoestrogens—foods like soy, flaxseeds, and chickpeas—help balance hormones naturally. Then there’s bone health, which becomes a major concern post-menopause. So, getting enough calcium and vitamin D from dairy, leafy greens and sunlight is key.And let’s not forget exercise! Strength training keeps muscles strong,
yoga reduces stress, and simple activities like walking can work wonders for metabolism and heart health. Another big factor? Stress and sleep. Many women struggle with mood swings and insomnia, and that’s where mindfulness, deep breathing, and a proper sleep routine come in. I also tell women to stay hydrated, eat gut-friendly foods and avoid processed junk. Small changes like drinking more water, adding fermented foods and reducing sugar can make a huge difference. Most importantly, menopause isn’t a disease, it’s a new phase of life! The right diet and lifestyle help women not just cope, but actually thrive through this transition.
Q10. What’s your vision for menopause awareness in the future?
I envision a world where menopause is talked about as openly as pregnancy or puberty—where every woman has access to the right information, support and care without stigma or hesitation.
First, education needs to start early. Schools should include menopause awareness in health curriculums so that young girls grow up understanding it as a natural life stage and not as a taboo topic.
Second, workplaces must step up. Menopause-friendly policies like flexible work hours, wellness programs, and access to health resources should be as common as maternity benefits. Women should feel supported, not side-lined, during this phase.
Community support is also key. I want to see more safe spaces, both online and offline, where women can share experiences, seek advice and break the silence around menopause.
And of course, healthcare systems need to evolve. Every doctor, nutritionist and wellness expert should be well-versed in menopause management, offering women holistic solutions rather than just prescribing medications for symptomatic relief.
The heart of my vision is normalizing the conversation so that no woman feels confused, isolated or unheard. Menopause should be seen as a new beginning, not a decline. If we get this right, future generations of women will navigate this transition with confidence, dignity and joy. The conversation has started and I want to see it grow into a movement that empowers women everywhere.
Q11. What advice would you give to women experiencing menopause today?
First and foremost, you are not alone. Every woman goes through menopause as it is a natural transition.
Second, educate yourself. The more you understand what’s happening in your body hormonally, physically and emotionally, the better equipped you’ll be to manage it. Don’t rely on hearsay, instead seek credible sources, consult experts and ask questions.
Third, take care of your body like it’s your best friend, because it truly is. A balanced diet, regular movement and stress management are essential tools for a smooth transition. Listen to what your body needs—whether it’s more rest, better nutrition or simply a change in routine.
Fourth, prioritize mental and emotional well-being. Mood swings, anxiety and brain fog can be overwhelming, but practices like mindfulness, journaling, pursuing a hobby, deep-breathing exercises and connecting with supportive people can make a huge difference. And if things feel too heavy, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
Finally, own this phase, it is not the end, but a new beginning. Step into it with confidence, because the best years of your life could still be ahead of you!