In conversation: Dr Rajesh Mahadevan, co-founder of Nava Life, an initiative that aims to revolutionise the women’s healthcare space from menstruation to menopause.
India is home to more than 350 million women and girls who menstruate every month. However, menstruation is still a taboo and a source of shame and discrimination for many of them. In a startling fact, about 27% of young rural women still resort to unsanitary means of protection during their menstrual cycle.
On the other side of the spectrum, as per data, for Indian women, menopause typically begins early – roughly at 46 years of age. During this time, as many as 90% of women experience symptoms, and roughly half of these women consider their symptoms bothersome. These typically include sudden hot flashes, headaches, sweating, sleep disturbances, mood swings, tiredness and more.
More often than not, we are so consumed by our routine, work, and taking care of family, and children, that it ends up taking a toll on our overall well-being and happiness! We take issues like menstrual health and menopausal health for granted!
How do we wish we could have a curriculum to manage our health, specifically reproductive health?
Introducing Nava Life, an initiative that aims to provide m2m coverage – A menstruation to menopause initiative:
Preface: Nava Life is a pioneering company dedicated to empowering and enhancing the lives of girls and women throughout their entire reproductive journey, from the onset of menstruation to the phases of menopause. Nave Life is committed to revolutionising the way women experience and manage their reproductive health by offering comprehensive and supportive solutions. Nava Life understands the unique challenges that girls and women face during these transformative periods of their lives and provides them with the knowledge, resources, and products they need to navigate these milestones with confidence and vitality.
With a deep focus on health, well-being, and inclusivity, Nava Life aims to redefine the narrative surrounding menstruation and menopause, fostering a world where every girl and woman can thrive at every stage of her life.
Team FemTech India caught up with Dr. Rajesh Mahadevan, the Co-founder of Nave Life. Dr Rajesh Mahadevan has co-founded Nava Life, along with his wife and marketeer Bhuvana Subramanyan.
Dr Rajesh Mahadevan is a Senior Consultant Geriatrician and Physician (Family Med). His Intensive Course, Board review and Certification in Geriatrics are from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA – USA, member and fellow of many leading academies and institutions. He has his Fellowship in Geriatrics too.
Here is an edited excerpt from the conversation.
FemTech India ( FI ): Hello Doctor, could you tell us a little bit about yourself? Perhaps, your background and also a quick summary of your professional career?
Dr Rajesh: I am a Senior Consultant Geriatrician and Physician. I have worked as a consultant in UAE and have extensively served the entire belt of East African countries based out of Kenya on behalf of IFPA, as the chief De Mission Medical officer to diagnose, rehabilitate and distribute ARV drugs for the AIDS patients (Men, Women, Young Boys, Girls and infants) in these regions for 2 years and had the greatest opportunity to work with more than 200,000 Aids victims.
My core areas of Geriatric practice include treating the elderly population of society and addressing their problems such as Depression, Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Anxiety by regular counselling and also treating conditions like chronic Hypertension, Diabetes, Osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriasis, Eczema & other disorders of the elderly, that includes andropause and menopause.
FI: Very inspiring to hear that Doctor. Just a little curious here – Did being in the medical space help you come up with an initiative for women’s health, specifically reproductive health?
Dr Rajesh: Women’s health is a topic that deserves attention and consideration from a young age. Women must be proactive and informed about their health to ensure a happy and fulfilling life. Every woman needs to be smart about their health from a young age and should take charge of this across all their life stages.
While being in the medical field has helped me understand these with a more granular view, I strongly believe that for holistic wellness, women need to be aware of their reproductive health too.
FI: Since there is a lot of awareness that needs to be created for both menstrual health and menopause, which are the two significant events in a woman’s reproductive health, could you tell us a little more about that?
Dr Rajesh: Menstruation is a natural part of a woman’s life, and understanding it is essential. Young girls should be educated about menstrual hygiene, the importance of using safe and sustainable menstrual products, and the common problems that may arise during their menstrual cycles. By being smart about their menstrual health, women can avoid complications and discomfort while embracing this natural process.
As for menopause, understanding menopause and starting early to prepare for this natural phase of a woman’s life is a key aspect of women’s health. Starting early with menopause awareness and planning can help women navigate this transition more smoothly. It involves discussions with healthcare providers to understand what to expect, including potential symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and changes in bone density.
Additionally, women can explore options for managing these symptoms, which may include hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle changes, or alternative treatments like non-hormone therapy and nutrition supplements. By taking proactive steps, women can prepare themselves for menopause and continue to prioritise their health and well-being throughout this life stage.
FI: Looks like the thrust is on awareness and education. Do you agree?
Dr Rajesh: Absolutely! One of the most critical aspects of women’s health is education and awareness. From a young age, girls should be taught about their bodies, the changes they will experience during puberty, and the importance of regular health check-ups. This knowledge empowers them to take control of their health, make informed decisions, and seek help when needed. Lack of awareness can lead to ignorance or misinformation, which may have adverse consequences in the future.
FI: Understood. Aside from awareness, if you were to speak about one aspect in women’s lives that is being overlooked, what would it be?
Dr Rajesh: I think this would be nutrition. Not many know and acknowledge that nutrition and exercise play a significant role in a woman’s overall health. Young girls must develop healthy eating habits and engage in regular physical activity. These habits can help prevent obesity, reduce the risk of PCOD and promote mental well-being. Additionally maintaining a healthy body weight is important for fertility and pregnancy, making it essential for women who plan to have children in the future.
FI: One final question before we wrap up this conversation. What is the most important piece of advice you would give to any woman regarding her health?
Dr Rajesh: Being smart about women’s health from a young age is a lifelong investment. Education, awareness, and proactive choices can empower women to take control of their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By making informed decisions, seeking preventive care, and advocating for their health, women can lead happier, healthier lives, and ultimately, create a brighter future for themselves and the generations to come. It’s time for women to prioritise their health, starting from a young age, and never stop advocating for their well-being.
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