Research from University College London (UCL) published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) could offer relief for menopausal symptoms in women. While these are not a replacement for hormone replacement therapy (HRT), therapies could be considered alongside other treatments.
In the paper, which analysed 30 trials with 3,501 women, it was discovered that mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may have a small to medium impact on symptoms, providing some relief for menopausal symptoms. Ten studies investigated the effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on menopausal symptoms, while nine focused on mindfulness, a form of meditation centred on heightened awareness of present sensations and emotions.
Additional research explored various interventions, including acceptance-based approaches, group counselling, and marital support.
Using internationally recognized questionnaires, women’s symptoms such as decreased interest in activities, sleep disturbances, low mood, and anxiety were assessed.
The findings indicated that CBT and mindfulness significantly improved women’s low mood. Data from 11 studies suggested a modest to moderate reduction in anxiety symptoms, offering some relief without complete resolution.
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