Contrary to what many may think, the sophisticated ancient Mayan culture has not completely died out. Several pockets of Mayans in the rural regions of Guatemala and Chichimilá, in the Yucatán peninsula of Mexico, have been interviewed regarding women’s health and, in particular, menopause. Scientists have been fascinated by these rural Mayan women and how they experience — or rather do not experience — what we could call traditional menopausal symptoms: hot flashes, mood swings, and insomnia.

It’s interesting that Mayan women, regardless of experiencing symptoms or not, report that they look forward to menopause and their newfound freedom and status.

What is the secret for such good health and positivity? What is known is that a woman’s menopausal symptoms cannot be viewed in isolation, but are best considered in several contexts, including geographical, genetic, nutritional, historical and cultural. For years, Western medicine has minimized the importance of menopause by treating it strictly in the biological context when there is clearly more at play.

The Mayans have an all-natural, herb-based diet, and a slow, relatively easy pace of life, both elements which may contribute heavily to fewer menopausal symptoms. Mayan women also acquire new status when they enter menopause: they can become spiritual leaders of their communities.

I invite YOU to look at this period of your life as something to embrace and look forward to!

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