Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair unveils cover of wife Lenaa’s new book

Lenaa, an actress who ventured into writing with her debut book Autobiography of God, has published her second work ‘Women-O-Pause.’ This book delves into the second phase of ‘adolescence’ in a woman's life, examining the physical, emotional, and hormonal changes women undergo during this crucial stage. The book's cover was unveiled by her husband, Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, flight instructor, and a key member of India's Gaganyaan mission.

At the launch event, Prasanth maintained that the success of any book ultimately lies with its readers. He also acknowledged the significance of someone choosing to read a physical book in today's digital age. He pointed out that ‘Women-O-Pause’ is rooted in Lenaa's own personal and professional experiences, offering an intimate and insightful narrative.

Although the book addresses topics like the menstrual cycle and the phases that follow, Prasanth stressed that the book is not just for women but also for men. “Every man is connected to women in multiple roles—as mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, and mothers-in-law,” he said. The subject matter, he added, is one that must be discussed openly, without shame or hesitation.

Lenaa herself revealed that the greatest inspirations for the book were her father, mother, and husband. She described ‘Women-O-Pause’ as a reflective exploration of the journey leading up to menopause, which she views as an important phase in a woman's life. However, the book doesn’t just focus on menopause—it also highlights perimenopause, the period that precedes it.

"Women experience significant physical and emotional changes from around the age of 35," she said. "Just as the transition from childhood to adulthood is called adolescence, I refer to the period between 35 and 55 as 'womanescence'. While this term might not yet be in the dictionary, perhaps it will find its place after the book’s release," Lenna said. She referred to this phase as a woman’s ‘second adolescence.’

Lenaa went on to share that after the age of 35, women often experience major physical changes, including weight fluctuations, along with hormonal shifts that can affect everyday life. Her book aims to present these changes in an accessible way for general readers, while also featuring insights from medical professionals. She emphasised that it is crucial for men to be aware of these transitions, as greater understanding can lead to improved communication and empathy in relationships. This is why the book carries the tagline 'A Mid-Life Guide for Women & Their Men'.

"When approached with awareness and understanding, this phase of life can be navigated with less emotional strain and fewer relationship challenges," she said.

Lenaa also shared a personal realisation. It was only when she turned 45 that she truly began to understand the struggles her mother had faced during a similar phase of life. She said she is dedicating the book to her mother. She also observed that the current generation is engaging much more in research and conversation around perimenopause than previous generations.

This is Lenaa’s second book, following the success of The Autobiography of God. Women-O-Pause is published in English by Penguin Books and in Malayalam by DC Books, with the Malayalam translation by P. Prakash. Pre-bookings for the book have already begun.