Indian Menopause Society in 2026 and beyond through a Kaleidoscope

ऊर्ध्वमूलमध:शाखमश्वत्थं प्राहुरव्ययम् |, छन्दांसि यस्य पर्णानि यस्तं वेद स वेदवित् ||, Gita shloka 15.1 The Indian Menopause Society (IMS) has progressed today, in its breadth, depth, and height, encompassing its growth from North to South and East to West of India, with 53 Societies and 6450 Members. This growth reminds me of a picture of Urdhva Mulaha [Figure 1]. There is always a temptation to compare the ever-progressive growth of an organization with that of a Banyan Tree. But I think founders were inspired to see that individuals with intuitive qualities are drawn to help make the multidisciplinary society a progressive one that can continue to grow through cross-breeding ideas and collective efforts to improve multidimensional and multidisciplinary Menopause Health Care. As I consider the genesis of the remarkably progressive society, the IMS, my thoughts go back to 1995. In a small room adjacent to the Radiology and Imaging Department of a Multispecialty Modern Medical Hospital, Hinduja National Hospital and Medical Research Center, a multidisciplinary group of physicians, including internists, surgeons, oncologists, and gynecologists, had gathered to brainstorm an idea that could shape a model healthcare module to address the needs of Indian women transiting through the menopausal period and associated health issues. The unfolding of the history of IMS, from its inception in 1995 to 2018, has been sensitively, beautifully, and esthetically woven into a decorative coffee-table book by the then president of our society. One can sense the enthusiasm, dedication, and newness of each subsequent president and their team as they contribute to the field of Menopause Health Science and Care in those pages since 1995. The society’s journal, namely., Journal of Midlife Health, has also been highlighted with pride as an indexed journal in many research databases, including PubMed. Since the society’s inception, the annual conferences have become an important platform for updating, sharing, and learning about emerging developments in the field from national and international experts. The difficult period of imposed isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic was effectively handled by holding the National Conference online. The Speciality Menopause Healthcare Training module, IMS’s flagship, was shaped a decade and a half ago under the chairmanship of the then IMS president. She herself had taken the speciality training and been credentialed as a Menopause Practitioner. The credentialed IMS menopause practitioner (CIMP) competency examination is now regularly conducted after the eligible candidate has completed training in accordance with the syllabus officially prepared and updated by the special cell under the President. Graduated practitioners receive certificates at the National Annual Conferences. Periodic exchanges of emerging national data on diverse topics were strengthened through collaboration and, subsequently, by becoming members and/or occupying office-bearer positions in many International Societies. A vast canvas of yet unattended and emerging areas has begun to unfold over the last few years. IMS members have also served as leaders in several international societies around the world. The IMS has shaped and periodically updated Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG), which have been very popular not only at home but also used, praised, and considered trustworthy by many International Menopause Societies. The humongous and intimidating task of writing, collating, and editing, while incorporating advancing fields rapidly, while sustaining its relevance for the Indian perspective, remains. Another noteworthy aspect is the originality of the “35+ club.” The concept captures the evolving endocrine environment and feedback mechanisms around age 35, offering a key chance for prevention and early disease detection, thereby emphasizing the program significance. Its broad acceptance and adoption by multiple chapters earlier, and now by individual societies, have fostered a celebratory atmosphere while raising awareness of menopause and related health changes well before the typical age of menopause. A thought always comes to my mind that self-confidence and praise should be tempered by sober introspection, including what we have not yet done, and it’s glaring in front of our eyes. Opportunities knocking at the door are ignored when we are hyperfocused on the already-travelled path. There is an urgent need to expand the associate membership of IMS for groups working in similar areas, including basic scientists, allied fields such as social scientists, anthropologists, and other government-recognized systems of medicine, for trans-system dialogs and debates. Highly qualified medical professionals from the Indian diaspora have returned home as part of a reverse brain drain, and many are attracting them to join in various capacities. Some have also chosen to provide clinical care to women living in rural and tribal areas of India, helping to expand society’s horizons. In the end, I am proud of the unstoppable progress IMS has made. I am grateful to Meeta for asking me to visit IMS today and to see its picturesque progress through a kaleidoscope.