What is the problem? 

Only a few women seem to suffer from breathing difficulties during the menopause. This symptom can manifest itself in various forms. Some women experience reduced exercise tolerance, while others simply feel more short of breath than usual. Some women also feel more anxious during perimenopause and menopause. Shortness of breath, a physical symptom of anxiety, may also be a factor to consider. The menopausal transition can also affect pre-existing lung conditions such as asthma. Trivializing the problem is therefore not advisable, nor is hesitating to see a doctor.

What are the reasons for this?

Doctors do not know exactly why breathing problems occur during menopause. A decrease in oestrogen may affect inflammation in the body, which could affect lung function.

In women who have suffered from asthma for a long time, hormonal fluctuations during menopause can exacerbate the condition. Some doctors claim that the lack of oestrogen during this time triggers inflammation in the bronchial tubes, which leads to bronchial overactivity. When the first signs of the menopause appear, you should therefore monitor your asthma more closely and inform your doctor of any change in symptoms so that they can adjust your treatment if necessary.

What solutions are available?

As with all aspects of menopause, it's important to stay active and self-care. If you think your breathing problems are due to stress or anxiety, yoga is certainly an activity you should try to deal with your emotions and work on your breathing. Yoga is based on postures, meditation, relaxation and also breathing, to the point of developing breath work. If the ribs do not move together properly or are "stuck", the lungs can neither fill completely nor empty properly. There are yoga classes that focus on training the breathing, a kind of breath training. Don't hesitate to find out more and look for a suitable yoga class in your region.