A study suggests that mindfulness, group, and cognitive therapy can help with menopause symptoms like sadness and worry. The University College London study looked at 30 studies with 3,500 women in 14 countries, including the UK, US, and Australia. The research suggests that these therapies could be given instead of or with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT uses hormones like oestrogen to treat symptoms. The study shows that therapies focusing on behavior and relaxation techniques could be more beneficial than HRT, especially cognitive therapy, which is cost-effective and shows results quickly. Some women experienced improvements in anxiety and depression, better sleep and concentration, and improved quality of life through these therapies.
Vocabulary List:
- Mindfulness (noun): The practice of focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.
- Cognitive Therapy (noun): A type of psychotherapy aimed at helping individuals develop healthier and more positive thought patterns and behaviors.
- Menopause (noun): The cessation of menstruation and fertility in women, typically occurring in their late 40s or early 50s.
- Symptoms (noun): Physical or mental features that indicate a condition or disease.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) (noun): A treatment involving the use of hormones, typically estrogen and progesterone, to relieve symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance.
- Behavior (noun): The way in which one conducts oneself, especially towards others.
