Celebrating Menopause and So Much More: Embracing Change

Author: ??Paula Limena , VP Global of Marketing, Health and Wellness at ADM

Menopause—once whispered about behind closed doors—has transformed into a celebrated stage of life, thanks to the bravery and openness of women who have shared their personal experiences. As someone who began crafting solutions for menopause at ADM two years ago, this topic is close to my heart. It’s not just about addressing the signs of menopause; it’s about creating a space where women can share their stories without judgment and find empowerment in this life transition.

The Changing Landscape of Menopause

Historically, menopause was a taboo subject, something to endure in silence. But times are changing. Women, particularly from Gen X, have become vocal about their experiences, paving the way for younger generations to approach this stage with confidence and curiosity1. They’ve boldly declared: “I’m dry.” “I’m forgetful.” “I’m so hot!” “I’m sore.” “I feel anxious.” “I’m so exhausted.” “I can’t sleep anymore.” “I feel sad.” “I can’t concentrate.” “My skin is dull and lifeless.”

These honest admissions—and a long list of other changes—have shattered the stigma around menopause. Women are no longer afraid to discuss the realities of aging, and this openness has fostered a more understanding and supportive dialogue about this natural life phase2.

A Global Phenomenon

?In the U.S., 43% of women are currently navigating pre-menopause, menopause, or post-menopause3. By 2025, more than 1 billion women globally will experience signs of menopause as their estrogen levels drop and life begins to shift in new ways4. As conversations about women’s health continue to grow, more women feel empowered to share their journeys.

In the UK, a surge in media coverage and social media discussions has increased the demand for hormone replacement therapy (HRT), leading to product shortages5. In Australia, unions are advocating for menstrual and menopausal leave policies to support women in the workplace6. These initiatives reflect the growing awareness and need for tailored solutions during this important phase.

Embracing the Journey

Raising awareness about menopause helps women make informed choices—from managing hot flashes and sleepless nights to preserving muscle mass and bone density7. The cosmetics, food and beverage, and dietary supplement industries are increasingly catering to mature women who are not fighting menopause but embracing it8. These women are finding ways to live in harmony with this chapter, which can be one of the most fulfilling stages of life.

At ADM, we offer a range of ingredients backed by extensive clinical research that can aid in alleviating discomfort associated with menopause. Our Novasoy? soy isoflavone supplement including genistein, for instance, helps maintain healthy bones following the transition into menopause, brain fog, hot flashes, and skin elasticity9. Personally, I take Novasoy? daily, and it has significantly improved my quality of life. Another standout is BPL1? Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145, which supports metabolic health. It may help support visceral fat when combined with exercise, targeting that stubborn waist circumference that becomes more challenging during menopause as cardiovascular risks increase10. After all, we all just want to live carefree, right?

Additionally, ADM offers Grapeseed extract, rich in polyphenols—nature’s antioxidants, which also support diastolic pressure11. For those of us who enjoy a little indulgence, we’ve created a powerful supplement that combines BPL1?HT, Grapeseed extract, and Fibersol?. This fiber-rich blend not only helps meet daily fiber intake12 but also promotes microbiome diversity as a prebiotic13. Consuming 10g of Fibersol? with a meal may increase GLP1 as a part of a normal physiological response in healthy individuals14.

The Role of Exercise in Menopause Well-being

Daily exercise is essential during menopause, offering far-reaching benefits beyond cardiovascular health. As estrogen levels drop, women face a higher risk of muscle loss and changes in body composition15. Strength training—yes, lifting weights—is crucial for maintaining muscle mass and has a profound impact on balancing BMI16.

With age, maintaining lean muscle becomes more challenging, but weightlifting can counteract this by promoting muscle growth and supporting metabolic health17. This not only helps manage weight but also reduces the risk of osteoporosis18 and improves strength and endurance19.

While cardiovascular exercise is key for heart health, incorporating strength training into your routine can significantly enhance your overall well-being20. The combination of cardio and weightlifting helps manage physical symptoms, reduces hot flashes, boosts mood, improves sleep, and increases energy levels—vital components of living a vibrant life during menopause21.

A Personal Journey: Learning and Growing Through Curiosity

In my personal journey, I’ve also been learning about the impact of reducing sugar intake, particularly in managing glycation and the flood of free radicals that accompany aging. Recently, I connected my Ultrahuman ring to a glucose monitor to better understand my body’s response to different foods, inspired by Jennifer Inchauspé’s "Glucose Revolution." Her insights have taught me valuable tips to flatten my glucose curve and make small but impactful changes22.

Information is power, and I believe that every little bit of knowledge can inspire change. What makes me curious drives me to improve, and that curiosity is my key to staying youthful. In fact, for me, the culture code to staying forever young is curiosity. It's a constant source of inspiration, pushing me to be better each day, to adapt, and to thrive in this new chapter of life23

A New Perspective

As I go through menopause, I’ve come to see forgetfulness as an invitation to focus on fewer tasks and be more present in my life. Maybe this phase of life is a call to pay attention to what really matters. After all, God bless Mother Nature—she’s a woman, too ??.

Menopause is not just about managing the signs of menopause; it’s about embracing a new stage of life with grace, humor, and a sense of adventure. Let’s celebrate menopause and all the wisdom and strength that come with it.

This is our time to shine, to share our stories, and to empower the next generation to approach menopause with openness and confidence. Here’s to the brave women who’ve paved the way—and to those who will follow. Let’s make this journey a celebration of life, growth, and new beginnings.

Footnotes:

1.?????? Gen X women vocal about menopause experiences: Healthline, 2023

2.?????? Shattering the stigma: Menopause Support UK, 2023

3.?????? 43% of U.S. women in menopause stages: CDC, 2022

4.?????? 1 billion women by 2025: World Health Organization, 2023

5.?????? Media coverage and HRT shortages in the UK: BBC News, 2023

6.?????? Menopause leave policies in Australia: The Guardian, 2023

7.?????? Awareness about menopause choices: North American Menopause Society, 2022

8.?????? Industries catering to mature women: Euromonitor, 2022

9.?????? Novasoy’s benefits: ADM Clinical Research, 2022

10.?? BPL1’s effect on visceral fat: ADM Research, 2022

11.?? Grapeseed extract’s benefits: European Food Safety Authority, 2021

12.?? Fibersol’s fiber benefits: FDA, 2023

13.?? Prebiotic benefits of fiber: Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2023

14.?? GLP-1 and PYY responses: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2022

15.?? Muscle loss risk during menopause: Mayo Clinic, 2023

16.?? Strength training’s impact: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2021

17.?? Weightlifting and muscle growth: Harvard Health, 2022

18.?? Weightlifting and osteoporosis: International Osteoporosis Foundation, 2023

19.?? Improved strength and endurance: British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2021

20.?? Cardio and strength training benefits: American Heart Association, 2022

21.?? Exercise benefits for menopause: Menopause Journal, 2022

22.?? Impact of glucose management on health: Glucose Revolution by Jennifer Inchauspé, 2022

23.?? Curiosity and youthfulness: Psychology Today, 2022

?