People at risk

People at risk of having more severe symptoms:

• Western women.

Risk factors

Factors that may influence the intensity of the manifestations of menopause

• Cultural factors. The intensity of symptoms depends a lot on the conditions under which menopause occurs. In North America, for example, nearly 80% of women experience symptoms at the onset of menopause, mostly hot flashes. In Asia, it is barely 20%.

  These differences are explained by the following 2 factors, characteristic of Asia:

  – an abundant consumption of soy products (soy), a food that has a high content of phytoestrogens;

  – a change of status leading to an enhancement of the role of the elder woman for her experience and her wisdom.

  Genetic factors do not seem to be involved, as studies on immigrant populations have pointed out.

• Psychological factors. Menopause occurs at a time of life that often brings other changes: the departure of children, early retirement, etc. In addition, the end of the possibility of giving birth (even if most women have given it up at this age) constitutes a psychological factor which confronts women with aging, and therefore with death.

  The state of mind in front of these changes influences the intensity of the symptoms.

• Other factors. Lack of exercise, sedentary lifestyle and poor diet.

Notes. The age at which menopause occurs is partly hereditary.