A new study (to be published in the May 2016 issue of “Menopause”) involving 6,000 women aged 40-59 showed a sedentary lifestyle (defined in this study as not getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity at least 3 times per week) experienced more acute menopause symptoms than women who were more active. Over 60% of the women in the study were classified as sedentary and 16% of those sedentary had severe menopause symptoms including hot flashes, joint pains, and vaginal dryness as compared to just 11% of active women who complained of serious menopause symptoms. Inactive women were also more likely to be obese and suffer from depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
