Hyderabad, India — Actor, author, entrepreneur, and wellness advocate Lisa Ray has spent much of her public life challenging stigma and encouraging meaningful conversations around health. After becoming a prominent voice in cancer awareness following her own diagnosis and recovery journey, she is now focused on another area that has historically received far less attention: menopause and women’s hormonal health.
As co-founder of NuHer, a platform dedicated to supporting women through perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause, Lisa is working to ensure women have access to trusted information, medical expertise, and compassionate care during one of life’s most significant transitions.
During a recent visit to Hyderabad, the actor spoke about her personal experiences, the need for systemic change in women’s healthcare, and why she believes midlife can be one of the most empowering phases of a woman’s life.
A Special Connection With Hyderabad
Lisa Ray shared that Hyderabad holds a special place in her memories, particularly because of projects she worked on earlier in her career.
One experience she recalls fondly was filming a National Geographic series exploring India’s jewelry traditions. The project took her through Hyderabad’s historic pearl markets and cultural landmarks, including the iconic Charminar area.
Reflecting on the city today, she noted its remarkable transformation while still retaining its rich cultural identity.
Why Menopause Has Been Overlooked for Decades
One of the strongest themes of Lisa’s advocacy is addressing the historical neglect of women’s health concerns.
According to her, many healthcare systems have traditionally focused research and treatment frameworks on male physiology, leaving major gaps in understanding conditions that primarily affect women.
She pointed out that women were only formally included in many medical research studies relatively recently, contributing to decades of limited knowledge and awareness surrounding menopause.
Key Challenges Include:
- Limited menopause education in medical training
- Underfunding of women’s health research
- Social stigma surrounding hormonal changes
- Lack of public awareness and discussion
- Delayed diagnosis and treatment for symptoms
These factors have often resulted in women being told to tolerate symptoms rather than seek effective support and solutions.
A Personal Journey That Sparked Advocacy
Lisa’s passion for menopause awareness is deeply personal.
Following her cancer treatment, she experienced premature menopause at the age of 37. While she openly discussed her cancer journey to help others, she admits that menopause was a subject she rarely addressed at the time.
She described feeling a sense of silence and stigma around the experience, which delayed her own access to information and support.
That realization eventually inspired her involvement in creating NuHer.
Her goal is to ensure that other women do not have to navigate similar challenges without guidance, resources, and expert care.
Why NuHer Was Created
NuHer was established to provide comprehensive support for women experiencing hormonal changes during midlife.
The platform aims to address a wide range of concerns, including:
Hormonal Health
- Perimenopause
- Menopause
- Post-menopause support
Emotional Wellbeing
- Mood changes
- Anxiety
- Mental health support
Physical Health
- Sleep disturbances
- Fatigue
- Weight management
- Nutrition guidance
Preventive Care
- Long-term wellness planning
- Lifestyle interventions
- Personalized health strategies
According to Lisa, one of the platform’s core missions is helping women understand that midlife is not a decline but a new chapter filled with opportunity and self-discovery.
Balancing Career, Family and Wellness
Despite her many professional responsibilities, Lisa emphasizes that family remains at the center of her life.
As a mother of seven-year-old twins, she says much of her work today is motivated by a desire to create a healthier future for the next generation.
She also stresses the importance of making self-care a priority rather than an afterthought.
Her personal wellness practices include:
- Regular rest and recovery
- Ayurvedic retreats
- Time in nature
- Mindful living
- Balanced lifestyle choices
A recent move to Goa reflects her commitment to living at a slower pace and prioritizing wellbeing.
Acting Takes a Back Seat
Although Lisa Ray remains recognized globally for her performances in projects such as Kasoor, Water, and Four More Shots Please!, she revealed that acting is currently not her primary focus.
Instead, she is dedicating significant energy to health advocacy and expanding the reach of NuHer.
For Lisa, helping women navigate midlife health challenges has become a mission that extends beyond entertainment and into meaningful social impact.
What Women Across India Can Expect
While NuHer currently operates a physical clinic in Mumbai, the platform also provides virtual consultations to women throughout India.
Lisa encourages women to begin by paying close attention to their bodies and tracking symptoms that may indicate hormonal changes.
At NuHer, women can access multidisciplinary support from professionals including:
- Endocrinologists
- Gynecologists
- Nutritionists
- Counselors
- Wellness experts
She emphasizes that women deserve to have their concerns taken seriously and should never feel dismissed when seeking help.
Common Menopause Symptoms Women Should Know
Lisa highlighted that menopause is a natural life transition, not a disease. However, symptoms can significantly affect quality of life if left unaddressed.
Common symptoms include:
- Hot flashes
- Sleep disruption
- Mood changes
- Brain fog
- Fatigue
- Weight fluctuations
- Skin changes
- Reduced energy levels
With appropriate medical guidance and lifestyle adjustments, many of these symptoms can be effectively managed.
Lisa Ray’s Wellness Advice for Women
As part of her broader message on healthy aging and preventive care, Lisa encourages women to view health as a long-term investment rather than something addressed only when problems arise.
Her Key Wellness Recommendations:
Prioritize Personal Health
Treat your own wellbeing with the same commitment you give to family and career responsibilities.
Stay Physically Active
Regular exercise supports hormonal balance, cardiovascular health, and mental wellbeing.
Focus on Nutrition
Adequate protein intake becomes increasingly important during midlife.
Protect Your Skin
Daily sunscreen use remains one of the most effective long-term wellness habits.
Schedule Regular Health Check-Ups
Preventive screenings and consultations help identify concerns early.
Prioritize Sleep and Stress Management
Rest and recovery play a crucial role in overall health and resilience.
Changing the Narrative Around Midlife
Perhaps the most important message Lisa Ray hopes to share is that midlife should not be viewed through a lens of decline or limitation.
Instead, she believes it can be a period of growth, clarity, confidence, and reinvention.
By encouraging open conversations and providing access to informed care, she hopes to help women approach this stage of life with greater understanding and less fear.
Final Thoughts
Through her advocacy work, personal experiences, and leadership at NuHer, Lisa Ray is helping reshape the conversation around menopause and women’s health in India. Her message is simple yet powerful: women deserve information, support, and respect throughout every stage of life.
As awareness continues to grow, initiatives like NuHer are contributing to a broader movement that seeks to replace silence and stigma with education, empowerment, and compassionate care.
