Countries where it's good to be menopausal
But did you know that things are quite different in other parts of the world? The word "menopause" simply doesn't exist in Japan, where this period is called "konenki," meaning "life change," and is attributed to both men and women. It defines the changes that accompany this period, such as the appearance of gray hair. In Buddhism, this period is considered a normal stage of life. In Chinese and Indian societies, women are considered mature and wise, a recognized quality. In some tribes in northern India, the period of menstruation cessation is even valued; women are then freed from household chores and gain authority and social recognition. This is also the case in Ethiopia and Uganda, where menopausal women become equal to men.
Not all women are equal when it comes to menopause
HEREDITY ISN'T EVERYTHING!
Have you heard your mother say that her menopause was difficult?
Bad news: you're likely to follow in her footsteps in 50% of cases. But heredity and genetics aren't everything. Epigenetics, meaning lifestyle, is a determining factor in the onset of symptoms, so you also have a 50% chance of experiencing a peaceful menopause! All the more reason to adapt your lifestyle as a preventative measure ;)
TOBACCO: A WRINKLE ACCELERATOR
Smoking is an aggravating factor in menopausal symptoms, which appear earlier (up to two years before) and are also more intense in regular smokers, and sometimes even in those exposed to secondhand smoke. Beyond its devastating effects on overall health, particularly cardiovascular health, smoking also impacts skin aging. Smokers develop wrinkles earlier and deeper, and their skin becomes drier and less comfortable. To combat skin aging and the oxidative stress linked to smoking, boost your antioxidant intake through diet and natural vitamin C. Laboté has chosen acerola for its high vitamin C content (30 times more than an orange!) in a lab-boosting formula that will improve elasticity and tone and enhance your skin's radiance.
SAY “THANK YOU” TO YOUR EXTRA POUNDS
For once, a few extra pounds can actually be beneficial, as they can help delay the effects of menopause. Conversely, being underweight can bring forward the onset of the first symptoms, as can significant weight loss between the ages of 18 and 35 or repeated dieting.
Indeed, menopause is a hormonal change that particularly impacts our estrogen levels. Our adipocytes (fat cells) are a veritable estrogen reserve. The more estrogen we have (relative to progesterone), the fewer unpleasant symptoms we will experience… QED. Conversely, a low BMI can lead to hormonal imbalances and trigger the release of stress hormones.
What diet is best for a peaceful menopause?
Lifestyle can influence the timing of menopause (early or late) and the intensity of symptoms; here are some tips to help you enjoy these years with serenity:
FOCUS ON HYDRATION!
Our bodies are made up of approximately 75% water, making it essential for our health, especially during this transitional period. Surprisingly, the symptoms of dehydration are quite similar to those of menopause: hot flashes, headaches, bloating, water retention…
Drink water, at least 1.5 liters a day, or even more if you're doing intense physical activity or if temperatures are rising. Be aware that hot drinks like coffee and tea contain caffeine/theine, which stimulates the nervous system and can cause palpitations and hot flashes. They also deplete your magnesium and calcium stores, accelerating mineral loss. So, it's time to put these drinks aside and switch to herbal teas, with active ingredients that will provide comfort and help your liver regulate hormones. Rosemary and chicory teas are good examples, and they also provide sustained energy throughout the day (unlike a single burst of energy from coffee). Chicory is also a diuretic, so it can help reduce water retention and the feeling of heavy legs, and perhaps even make you feel lighter!
Sage tea can also soothe hot flashes and night sweats, while bird's-foot trefoil can calm the nervous system, reduce stress, emotional instability, and mood swings. And why not combine it with lemon balm for its calming and antispasmodic properties, and to improve digestive comfort?
