The menopause period is characterized by numerous transformations in the woman’s body, which can lead to a loss of self-esteem.
Menopause is inevitable in the life of women who have gone through the reproductive stage and are now finishing their menstrual cycle. Period brings about a number of physiological and emotional changes, which can affect self-esteem. Mainly because this is a transitional period and the aging of women is still taboo.
Because they are no longer reproductive, many women feel less needed and loved. Who explains is the psychoanalyst Márcia Cunha, founder of Plenapausa, femtech that offers information, solutions and hospitality for women in menopause.
“To found Plenapausa we spoke to hundreds of women, and it was even a shock to hear some sensations, they were very suggestive phrases, such as: ‘I feel thrown into the ditch’, ‘My husband will change me’ “, she says.
The brand surveyed nearly 2,900 menopausal women through the end of May this year and found that 89 percent of them feel more tired or have low energy, and 82 percent feel depressed and/or anxious.
How to maintain self-esteem during menopause
Specialists in the fields of nutrition, psychology and dermatology give advice to face this period in a lighter and safer way. Watch:
have self-knowledge
Self-knowledge is the first step towards self-love. Understanding the moment of life you’re facing, what changes are happening in your body, is essential. “There is no way to look for a solution without having the information first. For this it is necessary to know each other, understand what are the changes that one’s body and mind are undergoing, to take care of oneself in the best way, inside and out,” says the psychoanalyst.
Practice physical exercises
According to Plenapause data, about 30% of menopausal women do not practice any type of physical activity. This has a direct impact on self-esteem. According to the gynecologist Dr. Natacha Machado, due to the series of changes caused by the menopause and due to the imbalance in the production of hormones, the functioning of the organism is slower, including the metabolism. Thus, from the climacteric, calorie expenditure decreases and weight gain and fat gain, mainly abdominal, occur.
“In addition to the risks to cardiovascular health, women’s self-esteem is compromised at this stage. To counter this, it is important to adopt a daily physical activity routine, which includes strength exercises. Weight training, for example , becomes a “medicine” for those in menopause because, in addition to promoting calorie consumption and weight maintenance, it also ensures muscle tone and bone strengthening, essential for independence and quality of life».
improve food
Having a healthy diet can help in many aspects of life, and at this stage, it’s no different. In addition to the well-known benefits of maintaining a balanced diet, according to Plenapause evaluations, 79% of the women evaluated suffer from a loss of libido.
Agree with the doctor. Pedro Andrade, one of the pioneers of precision medicine in Brazil, there are some foods that can help in this scenario in a more natural way. “A very important tip is to increase the consumption of good fats such as avocados, almonds, walnuts and all oilseeds, and minerals such as zinc, which are directly linked to the synthesis of hormones such as testosterone,” he points out.
skin care
A good option to find yourself and promote well-being, stay healthy and consequently increase self-esteem is skin care. “Skincare is a time to connect with yourself on a deeper level. In this phase of menopause, where a woman goes through many physical and psychological changes, it is important for her to look at herself, recognize herself in this new phase and admire the changes that maturity brings, in addition to promoting healthy aging and beautiful skin”, explains the specialist in the field of dermatology and aesthetic medicine, Mariana Veloso.
Have a support network
According to psychoanalyst Márcia Cunha, one of the problems most reported by women during menopause is loneliness. “Because it’s taboo, women don’t talk about it at home and, often, not even with friends. This generates a sense of loneliness, as if she were the only one experiencing that moment,” she says.
For the specialist, talking about the topic with people who are going through the same journey can help them feel better. “When a woman understands that she is not alone and that menopause is a natural stage in life, she feels more welcomed and self-confident, this is directly reflected in her self-esteem,” she concludes.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
