Lisa Ray on the 'Shame' of Menopause at 37 After Cancer
Published on: Feb. 17, 2026, 10:31 a.m. | Source: The Indian Express
Cancer survivor Lisa Ray, 53, recently broke her silence on the "shame and stigma" of entering chemo-induced menopause at the age of 37, highlighting the lack of emotional and medical roadmaps for women facing early hormonal shifts. Consultant gynecologist Dr. Richa Bharadwaj explains that chemotherapy can cause an abrupt cessation of ovarian function, triggering intense symptoms like hot flashes, hair thinning, and extreme fatigue that are often mistakenly dismissed as general cancer recovery. This "second shock" is emotionally taxing as survivors often feel pressured to be purely grateful for life, leading them to internalize grief over lost fertility and identity changes. To reclaim their well-being, experts emphasize the necessity of transparent conversations about Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), bone health, and lifestyle interventions—including strength training and protein-rich diets—to manage the long-term metabolic and mental health impacts of mid-life transitions after illness.
