Menopause Around the World: How French Women Navigate "La Ménopause" with Style.

La Ménopause

When it comes to aging, the French have long been admired for their effortlessly chic approach.

Menopause, known simply as la ménopause, is no exception.

In France, there’s less shame and secrecy around this life stage. Instead, many French women treat menopause the same way they treat skincare, wine, and fashion: with intention & elegance.

So what exactly sets the French approach apart? Let’s take a closer look.

A Culture That Celebrates Femininity at Every Age

In French culture, femininity isn’t tied solely to youth. Older women are still seen as sensual, stylish, and intelligent—and that cultural mindset makes a big difference in how menopause is perceived.

Rather than being labeled as "past their prime," French women are often celebrated for their maturity and confidence. This allows them to speak more openly about their symptoms and seek support without embarrassment.

As one Parisian woman put it: “We don't pretend it’s not happening. We just don’t let it define us.”

Medical System: Proactive, Not Reactive

France has one of the most progressive menopause care systems in Europe.

Many GPs are trained to recognize and treat perimenopause early—often initiating hormone testing and treatment before symptoms become severe.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Unlike in some countries where HRT is less commonly prescribed, HRT in France is widely accepted—and prescribed more frequently.

French doctors often take a “low dose, long-term” approach using bioidentical hormones, which are thought to mimic the body’s natural hormones more closely.

Nutrition and Lifestyle: Balance Over Restriction

The French don’t fear food—and that holds true during menopause. Instead of extreme diets, there’s an emphasis on balance, pleasure, and quality:

• Dairy for calcium and gut health

  
  

• Red wine in moderation for social connection

  
  

• Fresh produce, fish, and healthy fats as part of a Mediterranean-influenced diet

  
  

Daily movement also plays a role—but you won’t find most French women pounding a treadmill. Instead, they prefer walking, Pilates, swimming, or dance—activities that support posture, circulation, and joint health with grace.

Menopause as a Personal Reinvention

For many French women, menopause is not just a medical event—it’s a life recalibration.

It's a time to:

• Reclaim your body

  
  

• Prioritize your well-being

  
  

• Cultivate self-awareness and style

  
  

They see it as a phase to curate, not just cope with. And that’s a mindset worth borrowing.

France

What We Can Learn

The French model is a beautiful balance of science and self-respect.

Here’s what you might take from it:

• Don’t wait until you’re suffering—start tracking and supporting your hormones earlier.

  
  

• Nourish your body instead of depriving it.

  
  

• Stay curious, elegant, and open to change.

Curious about how other cultures view menopause? Our next stop: India, where menopause is deeply intertwined with ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and family responsibility.

👉 Want practical, natural strategies for your own menopause journey? Download my free guide here!