Between menstruation and menopause, women's health is anything but monotonous!

Being a woman is wonderful. Generally, we are born with the great privilege of one day creating and giving life to the being who will be dearest to us among all. Since any privilege does not come for free, our bodies work very hard day after day in order to prepare for a possible pregnancy.

All these tasks performed by the female body have a significant impact on a woman's health, as well as her well-being . Rather than simply going through the tide of change, it is possible for you to take matters into your own hands and make sure you understand your body and provide it with valuable support.

It's never too early or too late to start!

No matter your age, it's possible to have a positive impact on your health if you choose. The results of healthy lifestyle habits , even when undertaken later in your life, will be beneficial , guaranteed.

Of course, the earlier you start, the better, we won't hide it! If you are the mother of a young girl or if you serve as a role model for young girls, teach prevention . Explain how a healthy lifestyle promotes health and balance . Remember how you felt at 10 years old, 15 years old... and live your lives together as fulfilled women .

The menstrual cycle, in brief

If you are 35 years old, you have had your period approximately 275 times. Almost 400 times if you are 45 years old. But do you understand what happens to your body during menstruation ? And do you know how hard your body works during a menstrual cycle ?

Every month, your body prepares for a possible pregnancy, starting at puberty . The so-called female hormones, estrogen and progesterone , influence not only the reproductive organs , but also body temperature, emotions, energy, sleep... with notable fluctuations throughout the month.

The menstrual cycle begins on day 1 of menstruation . This is when the endometrium detaches from the uterus. At this time, estrogen and progesterone are at a rather low level and relatively stable throughout the period.

Once menstruation is over, the lining of the uterus rebuilds its nest to prepare for a possible pregnancy. Progesterone remains low and stable, but estrogen gradually rises.

Then comes ovulation , around the 14th day of the cycle. The released egg is ready to be fertilized. Estrogen is at its highest level this month. Body temperature begins to rise and will remain higher until the end of the cycle.

A little before day 21, estrogen goes down and progesterone goes up. By day 21, both hormones are elevated. The result of these intense and rapid hormonal variations causes a symphony of emotional and physiological manifestations . It's called PMS .

If fertilization has not occurred, the level of progesterone, whose role was to preserve the fertilized egg, drops again. This is the announcement of the imminent start of menstruation.

Then comes menopause

Menopause is this inevitable stage that is unfortunately too often feared by women. Not only does it mark aging, it also has a very bad reputation. Although menopause is certainly not an illness, it comes with its share of symptoms that can be reduced or even avoided with healthy lifestyle habits.

When does menopause occur?

Technically, a woman reaches menopause when she has not had a period for about a year and can no longer conceive. The body begins menopause by secreting fewer and fewer hormones. This journey can last several years.

In perimenopause , when menopause approaches, estrogen and progesterone levels begin to decrease and cause various manifestations, including the famous heat . Menstruation changes and is sometimes unpredictable. The cycle can be more or less long and the bleeding more or less heavy. This is all very vague, but every woman is very different!

Stress and mood swings can also be warning signs of menopause. Remember that hormonal fluctuations cause big emotional waves. The same goes for menopause.

When the mark of a full year without menstruation is made, the woman reaches postmenopause . The transition is complete, but you and your body must adjust to a new rhythm that will not be influenced by estrogen and progesterone .

Weight gain

Menopause alone is not responsible for weight gain . Aging is also to blame. The hormonal fluctuations of menopause, combined with less desire to move, could cause a few pounds to accumulate over time.

Bone mass

Osteoporosis often threatens postmenopausal women. For what ? In fact, several factors contribute to the deterioration of bone mass in women , including diet, lack of exercise, smoking.

Low estrogen levels are also a major trigger. While this is inevitable, it is possible to act as prevention through a healthy lifestyle .

Healthy lifestyle habits

No matter your age, from puberty your body is never stagnant. Maintaining your balance in the heart of the waves is difficult, but so beneficial . With healthy lifestyle habits, you help limit overly intense menstrual events, you contribute to a gentler menopause, you support your immune system and you greatly promote your daily energy .

Food

A healthy and varied diet will allow you to adequately nourish your body and provide it with a host of nutrients essential to its balance . Hormonal system, immune system, muscle and bone mass, energy, maintaining optimal weight... all aspects of your health will benefit from it.

Diet can also greatly help you maintain adequate iron levels . Menstruation causes blood loss, and therefore iron loss. Foods rich in iron include meat, eggs and leafy green vegetables, among others.

Physical exercise

Staying active throughout your life will allow you to maintain good muscle mass, as well as good bone mass . Once you reach menopause, you are likely to be less affected by the drop in energy and you prevent osteoporosis and weight gain.

Additionally, exercise is a great way to manage stress and emotions . Beware of hormonal fluctuations, they tend to affect your physical performance, both muscular and cardiovascular. Listen to your body!

Health supplements

Several natural products can prove to be of great help in the event of difficult periods or intense symptoms during menopause. Some promote stress management, others hormonal balance or sleep.

Vitamin and mineral supplements specifically formulated for women could also be very beneficial by promoting the complete nutrition of your body, without forgetting iron levels and bone health.

Contribute to your health

Prevention always requires a little extra effort, but it undoubtedly brings positive effects. By favoring healthy lifestyle habits, listening to you and understanding your needs, you contribute to your long-term health, but also to your daily well-being.