A lesser known role of physical activity as we approach menopause

The effect of sports on women has not been studied enough. A medical journal warns the scientific community about the lack of research on this topic, especially around the age of menopause. Details from Geraldine Zamansky.

A major medical journal opens its pages to a “review” of the very few studies devoted to physical activity in women. Geraldine Zamansky, a journalist for Health magazine on France 5, returns today to a study that questions this lack of research, especially with regard to menopause.

franceinfo: Is this lack of research particularly evident for women approaching or going through menopause?

Yes, the authors of this warning have already shown that less than 10% of research devoted to sports and physical activity is of interest only to women. And the study included only 9% of participants over the age of 50. While they represent almost half of the entire French female population, for example… The four British and American signatories to this editorial British Journal of Sports MedicineSo call upon the scientific community to come together urgently.

I guess it’s not just a question of statistical equality?

You are right, this is an urgent question because it is crucial for the health of women facing menopause. Dr. Gynecologist specializing in their care. Brigitte Latomb explained to me how physical activity can reduce negative affect. This is because the production of estrogen decreases with the cessation of ovarian function.

And besides fertility, these hormones also act on bones, skin, brain, heart… it’s impossible to mention everything. The main risks are weakening of the bones, osteoporosis, heart problems, muscle wasting, joint pain, disturbed sleep or even depressive disorders.

And physical activity can fight against these many dangers?

Totally. For example, walking is beneficial for bones, as the impact with the ground stimulates their regeneration. But also for the heart, especially if the pace is sustained. Of course muscles, and joints. Like all physical activity without forgetting its effectiveness against depression. In fact, Dr. The key, Latombe insists, is to find what makes you happy. And to begin with at least the first interruption. We are talking about peri-menopause.

The trouble is that it often leads to real exhaustion. You should resist the call to the couch and not hesitate to consult an expert to get better through this hormonal revolution. One in three women may need “compensatory” treatment. But today less than one in ten of them benefit from it. So the warning can be extended beyond sports science, we need to manage menopause better.

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