Menopause is still too often misunderstood, even though it affects a very large number of women. In France, it is estimated that approximately 14 million women have gone through menopause and that 400,000 to 500,000 women enter this stage of life each year.
To worldwide, the issue is gaining increasing prominence. According to the WHO, from here 2030, more than 1.2 billion women will 50 years of age or older. Several scientific publications also point out that in 2025, the number of menopausal or postmenopausal women worldwide is expected to exceed 1 billion.
- What are the most common symptoms of menopause?
- Why does menopause cause fatigue?
- What causes hot flashes?
- Why does sleep become disrupted during menopause?
-
What natural remedies are available to relieve these symptoms?
- FAQ
1. What are the most common symptoms of menopause?
Menopause is characterized by the permanent cessation of menstruation, usually around age 51. But hormonal changes begin well before that, starting in perimenopause, between the ages of 35 and 50.
The 10 Most Common Symptoms
Recent studies have identified up to 34 different symptoms. Here are the most commonly reported ones:
- Hot flashes (up to 10 to 15 episodes per day)
- Night sweats
- Sleep Disorders and Insomnia
- Persistent fatigue
- Weight gain
- Mood disorders (irritability, anxiety)
- Joint pain
- Vaginal dryness
- Heart palpitations
- Difficulty concentrating
These symptoms vary from woman to woman. Some experience several of them, while others get through this period with little discomfort.
In France, the Ministry of Health indicates that 87% of women aged 50 to 65 are affected by at least one symptom of menopause, in addition to the cessation of menstruation.
1.2 Why do these symptoms occur?
A decline in estrogen and progesterone disrupts the body's natural balance. These hormones regulate body temperature, mood, sleep, and many other bodily functions. When their production drops, the body must adapt, which causes these symptoms.
2. Why does menopause cause fatigue?
The fatigue during menopause is one of the most common complaints, but also one of the most underestimated. It is not caused by a single factor. It often results from a combination of several factors: hormonal fluctuations, fragmented sleep, nighttime hot flashes, mood swings, stress, and sometimes other related conditions.
The causes of this fatigue
Several factors come into play:
- The drop in hormone levels slows down the metabolism and reduces available energy
- Nighttime hot flashes disrupt sleep
- The stress and anxiety associated with this period take a toll on one's mental resources
- A possible iron or vitamin deficiency worsens the condition
How can you tell the difference between normal fatigue and exhaustion?
If fatigue persists despite getting enough rest, if it prevents you from carrying out daily activities, or if it is accompanied by significant mood disturbances, it is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional to rule out other causes.
3. What causes hot flashes?
These symptoms affect up to 80% in women during the menopausal transition. Their duration is often underestimated: data from the SWAN follow-up study show that frequent vasomotor symptoms can last more than 7 years in more than half of women.
The physiological mechanism
The hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature, becomes hypersensitive to hormonal fluctuations. A slight rise in core body temperature triggers an excessive response: dilation of blood vessels, flushing, a sensation of intense heat, and then sweating to cool the body.
When do they occur?
They can occur during the day, at work, during a meeting, on public transportation, or at night. When they occur at night in the form of night sweats... they significantly increase the risk of disrupted sleep and fatigue the next day.
4. Why does sleep become disrupted during menopause?
Sleep disorders are extremely common during perimenopause and menopause. Recent scientific reviews indicate that the prevalence of sleep disorders ranges from approximately 16% to 47% during perimenopause and from 35% to 60% after menopause.
Sleep is disrupted for several reasons. Night sweats interrupt sleep cycles. Hormonal changes can make it harder to fall asleep. Mood swings, anxiety, and even an increased risk of sleep apnea after menopause can also play a role.
The causes of insomnia
Three main factors:
- Night sweats disrupt sleep cycles
- A drop in progesterone, a hormone that promotes relaxation, makes it harder to fall asleep
- Anxiety and rumination tend to increase during this stage of life
Some studies also report that approximately 26% of women experience sleep symptoms severe enough to have a significant impact on their daily lives and qualify as true insomnia.
5. What natural remedies are available to relieve these symptoms?
Not all women need hormone therapy. And not all women are able to or willing to take it.
In France, the use of hormone therapy for menopause is currently relatively limited: recent data show that in2023, approximately 0.5 million people were using systemic hormone therapy in France, while the use of local vaginal treatments was higher.
A large meta-analysis published in The Lancet showed a higher excess risk withestrogen-progestin combinations, especially when use continues beyond 5 years.
Among the most commonly recommended non-pharmacological approaches are:
- regular physical activity,
- a balanced diet,
- reducing alcohol and tobacco use,
- stress management,
- and good sleep habits.
For the hot flashes In particular, international guidelines recognize several non-hormonal options depending on the situation: behavioral approaches, therapies targeting vasomotor symptoms, and certain prescription non-hormonal treatments.
Some women are also looking for physical and non-pharmacological solutions to quickly relieve a hot flash, particularly through the application of cold to the affected area. In this context, portable cryotherapy devices such as Hera are designed to provide immediate relief without the use of hormones.
Discover Héra, the natural solution for hot flashes
Héra is a portable cryotherapy device developed by Athana. It relieves hot flashes in less than 10 seconds by applying controlled cold to the skin. Hormone-free, medication-free, discreet, and rechargeable, it accompanies women everywhere, day and night.
By placing the device on heat-sensitive areas of the bodysuch as the back of the neck, face, and neck, the 5°C cold wave generated by the device will stop hot flashes instantly.
Good to know:
- 96% of users are satisfied.
- Over 6,000 customers use Héra every day.
- +20 innovation awards won
- 30-day free trial
FAQ
At what age does menopause begin?
In France, the average age of menopause is 51. The perimenopausal transition often begins around age 45, and sometimes earlier.
How long do hot flashes last?
According to longitudinal data from the SWAN study, common vasomotor symptoms can last for more than 7 years in many women.
Do all women experience hot flashes?
No, but they are very common. Studies show that they affect up to 80% of women during the menopausal transition.
Why do we sleep less well during menopause?
Because night sweats, frequent awakenings, hormonal fluctuations, and sometimes anxiety or sleep apnea disrupt sleep cycles.
Is hormone therapy the only option?
No. HRT is the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms in eligible women, but it is not the only option. There are also non-hormonal alternatives and lifestyle changes.
Join the Athana community!
To learn more, read inspiring testimonials, or ask questions:
Follow us on social media:
- Instagram: @athana.off
- TikTok: @athana.off
- Facebook: Athana
- LinkedIn: Athana
30-day money-back guarantee.
Have a question? Email us at info@athana.shop
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being posted.
This site is protected by hCaptcha, and hCaptcha’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.