Shark Tank India's Namita Thapar Reveals Perimenopause Struggles and Health Impact
Namita Thapar, the 48-year-old judge on Shark Tank India, has candidly shared her personal battle with perimenopause, highlighting how it has affected her health and daily life. In a recent episode of the show, she responded to a pitch by founder Varun Khanna for his brand Out Live, noting that its products contained high salt levels, which exacerbate her symptoms.
"I am in bad shape because of perimenopause. And if you eat extra salt, your face swells up so much... you get crazy water retention," Thapar explained, emphasizing the physical toll this transitional phase takes on women.
Understanding Water Retention During Perimenopause
Perimenopause, the period leading up to menopause, is a challenging time for many women, marked by hormonal fluctuations that can disrupt bodily functions. Dr. Richa Bharadwaj, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Wockhardt Hospitals in Mumbai Central, sheds light on why symptoms like bloating and puffiness occur.
"Hormonal changes, especially shifts in oestrogen and progesterone, can affect how the body handles fluids. Many women experience bloating, puffiness around the face, fingers, or ankles, and a newfound sensitivity to salt," Dr. Bharadwaj stated. She elaborated that even minimal sodium intake can lead to noticeable facial swelling or a swollen feeling, particularly in the morning, due to the impact of oestrogen on blood vessels and kidney function.
Primary Causes and Management Strategies
While diet plays a role, hormones are the main trigger for water retention during perimenopause. Dr. Bharadwaj pointed out that this phase can disrupt the renin-angiotensin system, which regulates fluid balance. Factors like stress, poor sleep, caffeine, alcohol, or processed foods can intensify these effects, causing symptoms to appear suddenly even without significant dietary changes.
To manage water retention, Dr. Bharadwaj recommends several lifestyle adjustments:
- Reduce intake of processed and high-sodium foods.
- Drink plenty of water to help flush out excess sodium.
- Engage in regular exercise and consume magnesium-rich foods.
- Maintain consistent sleep patterns and practice stress management techniques.
She also mentioned that hormone therapy can stabilize hormonal fluctuations and alleviate symptoms like bloating, but it should only be considered after a thorough medical evaluation and individual risk assessment.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Occasional water retention is generally harmless, but persistent swelling, rapid weight changes, breathlessness, or swelling that doesn't subside overnight warrant medical attention. Dr. Bharadwaj advised that such evaluations help rule out underlying issues like thyroid disorders, blood pressure problems, or metabolic concerns, which can overlap with perimenopause symptoms.
Ultimately, perimenopause is a natural transition, not an indicator of poor health. "Listening to your body, adjusting lifestyle choices, and seeking timely medical guidance can make this phase much more manageable and empowering," Dr. Bharadwaj concluded, encouraging women to approach this period with awareness and proactive care.
