Menopause, the natural end of menstruation marking the end of a woman’s reproductive years, manifests with varying symptoms across different populations. While every woman sees menopause as the beginning of a phase characterised by physical and psychological changes, a notable observation is that Japanese women often report fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms compared to women of other countries.
Is there a reason behind this? Let’s understand.
Did you know that in the Japanese language menopause is called konenki?
In the Japanese language menopause is referred to as konenki, and this means energy or renewal. If you break down the entire word, ko translates to “renewal and regeneration,” nen means “year” or “years,” and ki signifies “season” or “energy.” Konenki conveys a broader, more gradual transition, where the cessation of menstruation is just one aspect of the overall experience. In Japanese culture, konenki is welcomed and embraced.
In Japan, menopause is often viewed as a natural and non-pathological life transition. This perspective contrasts with the medicalized view prevalent in other countries, where menopause is often associated with loss and decline. The positive and accepting attitude in Japanese culture might be a reason why women do not go through terrible menopause symptoms.
The onset of menopause in Japanese women is almost the same as it is in other parts of the country- it begins in late 40s. However, the impact is not distressful, it is rather welcoming a change.
Angela Foster, a health and longevity expert, has highlighted the key aspects of why menopause is less severe in Japanese women. “While in the West we tend to view menopause through a medical lens, a problem that needs “fixing”, Japanese culture embraces it as “konenki” – a natural transition into wisdom and renewal,” she has posted on Instagram. “Japanese women report fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms compared to Western women, suggesting that our perspective matters more than we might think,” she adds.
Only 16% Japanese women experience hot flashes during menopause
A global survey found that only 16% of Japanese women experience moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS), such as hot flashes and night sweats, compared to 34% of women in the United States and 40% in Europe.
Menopause is followed by a range of symptoms due to the hormonal change, most significantly the decrease in estrogen levels. Common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression. Sleep disturbances, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating or experiencing brain fog occur in most women. Vaginal dryness, decreased libido, and urinary symptoms such as frequent infection or incontinence are also common.
In most women, hair loss, headache, weight gain, and joint pain are possible. Osteoporosis is also a risk due to bone density loss from menopause. The severity and duration of symptoms vary for each individual depending on genetic, lifestyle, and overall health.
Lifestyle habits play a key role
Japanese women are known for their healthy lifestyle, which contributes to their longevity and overall well-being. Their diet is primarily plant-based, featuring fresh vegetables, fish, rice, and fermented foods like miso and natto, which promote gut health.
A key component of Japanese cuisine is soy-based foods, such as tofu and edamame, which provide phytoestrogens that support hormonal balance, especially during menopause. As per a study published in the journal Menopause, Japanese women do not exhibit hot flashes because of high intake of dietary soy. Soy foods are good sources of isoflavones, plant chemicals that function as estrogens in the body. The phytoestrogens are thought to treat menopausal symptoms by replacing the low estrogen levels typical of menopause.
Regular physical activity is ingrained in the daily life of Japanese men and women alike. Walking, cycling, and traditional practices like yoga and tai chi help maintain flexibility and cardiovascular health. Many women also engage in Rajio Taiso, a form of group exercise.
Stress management is another crucial aspect. Mindfulness is encouraged in Japanese culture through activities such as tea ceremonies, meditation, and shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), which promote mental health. Japanese sleep culture emphasizes relaxation and stress reduction, encouraging deep, restorative sleep. A main habit is inemuri, or “sleeping while awake,” where short daytime naps are taken to avoid fatigue. Many also engage in the practice of yutori, unhurried living, that guarantees a soothing bedtime routine. A warm bath, frequently scented with herbal items such as yuzu or hinoki, relaxes muscles and enhances circulation.
Stress and a healthy lifestyle is believed to be the reason why menopause does not have severe symptoms in Japanese women.