Talking Therapies Could Help Women through Menopause, Study Finds
Highlights
Talking therapies have emerged as potential aids for women experiencing menopause, showing promising results in improving overall quality of life and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, according to new research.
The Menopause Transition:
The menopause, which marks the end of menstruation, is a transitional phase that can last for several years, accompanied by various symptoms due to hormonal changes.
Potential Benefits of Talking Therapies:
A recent study from University College London revealed that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), as well as Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBI), may offer considerable help to women during the menopause.
The Connection between Physical and Psychological Symptoms:
Professor Aimee Spector, one of the authors of the study, highlights a clear link between the physical and psychological symptoms of menopause, citing anxiety-triggered hot flushes as an example.
Fighting Negative Thoughts:
CBT is found to potentially assist women in combating negative thoughts associated with menopausal symptoms, such as fears of others’ judgment.
Research Insights:
A comprehensive analysis pooling data from 22 robust studies indicated that talking therapies, such as CBT and MBI, have a medium to large effect on quality of life. Furthermore, they have a small but positive impact on anxiety and depression. In addition, memory and concentration demonstrated a small improvement, though more research is necessary to validate this finding.
Effectiveness Comparison:
While both CBT and MBI show potential, CBT is demonstrated to have small effects on depression and anxiety, whereas MBI exhibits small effects on depression and medium to large effects on anxiety. The duration of MBI interventions is mentioned as a potential reason for this discrepancy.
Expert Observations:
Expert commentators emphasize the importance of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) as the primary treatment for addressing hormone imbalances associated with menopause. However, they welcome the prospect of additional therapies, citing the potential benefits they can bring, and underline the need for further research in this area.
Controversy around CBT and Menopause Treatment:
Recent draft guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) have sparked controversy by suggesting CBT as a potential alternative to HRT for symptoms including night-time sweats. However, the authors of the study emphasize that their research does not undermine the importance of HRT, but rather offers another avenue that may yield benefits.
Comments from Specialist Organizations:
The British Menopause Society and the Royal College of GPs both express their support for research exploring alternative treatments to improve the experience of women going through menopause, noting that while HRT is safe and effective, it may not be suitable for everyone.
Conclusion:
While talking therapies like CBT and MBI show promise in helpings women manage the psychological symptoms associated with menopause, more research is needed regarding the long-term effects, the best implementation methods, and the potential benefits for different subsets of women. Further studies are also required to determine if CBT can help manage cognitive problems, such as memory issues, commonly linked with menopause.
