LIPOELASTIC TEAM 
Menopause and perimenopause are still too often shrouded in silence, even though they are part of the lives of many women and can manifest themselves very differently from one person to another.
Hormonal fluctuations, weight gain, fatigue, sleep disorders, brain fog or even a feeling of heavy legs: this period can bring its share of changes, sometimes difficult to understand, especially when accompanied by problems such as lipoedema or edema.
In this article, Virginie shares her experience with sincerity: the first signs that alerted her, the difficulties she encountered and the habits that help her today to better live through this transition.
Her story reminds us above all of the importance of staying informed, listening to ourselves, seeking support, and connecting with other women. Because even when our bodies change, we are not alone. ♡
How did you experience the onset of perimenopause, and then menopause?
In general, I think I was especially lucky to have the support of my midwife. I could tell her about the symptoms I was experiencing, particularly this feeling of exhaustion, and she reassured me. She confirmed that I wasn't "crazy," that what I was going through was normal, and she put words to my discomfort. When that happens, it's truly invaluable to have a caring healthcare professional to validate what you're experiencing.
What were the first signs of perimenopause and menopause?
The first symptoms that alerted me were irregular periods - very symbolic for me - and weight gain. Significant weight gain, without any change in my diet. That's really what made me realize that something was profoundly changing in my body.
What natural solutions and habits have you put in place to better cope with menopause?
The first thing I did was consult my midwife to understand what could help me, in a natural way, because that's what speaks to me the most.
I started taking some natural supplements, which alleviated some of the symptoms. For sleep, I also used ashwagandha. In my personal experience, it helped me let go and calm my ruminations.
♡ Note: As with any dietary supplement, it is important to seek advice from a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation.
I already had routines for winding down in the evening: avoiding screens, prioritizing rest before bed. And above all, I meticulously respect my tiredness cues. When I feel sleepy, I go to bed immediately. If I have the opportunity to rest during the day, I don't hesitate to do so either.
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What impact have hormonal fluctuations had on your energy, mood, and sleep?
What was most difficult and still is sometimes is the sleep problems. I've always been a very good sleeper, and waking up during the night has been detrimental. I get up early in the morning, so I really need my sleep.
Lack of sleep leads to intense fatigue, an inexplicable mental fog, and heavy legs every day. I wake up with aches and pains, as if I hadn't slept at all. It's unsettling, especially if you've never had sleep problems before. For me, sleep was the starting point for everything else: mental fog, aches and pains, unusual fatigue.
What misconceptions or mistakes would you have liked to avoid during perimenopause?
I wouldn't say I made any mistakes. The best thing I did was meet the right people, talk to trustworthy women who were going through the same thing.
I've spoken to younger women who didn't have the same symptoms. For me, there's no set age: Perimenopause can start earlier in some women, and various factors, including family and individual ones, can influence the age at which it begins.
The most important thing is to talk about it. Sharing with my mother, with other women going through these changes, helped me enormously. And above all, allowing yourself to say things: to say that you're tired, that you have pain here or there. Just having the right to express what you feel.
What habits have had the biggest impact on your health and quality of life after age 45?
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Keep moving, even when it's difficult. Take time for myself, put on my trainers, go outside, clear my head. Stop wasting time on social media.
I don't like to complain, so I prefer to walk, breathe, and reconnect with myself. It really has a positive impact on my health and quality of life.
Which LIPOELASTIC products have you incorporated into your daily routine to relieve heavy legs and lipoedema?
It's difficult to choose, because the range is truly superb , especially the fabrics. And then, I had the chance to meet the team: a family atmosphere, kind and welcoming. It makes you want to support these people, and for me, wearing their products every day is almost an honor. So I've very naturally incorporated them into my routine.
The only slight problem is that when you have lipoedema or edema, high temperatures can become difficult… But once again, LIPOELASTIC has addressed this issue with the BALANCE leggings , thanks to their thermoregulating fabric. The same applies to hot flushes during menopause.
Its thermoregulating fabric is particularly pleasant when temperatures rise and can contribute to a feeling of thermal comfort. For me, it's a real relief.
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That said, the one I've used most so far is the ACTIVE leggings , with their medical compression. I wear them very often; they're ideal for relieving the pain and heaviness associated with lipoedema.
But I think each product has its function, depending on the activity of the day:
- The FLOW leggings : I also use them regularly. They're perfect for creating this micro-massage thanks to their 3D structure, which helps to reduce swelling.
- The TBfLg leggings : when I wear a dress or skirt with regular tights, I wear them underneath. It's a tip I discovered thanks to Laetitia on social media, and it works really well. It allows you to wear medical compression discreetly, while keeping your legs looking more structured and supported.
In summary, in my wardrobe:
- ACTIVE - for my daily life
- FLOW - when I'm looking for more comfort and lightness
- TBfLg - my tip: wear it under a dress or skirt, with or without tights.
- BALANCE - when temperatures rise or fall
What message would you like to convey to women going through perimenopause or menopause?
If there is one piece of advice I would give, it would be to realize that we are not alone.
Our friends, our colleagues, the women we meet every day… Most will also experience this stage at some point in their lives, even if they don’t talk about it.
Understanding your body, realizing that what you're going through is normal, even if it's unusual and sometimes confusing, is essential. And above all, don't get discouraged.
To tell oneself that it is a new beginning, a new stage in a woman's life.
A transition that can be difficult, but which can also become an opportunity to get to know oneself better, to refocus, to listen to oneself more.
If the women were to remember only one thing from our exchange, what would it be?
You have to know how to make the best of all this. Even if some days are more complicated, it's important to give yourself every chance, to surround yourself with support, to listen to yourself, and to remember that yes, everything will be alright.
Conclusion:
Virginie's testimony reminds us that menopause is a transition, and that each woman will experience it in her own way.
When the body changes, when sleep becomes more unstable, or when fatigue and heavy legs set in, it can be difficult to understand what's happening to us. But getting informed, talking about it, listening to ourselves, and seeking support can truly change how we navigate this period.
There's no single way to experience menopause, nor one single solution to feeling better. The important thing is to find what works for you, at your own pace, and not to face your questions alone.
Because after 45, a new chapter begins. And it can also be an opportunity to get to know yourself better, to take care of yourself, and to reconnect with your body. ♡
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