Neglected, hidden and therefore even denied, menopause. While girls talk less shyly about their menstrual cycle, their moms overlook the many annoyances related to what is said to be 'middle age', unwittingly helping to make it pass as a difficult period like any other.
Menopause is a natural phenomenon, it comes for everyone but it gives signs of discomfort that are often not told, leaving room for preconceptions and taboos that lead women to endure many ailments that are correlated with the drop in hormones in order not to address the issue. And it all happens while you are still in the middle of your professional life, juggling work pressures and family needs with the stress skyrocketing.
Ten million Italians are in menopause, including over 16,000 women between 45 and 55 in 'peri-menopause', the beginning of the process, according to Censis data. Only 13% of the total does not have any discomfort, the rest fights with hot flashes, sweats, insomnia, weight gain, pressure changes. Also decreased sexual desire, vaginal dryness, depression. But is it really all so inescapable and frustrating?
They undermine the numerous commonplaces on the subject and aim at 'flaunting' symptoms, difficulties because one must not be afraid to tell them (to find new solutions)
real movements of opinion that arise in various Western countries
. The 'secret' of menopause is revealed by
talking about it
and, with it, it becomes more familiar and serene to deal with, thanks also to the support of the community. Debates, chats, forums once unthinkable, dishing out advice even with a hint of irony.
Instagram is the realm of the new menopause
, shown, more cheerful and ironic with experts and influencers
who talk about it freely
. And many stars, from Gwyneth Paltrow to Monica Bellucci have talked about it.
The Guardian
attests the turning point by
reporting the production of the documentary '
Davina McCall: sex, myths and the menopause
' (for Channel 4) dedicated to disinformation on menopause. Also published this year the book 'Peri menopause power: Navigating your hormones on the journey to menopause' by Maisie Hill, an empowering manual to guide women to live all stages of menopause as a more positive experience.
Does
'menopause power' grow and crumble so many taboos
, in the same way that the
stigma related to the menstrual cycle
is being dismantled
?
"Let's make menopause a rebirth, - says Jackie Lynch, English nutritionist and author of a very popular podcast
'The happy menopause'
, director of a Notthing Hill clinic with the catchy name 'Well, Well, Well' and renowned signature of several British newspapers. The expert is the author of the new book
'Happy Menopause. Alimentation & lifestyle '
(just translated into Italian by Watkins Media Limited and published by Odoya), a manual full of practical solutions to
face middle age as a period of rebirth
.
Lynch explains: "Menopause is a period of fundamental importance in a woman's life, because it is a phase of great transformations as well as
a profoundly liberating moment from various points of view.
. In fact, the hormones that have guided your decisions, your attitude and your emotions since puberty are finally starting to take a back seat, and you have the opportunity to discover a new perspective, becoming
more aware
of yourself and discovering confidence. and the mental space you need to focus on your choices ".
To
turn middle age into a liberating period
several factors: "No more menstruation, so no more kits that just take up space in your bag and bathroom cabinet, and above all no worry that an irregular cycle could compromise a vacation, a big event or an important work commitment, - Lynch states. " But not only. There will no longer be the fear of an unexpected pregnancy, you will rediscover the pleasures of improvised sex and you will have a greater feeling of balance because your mood and your emotions will no longer be governed by hormonal changes ".
How to be reborn? Fighting hormonal and psychological stress, with a
lifestyle tailored to menopause
, explains Lynch who proposes food solutions, menus included, and methods including small tricks to be less under pressure. Some examples:
- Walking outdoors for at least twenty minutes every day, perhaps in a park, can help reduce cortisol levels.
- Breathe! Closing your eyes and taking ten slow, deep breaths slows the heart rate and relieves stress. to be done at least four times a day.
- Allow yourself some free time, seriously planning moments when you take it hard on yourself.
- Don't overdo your commitments. Manage the agenda without crowding it.
- Avoid working on weekends, or at least compensate for it with midweek days off. If possible, plan regular holidays or days off with no commitments.
- Treat yourself to moments of relaxation at least three times a week. A massage, playing a musical instrument or singing, doing crafts, walking, reading, listening to music or simply taking a long hot bath.
- Disconnect your brain from social media and disable email notifications on your phone, tablet and computer. Choose when to connect. Those who really need will call.
- Schedule physical activity at least three times a week, to modulate cortisol levels.
- Talk about symptoms with family and friends; they will be much more supportive and understanding if they know what is going on.
- Attend a yoga class regularly, because stretching and breathing exercises increase relaxation and relieve stress.
- Don't be afraid to seek help. Speak to your doctor if any symptoms are of concern and with whom if you need further support in the workplace. Confiding with your partner, family member or best friend. Others will not be able to help unless they are aware of the difficulties.
- Have a good laugh! Spending time with laughing friends will quickly and effectively lower cortisol levels and stress will drop for sure.