Menopause Isn’t Just About Hormones - What the Latest Research Really Shows

For decades, menopause has been framed almost entirely as a hormonal event — a direct result of declining estrogen and progesterone. But new research from Seoul National University (2025) is flipping that story on its head.

By using machine learning (a type of artificial intelligence that finds patterns humans often miss), researchers have discovered that menopausal symptoms are shaped by far more than hormones.
In fact, our mental health, physical strength, social connections, and lifestyle habits may be just as influential.

This study - “Exploring the relative importance of the factors associated with menopausal symptoms using a random forest model” - analyzed data from 94 women aged 45–55 in Seoul.

Each participant completed physical assessments, wore a Fitbit for 8 days, and filled out detailed questionnaires on lifestyle, diet, social relationships, and wellbeing.

The researchers then used a random forest model, a form of artificial intelligence that ranks which factors most strongly predict health outcomes.

The 7 Most Powerful Predictors of Menopausal Symptoms

Out of 57 different variables tested, 14 key factors emerged - and these seven topped the list:

1️⃣ Age – unsurprisingly, older age predicted more symptoms.
2️⃣ Psychological well-being – women who felt fulfilled and emotionally balanced reported significantly fewer symptoms.
3️⃣ Loneliness – social isolation increased both physical and emotional symptom severity.
4️⃣ Grip strength – a simple marker of muscle strength and metabolic health; lower scores meant more symptoms.
5️⃣ Body fat percentage – higher levels were linked to more intense vasomotor (hot flush) and mood-related symptoms.
6️⃣ Moderate physical activity – consistent movement predicted better symptom control.
7️⃣ Health-conscious dietary habits – balanced, nutrient-rich eating patterns supported fewer and milder symptoms.

The researchers concluded that menopause is not just a reproductive or endocrine event - it’s a multi-system, biopsychosocial transition.
In other words, how you move, what you eat, and how supported and connected you feel all play measurable roles in your symptom experience.

Psychological wellbeing ranked second only to age - stronger than any single physical factor.

This means that how you feel about your life, your purpose, and your relationships literally changes how you experience menopause.

💪 Why This Matters

This study helps us move beyond the outdated idea that “hormones are everything.”

It also validates the holistic, functional approach many women intuitively crave - one that recognises that mood, muscle, and mindset are deeply connected to hormonal balance.

• Exercise (especially strength training) supports muscle integrity and metabolic regulation.

• Social connection and mental health care ease emotional stress and regulate cortisol.

• Nutrition rich in whole foods, protein, and phytonutrients supports estrogen metabolism and inflammation.
  Together, these create the foundation for smoother hormonal transitions.

 What’s Next: Digital Health & Personalised Menopause Support

The authors also highlight how digital health tools (like wearable devices and apps) could revolutionise menopause care.

By tracking sleep, stress, nutrition, movement, and mood in real time, we can start to personalise interventions - and see early warning signs before symptoms spiral.

Imagine an app that notices your sleep declining and recommends magnesium or a walking break before your next hot flush.
That’s the direction this research is heading - data-driven, holistic, women-centred healthcare.

All in all, we know that menopause care needs to be whole-person care.
It’s not just about balancing hormones - it’s about supporting strength, nourishment, connection, and mental wellbeing.

Whether you end up on the HRT route or not - you should definitely consider working with a licensed nutritionist alongside resistance training to optimise your care.  CLICK HERE FOR SERVICES

Because when those foundations are strong, hormones can do what they’re meant to do: adapt, not overwhelm.

📚 Reference:
Chin M, Hahn S, Kim YS, et al. Exploring the relative importance of the factors associated with menopausal symptoms using a random forest model: a cross-sectional study. Women’s Health Nursing. 2025;31(3):227–240.
https://doi.org/10.4069/whn.2025.08.12