FICCI FLO, under its Health, Wellness & Life Skills Initiative, successfully organised an insightful and empowering panel discussion on “Menopause 360°: Body, Mind & Hormones” on 10 July 2026 at the Fortis Escorts Heart Institute Auditorium, New Delhi. Menopause is a natural yet often misunderstood phase in a woman’s life.
Through this session, FICCIFLO sought to foster awareness, encourage open conversations, and equip women with the knowledge and support needed to navigate this significant transition with confidence and informed choices. The session featured an eminent panel of experts comprising Dr. Tripat Chaudhary, Principal Director – Obstetrics & Gynaecology; Dr. Pallavi Sharma, Psychiatrist; and Dr. Abhay Ahluwalia, Director – Endocrinology.
The discussion was expertly moderated by Ridhima Bhatnagar, Television Anchor and Corporate Moderator, who steered an engaging and candid conversation on the physical, emotional, and hormonal dimensions of menopause. Speaking on the evolving discourse around menopause, Dr. Tripat Chaudhary observed that menopause was traditionally viewed more as a women’s issue than a healthcare concern, but perceptions are now changing with increasing awareness and medical engagement.
She elaborated on the various stages of reproductive ageing- pre-menopause, perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause and explained their definitions and associated symptoms. She urged women to pay attention to signs such as menstrual irregularity, irritability, brain fog, disturbed sleep, fatigue, and mood changes, emphasising that medical advice should be sought when these symptoms begin to affect one’s quality of life. She also highlighted the importance of regular health check-ups and preventive healthcare.
Addressing the psychological and cognitive dimensions of menopause, Dr. Pallavi Sharma spoke about the profound sense of loss of identity that many women experience during this transition. She explained the role of oestrogen in influencing key neurotransmitters such as GABA, serotonin and dopamine, and how hormonal changes can lead to cognitive and emotional symptoms, including forgetfulness, low mood, anxiety and reduced concentration.
She emphasised the importance of recognising the duration and severity of symptoms and understanding when professional help may be required. Providing an endocrinological perspective, Dr. Abhay Ahluwalia discussed the hormonal changes that occur during different phases of a woman’s life and the central role of oestrogen in maintaining overall health.
He spoke about common concerns such as abdominal weight gain and metabolic changes during midlife, and provided valuable insights into Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), including its benefits, considerations, and the profiles of women who may be ideal candidates for this intervention.
The panel demystified common symptoms such as brain fog, disturbed sleep, mood changes, fatigue, weight gain, anxiety, irregular periods and hot flashes, while highlighting evidence-based approaches to symptom management, preventive healthcare, mental well-being and hormonal health. The experts also addressed several myths and misconceptions surrounding menopause and reinforced the importance of seeking timely medical guidance and adopting a holistic approach to wellness.
A highly interactive question-and-answer session encouraged participants to engage directly with the specialists, enabling women to openly discuss concerns that often remain unspoken. The discussion fostered a sense of community, reassurance, and empowerment, reinforcing that no woman should have to navigate menopause alone.
As part of FICCI FLO’s partnership with Fortis Healthcare, members were also introduced to the Complimentary Fortis Premia Membership Card, offering a range of healthcare benefits, including discounts on consultations, diagnostics and preventive health packages, dedicated relationship management support and a complimentary online mental wellness consultation.
The initiative was led by Poonam Bafna, Lead, FLO Health, Wellness & Life Skills Initiative, and Samina Khorakiwala, Co-Lead, with Dr. Divneet Kaur serving as the Day Chair for the event. The session reflected FICCI FLO’s continued commitment to promoting preventive healthcare, advancing women’s wellness and creating informed, supportive spaces where women can prioritise their health and well-being at every stage of life.