Why menopause has become more complex in modern times
Menopause, a natural phase in a woman’s life, has been a timeless biological event marking the end of her reproductive years. However, the 21st century has witnessed a shift in social and environmental factors that have rendered menopause more complex than ever before. As women’s roles, lifestyles, and longevity have evolved, so too have the challenges and opportunities associated with this transformative life stage. In this article, we delve into the reasons why menopause has become more intricate in the modern era and explore the implications for women’s health and well-being.
Extended Lifespans
Today people live longer than 200 years ago. Our healthcare and overall living conditions are better nowadays, so we can enjoy our life longer. But as women now live longer, they spend more years post-menopausal. This prolonged transition introduces new health considerations, including potential long-term effects of hormone fluctuations and the need for tailored menopausal healthcare strategies.
“Menopause is a rare phenomenon in the animal world. Most animals do not live after they can not reproduce anymore. Just humans and some whales experience proper menopause. Why? Scientists call that the “grandmother effect.” Wise grandmothers were so important to the grandchildren’s survival (while the mothers were always busy) that evolution decided to extend their lives.”
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors, such as exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, have grown in the 21st century. These chemicals, found in plastics, pesticides, and personal care products, can mimic or interfere with hormonal processes, influencing normal regulation. Our body is an amazingly balanced system. Hormones regulate all processes in the body. But chemicals can disrupt this delicate endocrine dance. Hormone disruptors are not easy to avoid, they are everywhere – cosmetics, toys, food packaging, medical devices, households, and plastics. Scientists alert that they are dangerous even in small amounts and can lead to premature menopause and menopausal complications.
Even if it’s not easy to avoid all hormone disruptors, you can follow these steps to reduce their impact:
- Reduce your plastic use. Plastic can contain the most dangerous disruptors – bisphenol-A, commonly called BPA, and flexible vinyl. So if you see plastic marked with recycling codes 3 (polyvinyl chloride or PVC) and 7 (BPA and others), never use it for food. Better choose glass, stainless steel, or ceramic containers for food storage and drinking.
- Use natural personal care products: look for products labelled as “paraben-free,” “phthalate-free,” and “fragrance-free.” Just think, the fragrance isn’t necessary for a product to function well or be effective, but it is a mix of hundreds of ingredients that are trade secrets, so we do not know how dangerous they are.
- Use HEPA filters or do a wet cleaning often. Dust particles are perfect sponges for chemicals emitted by electronic devices, furniture, etc.
- Choose natural fabrics. We all like dressing up. But some synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, can release hormone disruptors when washed. Opt for natural fibre clothing like cotton, wool, and silk.
But there are also some other factors that contribute to menopause.
Sedentary lifestyles and obesity
The modern sedentary lifestyle and rising obesity rates can exacerbate menopausal challenges. Obesity has been linked to a higher likelihood of experiencing severe menopause symptoms, increased cardiovascular risks, and decreased bone health, necessitating a focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle during this phase. When transiting to menopause, the risk of obesity increases dramatically, even if you never had excess weight before. So in that life period, healthy nutrition and activity hold the key to a healthy life. This is not a reason to deny yourself your favourite candy occasionally, but saving time on “more important things” by eating snacks is probably not worth it. Take your time to do some self-care!
Stress and mental health
The fast-paced nature of contemporary life can subject women to increased stress and mental health challenges. These factors can intensify menopause symptoms, impacting mood swings, sleep disturbances, and overall well-being.
So, as we see, menopause has undergone a transformation in the 21st century, presenting women with a more intricate landscape to navigate. So what can you do? Collaborate with healthcare professionals! They can provide accurate information and personalized healthcare. Make lifestyle adjustments, and maintain a positive outlook on this empowering journey through menopause. And last, but not the least, look for a supportive environment, that can help you to embrace this transformative phase and thrive in the dynamic landscape of the modern world.
