Despite symptoms, menopausal women feel younger than they actually are

A surprising 43% of menopausal and post-menopausal women feel younger than they actually are, according to new research.The survey of 1,000 menopausal women and 1,000 post-menopausal women found that in spite of the aches, pains and emotional side effects of menopause, many are feeling more youthful than expected — and a lot of it has to do with a positive mindset and approach to life, according to the study.Conducted by Talker Research and commissioned by Solaray, the study uncovered some of the most unexpected menopausal symptoms, how this stage has influenced women’s lives, relationships and self-image and how they’ve used it as an opportunity for getting in touch with their bodies. According to the study, the most unexpected menopausal symptoms for the women polled were hot flashes (40%), night sweats (34%), weight gain (28%), mood swings (23%), insomnia (21%) and joint and muscle aches (20%).Along with physical symptoms, the study also revealed that menopause is a multidimensional challenge for women, impacting their relationships, work and self-perception.Most respondents (55%) confessed that menopause symptoms have negatively impacted their romantic relationships, 38% said symptoms have caused them to struggle at work and the majority (66%) said menopause symptoms have harmed their sense of self and self-image.Adding to these struggles with self-image, most (72%) feel that aging is portrayed differently for men and women in media and pop culture and 68% said women are seen as “older” sooner than men as they age. “We commissioned this study to highlight how difficult and multifaceted menopause can be for women,” said Max Willis, chief innovation and science officer at Solaray.“However, the research found that while menopause poses a significant challenge for women, it’s not stopping them from living life to the fullest.

It’s heartwarming and inspirational to see menopausal and post-menopausal women tackling this life stage head-on, agin...