MENOPAUSE STORIES – Throughout the month of October, Aufeminin highlights testimonies from menopausal women facing little-known or unexpected symptoms (other than the famous hot flashes). Our expert Sophie Kune, specialist in menopause coaching and creator of the Instagram account @menopause.stories, answers them!
The menopause remains a sensitive subject in our society, making many women uncomfortable talking about it freely. The lack of support and dialogue around this natural phase of female life accentuates the isolation of those who experience it. What’s more, many symptomsbeyond the famous hot flashes, remain largely unknown to the general public (yet they are common and totally normal!). Enough to further feed the doubts and the preconceived ideas around menopause. These signs, often ignored or passed over in silence, nevertheless deserve greater visibility, in particular so that women can approach this period with more serenity.
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On the occasion of the World Menopause DayOctober 18, Aufeminin devotes itself every week of the month to a testimony on this still secondary public health subject. Several readers, all menopausal, shared with us their sometimes unrecognized symptomsas well as their doubts, questions and concerns. To provide them with answers, we called on the expert Sophie Kunefounder of the Instagram account @menopause.stories, author of the book Game Is Not Ovaire (Ed. Marabout) and specialist in menopause coaching.
“I thought eating disorders were a young people’s disease”
After Sandrine and her explosive libido, today it’s Nathalie*’s turn to share with us her experience with menopause. “I was terrified of gaining weight, I didn’t want to gain any more weight. But menopause brought back an eating disorder in me. I thought eating disorders were a young person’s disease. It’s not possible. I already had this when I was young. Why am I facing this again?”
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Like Nathalie, more and more women in midlife report a reappearance of eating disorders during menopause. But how can we explain this phenomenon? “I understand your concern and your distress. Unfortunately, eating disorders can actually reappear at menopause,” assures Sophie Kune. “Hormonal changes, like declining estrogen, can lead to body insecurity and weight obsessioneven if you thought you got over it in your youth,” she says.
“Menopause modifies the distribution of fats”
Menopause, by its nature, profoundly transforms the female body. The drop in estrogen, hormones that regulate fat distribution and mood, can lead to accumulation of fat around the abdomen. “Menopause changes the distribution of fat, sometimes accentuating this feeling of loss of control. Please note, however, that you are not alone: many women experience or relive eating disorders at this time in their livesaccording to studies”, specifies the specialist.
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A study published in 2017 in the BMC Medicine actually revealed that approximately 15% of women in midlife, aged 45 to 60, present symptoms of eating disorders. Figures which prove that this problem is not limited to youth and that it can affect women at any age and stage of their life.
Find a peaceful relationship with your body
For those who find themselves in this situation, it is important not to minimize the symptoms or ignore them. Professional support is an essential key to getting out of this spiral. Sophie Kune strongly recommends surrounding yourself and not hesitating to ask for help. “To find balance, it is essential to surround yourself with the right resources. A doctor, specialist psychologist or support group can really help you through this difficult time“, she advises.
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Beyond medical and psychological help, it is essential to find a peaceful relationship with your body. Gentle practices like yoga, meditation or walking outdoors can help reconnect with yourself and reduce the obsession with weight control. “Every day, take time for yourself, reconnect with your body with gentleness and kindnessand remember that nothing is immutable. Did you overcome your eating disorders when you were young? Your life experience and the support you will find today will provide you with the answers and the anchor you need to tackle this new stage”, recommends Sophie Kune. And above all, don’t forget: be kind to yourself, go at your own pace and listen to yourself!
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* The first name has been changed.
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Rights of women and children, violence, feminism, gender, discrimination, parenthood, education, psychology, health, couple, sexuality, social networks…. Joséphine loves deciphering all the social issues that drive our world…
