Episode 121: Menopause, Mental Health, and South Asian Women with Dr. Harita Raja

In this heartfelt and empowering episode, Dr. Payal Patel Ghayal sits down with psychiatrist Dr. Harita Raja to unpack how perimenopause and menopause uniquely affect South Asian women—physically, emotionally, and culturally. Together, they explore what it means to age with awareness, strength, and self-compassion while breaking generational cycles of silence around women’s health.

Dr. Harita explains how South Asian women tend to experience menopause earlier than Western counterparts and how hormonal changes can impact everything from mood to metabolism. Dr. Payal reflects on her own experiences in midlife—navigating divorce, motherhood, and self-discovery—and how the mind-body connection becomes even more vital in this season.

The conversation also dives into topics like:

• Cultural conditioning around women’s roles and reproductive health

• How perimenopause can start as early as your late 30s

• The link between hormones, sleep, anxiety, and mood

• Why community, nature, and strength training are essential to thriving midlife

• The importance of self-education and advocacy around hormone therapy and women’s health

Dr. Payal and Dr. Harita model vulnerability and courage as they redefine what it means to be Brown and Happy in midlife — choosing joy, movement, and authenticity over silence and shame.

Dr. Harita Raja is a South Asian women’s psychiatrist, mom of two, and advocate for open conversations around mental health, hormones, and holistic wellness. She’s passionate about empowering women to understand their bodies and emotions through every life stage.

Resources: 

IG: @drharitaraja

LinkedIn: Dr. Harita Raja

Website: www.bwmhc.com

Others recommend by Dr. Raja-@drmaryclaire, @menopause_doctor,              @heatherhirschmd