Introduction: Menopause is a natural stage in a woman's life that occurs as a result of the gradual decline in ovarian function and hormonal changes. The period before and after menopause is accompanied by numerous physiological, psychological, and neurological changes that may affect quality of life. Common symptoms include vasomotor disturbances, sleep disorders, mood changes, urogenital problems, cognitive decline, and an increased risk of cardiovascular, metabolic, and musculoskeletal diseases.A healthy lifestyle, particularly appropriate nutrition and regular physical activity, plays an important role in managing these changes. Purpose: The purpose of this diploma thesis was to investigate the physiological, psychological, and neurological changes associated with menopause and to examine the impact of nutrition and physical activity on the course of menopause, symptom severity, and the quality of life of women during the premenopausal and postmenopausal periods.Methods: A descriptive research method based on a review of scientific and professional literature was used. The literature search was conducted in the ScienceDirect, MEDLINE, Pubmed, and DiKUL bibliographic databases. Literature published in Slovenian and English language within the last ten years was included, provided that the full text was available and that the content was related to menopause, lifestyle, nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and quality of life. Results: The literature review demonstrated that nutrition has a significant impact on the severity of menopausal symptoms. A higher intake of dietary fibre,omega-3 fatty acids, and nutrient-rich foods is associated with a lower prevalence of vasomotor symptoms, improved overall well-being and better mental health. Menopausal changes may negatively affect cognitive functioning, mood, and sleep quality. Regular physical activity reduces depressive and vasomotor symptoms, improves sleep quality, physical performance, and muscle strength, and contributes to the maintenance of bone density. Discussion and conclusion: The findings confirm that nutrition and physical activity are important factors in managing menopausal changes. A holistic approach that includes a healthy lifestyle, mental health care, and regular physical activity can significantly contribute to symptom reduction, preservation of functional capacity, and improvement of quality of life in women during the premenopausal and postmenopausal periods.
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