Lifestyle
Each of us will navigate our own, individual menopause journeys.
This means that every woman has their own individual need for care – based on “possible bothersome symptoms associated with menopause, risk factors for chronic disease, and intrapersonal and environmental aspects, influencing their quality of life and health” (Anekwe et al, 2025:478).
For menopause to be well and ethically managed, women and their health care providers should work together to customise or tailor strategies that alleviate symptoms and improve health outcomes.
To do this, all options of hormonal or non-hormonal therapies, as well as lifestyle and behavioural approaches (whether alone or in combination) based on individual needs, preferences and access should be considered.
For South African women experiencing perimenopause and menopause, the conversation about hormonal or non-hormonal treatment therapies is very important because for many of women this has long been missing or omitted.
However, while the information here is intended to support women to better understand and advocate for these therapies – we also want to ensure that South African women understand and consider lifestyle (exercise and movement, sleep, limiting alcohol intake) and diet management strategies – if this speaks to their needs and preferences – as important for managing their menopause journey and improving long term health outcomes.
