The menopause is a natural process that occurs gradually in the life of a woman around the age of 50 years. This transition is marked by the cessation of menstruation and changes occurring among some, even before the end of menstruation.

Hot flashes
At menopause, many women experience hot flashes. They feel a sensation of intense heat that is sometimes accompanied by redness or sweating often followed by cold sweats. This phenomenon is caused by decreased levels of estrogen, which disrupts the “thermostat” of the body. Some women experience these gusts of 15 to 20 times per day, which can be very uncomfortable.
In the United States, 70% to 80% of postmenopausal women report having hot flashes, against only 10% to 14% of them in Japan. According to some, the diet rich in phytoestrogens Asians explain this difference. Phytoestrogens are compounds of plant origin which, when consumed in sufficient quantities, can affect the body similarly to estrogen, a sex hormone produced by the ovaries. Phytoestrogens are found in soy and its derivatives, such as tofu and soy beverages.


Unfortunately, the research could not prove with certainty the effectiveness of phytoestrogens in the treatment of hot flashes. Some studies report a decrease in symptoms by 15% by taking phytoestrogens, which equals about two hot flashes per day less among women who feel 12 every day.
To help alleviate hot flashes, here are some suggestions:

  • Maintain a healthy weight. It seems that women with excess weight have more hot flashes than those with healthy weights.
  • Put aside the alcohol, the caffeine, the cigarette and food very spicy. They can increase the intensity of hot flashes.
  • Replace your hot drinks for cold drinks to lower your body temperature.


  • Relax! The stress can give you cold sweats …
  • Reduce the temperature of your home or your office in winter. In summer, get yourself an air conditioner.

Silhouette silhouette pear apple
At the time of menopause, it is normal to see her body transform. When women cross the menopause, they take an average of 0.5 kilograms (1 lb) per year, up from 2 kg to 4 kg (4.5 lb 9 lb) in total. Again, this transformation of the body is caused by the collapse of the amount of estrogen circulating in the body.
Before menopause, most women accumulate body fat around the hips (figure pear-shaped). However, once menopause past, because of hormonal changes, fat accumulates in the abdomen (figure apple-shaped), as is the case for men.
This transformation of the body can cause health risks. Indeed, it combines the accumulated fat in the abdomen with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It is therefore essential to minimize the effects of menopause on health by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced and making more of exercise.

Heart health at menopause
The female sex hormones give women protection against heart disease. However, this advantage disappears at menopause. The amount of estrogen (female sex hormones) fall, causing increased levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides in the blood and lowering good cholesterol (HDL) blood. These changes may gradually lead to the formation of plaques in the arteries that supply the heart with blood. When plaque clogs the arteries, it can lead to a heart attack or stroke (stroke).
Fortunately, your diet can help prevent cardiovascular disease. Just make the right choice … More your diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains, plus it is low in red meat, sausages, in sweets, fried food and refined grains, and the risk of cardiovascular disease are low.
And what about the soy? Even today, the benefits of phytoestrogens for healthy heart remains a controversial subject. Recently, after a review of studies on the nutrition committee of the American Heart Association concluded that, overall, more soy products may be beneficial for heart health and overall health, because nutritional qualities of the latter (fibers, types of fat, etc..). However, the Committee of Experts stressed that high intakes of soy protein (50 g) had little effect on rates of cholesterol blood (good and bad) and triglycerides and on blood pressure.