Menopause is a natural transition. Symptoms aren't always complaints, and women who prioritize self-care often enter and exit this phase in robust health. As renowned gynecologist Eylard van Hall put it, "Women are healthier than you think."
When Professor Eylard van Hall retired from Leiden University in the late 1990s, his book Women Are Healthier Than You Think was published. Though written decades ago, its chapter debunking the 'hormonal mythology of menopause' remains relevant today. Menopause is a straightforward biological process. Women know their bodies best—whether they're experiencing symptoms or true complaints—and should speak up if needed, potentially seeking medical support.
For years, doctors overlooked menopausal symptoms, viewing them as inevitable. But no woman escapes menopause, and real complaints don't have to be endured. Effective remedies exist, from hormone patches and pills to comprehensive hormone therapy. A healthy lifestyle also plays a key role in easing symptoms.
First, distinguish symptoms from complaints: the latter disrupt daily life, like causing sick days due to severe fatigue or other issues that diminish quality of life. When solutions are available, women deserve clear information and access to them.
That said, many 'complaints' are normal and manageable. Weight gain, for instance, is common and frustrating but often addressable. Focus on more vegetables, fewer carbs, smaller portions spread throughout the day for balanced vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Self-care, nutritious eating, and increased exercise help prevent or minimize excess weight.
For women with heart concerns, the stakes are higher. Estrogen helps keep artery walls clear; its decline during menopause raises risks of plaque buildup. Combined with abdominal fat, elevated cholesterol, and blood pressure, this heightens cardiovascular disease odds.
Once seen as men's diseases, cardiovascular issues now impact women significantly. Research shows middle-aged women have fewer blockages in large coronary arteries but more in smaller ones—especially post-menopause. Hormone therapy isn't a universal fix. Instead, prioritize exercise, weight management, no smoking, and heart-healthy eating to lower risks.
Menopausal symptoms merit attention without overpathologizing. A healthy lifestyle often means smooth sailing through menopause, as van Hall advocated. Women should discuss genuine complaints openly, embrace lifestyle strategies, and access treatments if needed—while minimizing serious risks like heart disease.
Read also: What every woman should know about menopause (before going through it)
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