At 42, Shubhra Mishra believed she had a firm grip on her life. A thriving professional, a dedicated mother of two teenagers, and an active community member, she excelled at managing multiple responsibilities. Yet, in recent months, a series of unexpected changes began to surface, disrupting the balance she had worked so hard to maintain.
“It started with sleepless nights,” Shubhra reflects. “No matter how exhausted I felt, I’d find myself lying awake, staring at the ceiling. Then came sudden waves of irritability and a lingering sense of sadness that was unfamiliar to me.” Alongside these emotional shifts, she noticed her body undergoing significant changes: her skin felt drier, her metabolism slowed, and her once-regular menstrual cycle became unpredictable.
It wasn’t until she spoke to her gynecologist that she learned she was experiencing perimenopause—the transitional phase before menopause.
The Unannounced Changes of Midlife
For Shubhra, the physical changes were just the tip of the iceberg. “My energy levels plummeted,” she shares. “Simple tasks that I used to breeze through started feeling overwhelming. I’d find myself forgetting things, which was frustrating and sometimes even embarrassing.”
Finding Strength in Community
Feeling isolated, Shubhra turned to the internet for answers. That’s when she stumbled upon a WhatsApp group for women in midlife. “Joining that group was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” she says. “It was like walking into a room full of women who just got it.”
The group became a safe space for Shubhra to share her experiences and ask questions without judgment. From discussing symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings to sharing tips on managing stress, the women in the group offered both practical advice and emotional support. “It’s comforting to know you’re not alone,” Shubhra reflects. “Someone would post about feeling exhausted after doing nothing, and there’d be ten replies saying, ‘Me too!’”
The group also introduced her to solutions that helped her cope with the changes. Members shared recommendations for products like Gytree Menopause Protein for boosting energy and hormone health, yoga poses for relaxation, and even mindfulness apps for better sleep. “The collective wisdom in that group is incredible,” Shubhra adds.
The Importance of a Support System
For Shubhra, the WhatsApp group is more than a source of information; it’s a lifeline. “There’s something empowering about being part of a community where everyone is cheering each other on,” she says. “We celebrate small wins, like finally sleeping through the night or having a symptom-free day.”
She’s also started conversations about midlife and perimenopause with her close friends. “It’s surprising how many of us are going through similar things but are too hesitant to talk about it,” Shubhra observes. “Just knowing someone understands what you’re feeling can be a huge relief.”
Embracing the Journey
Shubhra admits that navigating midlife and perimenopause is a work in progress. “There are good days and bad days,” she says. “But I’ve learned to listen to my body and be kinder to myself.” She’s embraced habits like eating nutrient-rich foods, staying active, and prioritizing self-care—all of which help her feel more in control.
Her advice to other women? “Don’t go through it alone. Whether it’s a WhatsApp group, a friend, or a healthcare provider, find someone to talk to. And remember, this is just a phase. You’re not losing yourself; you’re evolving.”
As Shubhra continues her journey, she hopes to inspire other women to share their stories and seek support. “Midlife isn’t the end of the road,” she says with a smile. “It’s the beginning of a new chapter—one where we get to redefine ourselves, with a little help from our friends.”
