Bhagyashree, 57, Opens Up About Perimenopause: ‘I Used To Cry A Lot In The Shower’

Bhagyashree has spoken candidly about the emotional and physical challenges she experienced during perimenopause, recalling mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats and brain fog. The actor also shared the practical habits that helped her take better care of herself during the transition.

Perimenopause can be a confusing period for many women because the changes are not limited to the menstrual cycle. Hormonal fluctuations can affect sleep, mood, concentration, body temperature and overall wellbeing. Actor Bhagyashree, 57, has now opened up about her own experience, describing it as a difficult phase that eventually taught her to pay closer attention to her body.

In a recent conversation with SheThePeople, Bhagyashree recalled how emotional she often felt during perimenopause and revealed that she would sometimes retreat to the shower when she felt overwhelmed.

Bhagyashree Says She Would Cry In The Shower

Speaking about the emotional changes she experienced, Bhagyashree said she would often cry while taking a shower.

“I used to cry a lot in the shower. Whenever I felt like I was on the verge of tears, I would let the water wash away whatever energies were there,” she said.

The actor explained that she personally believes in the cleansing power of water and found the shower to be a private space where she could release her emotions.

At one point, she recalled taking several showers during the day when she was struggling with her emotions.

“I think I had 4-5 showers during the day at that point in time,” Bhagyashree said.

She described moments when she felt sad or could not make sense of what she was feeling, saying she would go into the shower and simply allow herself to cry.

Her account highlights an aspect of perimenopause that can sometimes receive less attention than physical symptoms: emotional wellbeing.

Mood Swings, Hot Flashes And Brain Fog

Bhagyashree said her experience included several symptoms commonly associated with the menopausal transition.

“I had a lot of mood swings and hot flashes,” she recalled.

She also experienced episodes of what she described as mind fog, including difficulty remembering lines or recalling why she had entered a room.

Such experiences can be particularly frustrating when a woman is juggling work, family responsibilities and other commitments. For Bhagyashree, the symptoms eventually became a reason to put her own wellbeing higher on her list of priorities.

“I put everything else on the back burner and I said, ‘I have to look after myself,’” she shared.

She also said that she would tell her husband, Himalaya Dasani, when she felt an emotional outburst coming. Rather than asking him to solve the problem, she would tell him that she simply wanted him to listen.

Bhagyashree’s Experience With Night Sweats

Sleep was another major challenge for the actor.

Bhagyashree recalled experiencing intense night sweats and waking up with her clothes soaked in perspiration. At times, she said, even the bed linen would become drenched.

“I would have night sweats, and it would be so horrible. I used to be drenched in sweat,” she said.

The combination of sweating, discomfort and disrupted sleep made the period particularly difficult for her.

She described it as a “horrible” phase because she was getting very little sleep and did not feel comfortable in her body.

What Bhagyashree Learnt From Perimenopause

Rather than ignoring the changes, Bhagyashree said she consulted doctors, asked questions and tried to understand what was happening to her body.

That process, she said, made her more aware of herself and helped her navigate both perimenopause and menopause.

The experience also prompted a wider change in perspective.

Bhagyashree said she began questioning how much energy she was spending worrying about other people’s opinions. Eventually, she decided that following her own heart and living her life was more important.

Her comments underline an important point about the menopausal transition: while hormonal changes can bring physical and emotional symptoms, understanding what is happening can also help women feel more prepared to seek appropriate support.

Bhagyashree Shares Practical Tips For Night Sweats

The actor also shared some simple preparations that made dealing with night sweats easier for her.

Her suggestions included:

• Keep a night suit or nightgown nearby: Having fresh clothes within reach can save time when you wake up sweating.
• Keep an extra bedsheet close by: This can make changing the bedding quicker if necessary.
• Keep personal essentials within reach: Bhagyashree suggested keeping things such as talcum powder nearby if they are part of your personal routine.
• Avoid unnecessary disruption: Preparing these items before going to bed can help reduce the amount of time spent awake during the night.

These are practical comfort measures based on Bhagyashree’s personal experience and are not a substitute for medical treatment.

The Food And Lifestyle Changes That Helped Her

Bhagyashree also spoke about paying attention to her diet and physical activity during this period.

She said she included pomegranate juice, hibiscus tea, nuts and adequate fibre in her routine. She also reduced her sugar intake and made time for meditation, sunlight and fresh air.

Exercise was another part of her approach.

For women experiencing perimenopause, lifestyle habits such as regular physical activity, adequate sleep, a balanced diet and stress-management practices can support overall health. However, individual needs vary, and persistent or severe symptoms should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.

What Is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transitional stage before menopause. During this period, ovarian hormone levels—particularly oestrogen—can fluctuate, and menstrual cycles may become less predictable.

It often begins during the 40s, although the timing varies from woman to woman. Some women may experience symptoms earlier.

Possible symptoms include:

• Irregular periods
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Sleep difficulties
• Mood changes
• Difficulty concentrating
• Vaginal dryness
• Changes in sexual desire
• Fatigue

Not every woman experiences the same combination of symptoms, and their intensity can differ significantly.

Menopause itself is reached after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, provided there is no other medical explanation for the absence of periods.

When Should You Speak To A Doctor?

Perimenopause is a natural biological transition, but that does not mean women have to simply tolerate symptoms that interfere with daily life.

If hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, mood changes or other symptoms become difficult to manage, speaking with a doctor or qualified healthcare professional can help identify suitable options.

Unexpectedly heavy bleeding, bleeding between periods, bleeding after sex or bleeding after menopause also warrants medical evaluation rather than being automatically attributed to perimenopause.

Bhagyashree’s openness about her experience adds to the growing conversation around women’s health and the importance of recognising that the menopausal transition can affect much more than periods.