Born in 1968, Sophie Kune recounts the discovery of her status as a woman at the age of 10 when her first period appeared and a slap received by her father to mark the occasion!
Menstrual pains will follow, which her doctor will describe as normal and about which she will be forced not to siss, then the contraceptive constraint and its disadvantages, pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period to which no woman ever is prepared as well as the injunctions to be a good mother. Then finally, the artificial menopause which will be prescribed to him at the age of 45 by his gynecologist because of the thickening of his endometrium. This sudden hormonal treatment will cause her new inconveniences such as vaginal dryness.
While she feels like she is still 30 years old in her head, this term with such pejorative connotations of menopause allows her to realize that she is perceived as "old" in the eyes of those around her, rather because of her hair. gray and its first wrinkles in reality since menopause is only an internal and invisible process.
But any woman around the age of 45 becomes categorized as "menopausal", without a future and rejected in the professional sphere, invisible in advertising, communication, cinema...
The author traces how society got there, in particular with the monstrously misogynistic writings, under the guise of medical knowledge, of Doctor Charles de Gardanne who created this term menopause (blood stoppage) from Greek roots. It must be said that in the 19th century, after the revolution, all rights were granted to men and women were condemned by the civil code to be legally under their guardianship. Their main social role remains that of being a mother.
The woman in "wasting away" or "critical age" must therefore withdraw, no longer have a sexual life so as not to waste the precious seed of men, not expose herself to outings, to music, she must dress modestly but it is still advisable for him to do the housework to maintain a minimum of physical fitness…
Although natural menopause is not a disease but a normal transformation process like puberty, the gradual decrease in hormones produced by the ovaries leads to a number of clinical signs. It is necessary to adapt to them and to consider them in a positive way like all the other upheavals linked to age.
Yet at 45, there are still about 20 years to work and 40 years to live, so there is no question for Sophie Kune to indulge in gloom.
Menopause is a new life that begins for women, freed from bleeding, from the contraceptive and maternal burden as well as from the gaze of men.
The opportunity to live for yourself and reinvent your life.
Sophie Kune therefore presents her recipes for a better life by citing a large number of professional women (doctors, coaches etc.), including:
- Rethink your sex life and in particular practice slow sex
- Adapt your look to your desires and the shape of your new body, wear bright colors
- Review your conception of beauty, adopt a positive body attitude and talk about pro-aging rather than anti-aging
- A little make-up for a healthy glow and suitable creams to moisturize the skin
- A minimum of movement to maintain your figure and shape: walking and yoga
- Baths with essential oils and self-massages to take care of your body
- A good sleep
- Healthy diet, reduced portions, improved intestinal flora
- Have self-confidence, train, undertake
Particularity : the chapters are illustrated by 11 "Vision Boards " (collections of inspiring images) produced by the author on Pinterest and accessible by QR codes throughout the pages. A nod to the modernity of a woman who wants to stay connected.
An interesting first part for sharing the life experience of a woman with whom we identify, for historical and medical information and a good societal summary of the fate still reserved for women who are aging.
The second part of the book looks at well-being recipes that can be adapted to younger women or aging men who are also losing testosterone and muscle.
Sophie Kune is a very dynamic, benevolent woman and intelligently surrounds herself with women of her generation whom she takes to heart to expose to the eyes of the general public.
