The State government is all set to launch a State-wide public campaign called ‘Ruthu Thare’ to help women navigate perimenopause and menopause, tentatively on August 21. A committee led by noted gynaecologist and menopause and midlife women’s health expert Jyotsna Mirlay is in the final stages of drafting the policy.

Recently, the Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Department announced that it will introduce the first-of-its-kind Women’s Health Policy with actress Divya Spandana as its brand ambassador.

Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader said, “Perimenopause and menopause are social issues concerned with women in their 40s. As a step towards building a healthy society, we have decided to address health issues arising from menopause at the grassroots level by approaching women door to door with the help of ASHA workers across Karnataka.”

Dr. Mirlay said gynaecologists, mental health experts, nutritionists, and physiotherapists from the government as well as the private sector will be part of the committee that she is leading. “At present, we are preparing questionnaires, identifying the risk group of women for perimenopause and menopause and other factors,” she said.

“In the first phase of Ruthu Thare, ASHA workers across Karnataka will identify women going through menopause, fill their details in a form containing a questionnaire related to the health of patients. Prior to the campaign, they will be trained about perimenopause and menopause,” she explained.

Pamphlets for easy understanding

Dr. Mirlay also noted that a detailed pamphlet is being designed with the details of the symptoms of menopause, physical and mental changes women go through, nutritious food that these women have to consume, and some simple physical exercises they are advised to do with pictorial representations that women can follow and perform at home.

“Since the government has decided to include perimenopause and menopause screening as part of the Gruha Arogya health scheme, women will not only be screened, but ASHA workers will also follow up with them,” she said, adding, “Changes in consumption of food, exercise and lifestyle can make a lot of difference to these women’s lives.”

Second phase

In the second phase, ASHA workers will also identify women going through perimenopause and at the risk of surgical menopause.

“As per our study and experience, a large number of women across the State go through surgical menopause (uterus and both ovaries are removed) when they undergo heavy bleeding during perimenopause. However, they are unaware of the implications after the surgery, including risks of coronary heart diseases, osteoporosis fractures and others. In such cases of heavy bleeding, there is an alternative treatment that doctors can offer. ASHA workers will identify them, help the State government treat them, and follow up with each case,” Dr. Mirlay explained.

Published - August 10, 2026 07:55 pm IST