Menopause as a Taboo Topic
When a woman reaches the 40+ age group, various new symptoms begin to appear, often causing confusion and fear. I can’t remember anything anymore—does that mean I’m becoming demented? I don’t have the energy to do anything. I eat and train as usual, but I keep gaining weight. I often feel anxious and can’t sleep at night. When we think back to our mothers, this wasn’t really something people spoke about, and until recently, this subject hasn’t received much attention. Yet it’s clear that perimenopause already begins in the 40s, and menopause affects millions of women worldwide. It is certainly not a shameful topic but one that needs open discussion and understanding.
The Science Behind Peri- and Postmenopause
Here we outline the most important aspects related to the transition period.
Did you know that
- At any given time, about 30% of the world’s women are either peri- or postmenopausal.
- On average, women spend 40% of their lifespan in postmenopause.
- Hot flashes are thought to be the main symptom, but in surveys, they only appear as the fifth most common symptom—after sleep disturbances, anxiety, brain fog, and weight gain.
- Even “frozen shoulder syndrome” can be a symptom of perimenopause.
- Perimenopause is difficult to diagnose because hormone levels fluctuate daily, and there is no single definitive test.
These days it’s emphasized that the benefit–risk profile of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT/HRT) is most favorable when treatment is started during the menopausal transition or within ~10 years after the last period and before age 60. The American Heart Association statement notes that earlier timing may be associated with lower cardiovascular risk; the decision is always individualized, assessing risks, symptoms, and the appropriate preparation.
Link to studies report
Studies report that earlier-initiated HRT may be associated with more favorable health markers: lower blood pressure, less visceral fat, improved inflammatory markers, and lower LDL cholesterol; in many cases also better insulin tolerance. HRT also relieves hot flashes and genitourinary syndrome, improving sleep and quality of life. Outcomes depend on timing, route of administration, and individual risks, which is why medical consultation is essential.
Link to studies report
In a study involving pre-, peri-, and postmenopausal women, results showed that all health indicators worsen drastically for peri- and postmenopausal women—higher blood pressure, reduced insulin sensitivity, higher cholesterol, increased risk of inflammation (which, if chronic, can lead to multiple chronic diseases and cancer), and higher visceral fat, among others. For men of the same age group, the indicators also worsened but at a slower and steadier pace.