As menopause significantly alters various aspects of a woman’s life, addressing its symptoms requires a comprehensive approach. The 34 recognized symptoms of menopause illustrate the complexity of this life stage, suggesting that solutions should be equally multifaceted. Experts recommend a team approach that includes not only an OB-GYN but also professionals like nutritionists, trainers, and even dentists.
A recent white paper, published for World Menopause Day by the International Menopause Society, titled “The Role of Lifestyle Medicine in Menopausal Health: A Review of Non-Pharmacologic Interventions,” argues that lifestyle changes are as crucial for symptom relief and overall wellbeing as pharmacological treatments. This paper highlights six key areas of lifestyle medicine that contribute to effective menopause care: physical activity, restorative sleep, mental wellbeing, healthy relationships, healthy eating, and avoidance of risky substances.
The Foundation of Menopause Care
The paper underscores that improvements in these lifestyle areas can help prevent chronic conditions such as osteoporosis and heart disease, while also managing common menopause symptoms like mood swings, sleep disturbances, brain fog, and hot flashes. Dr. Rosella Nappi, an OB-GYN, endocrinologist, sexologist, and president of the International Menopause Society, emphasized the importance of lifestyle medicine as the foundation of menopause care for 2025.
“The International Menopause Society emphasizes that lifestyle medicine is the foundation of menopause care for 2025, underscoring research that shows changes in eating habits, physical activity, sleep, mental wellbeing, relationships, and risk avoidance greatly improve menopause symptoms and promote long-term health,” Dr. Rosella Nappi told Flow Space.
The paper advocates for personalized, holistic management for every woman, highlighting that habit changes within each pillar are broadly accessible and beneficial in the long term. It argues that all women, regardless of economic status, age, or symptoms, can benefit from lifestyle improvements such as increasing physical activity, fostering supportive relationships, ensuring quality sleep, and adopting healthy eating patterns like the Mediterranean diet.
Integrating Lifestyle and Pharmacological Interventions
Importantly, the paper does not dismiss the role of medications. Instead, it positions lifestyle changes and medications as complementary partners in holistic care. Dr. Nappi clarified that the best outcomes are achieved when hormone therapies are combined with lifestyle modifications.
“The society does not position lifestyle interventions as alternatives to medication; they complement and work alongside pharmacologic treatments to optimize women’s health,” Nappi added.
Dr. Stacy Silverman Fine, a board-certified OB-GYN and menopause expert at Maven Clinic, echoed these sentiments. She stressed the importance of prioritizing the outlined habits, particularly for midlife women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.
“Lifestyle interventions are the first step in managing symptoms in midlife,” Silverman Fine told Flow Space. “We need to remember that healthy eating, exercise, mental well-being, avoidance of risky substances, restorative sleep, and healthy relationships are extremely important throughout a woman’s life, and even more so as they age.”
Long-Term Benefits and Accessibility
The emphasis on lifestyle changes is not only about immediate relief but also about long-term health benefits. Dr. Silverman Fine noted that focusing on these areas becomes increasingly important as women age, advocating for a holistic approach to menopause care.
The white paper calls for healthcare providers to acknowledge that lifestyle interventions are science-based and to support their integration into menopause care regimens. This approach ensures that women receive comprehensive care that addresses both immediate symptoms and long-term health outcomes.
As the conversation around menopause continues to evolve, the integration of lifestyle medicine into traditional care models represents a significant shift towards more personalized and holistic healthcare for women. This development is poised to empower women with the tools and knowledge to manage menopause effectively, ensuring improved quality of life during this transformative stage.
