Dive into Cold Water to Ease Menopausal Symptoms
Dive into Cold Water to Ease Menopausal Symptoms
Welcome back to Menopause Mondays®, where we bring you the latest scoop to help you navigate through the journey of menopause. Today, we’re taking a refreshing plunge into the world of cold-water swimming and its potential benefits for easing menopausal symptoms.
A recent study published in Sage Journals has made waves by suggesting that swimming in cold water may offer relief from the stress, anxiety, and other symptoms associated with menopause. With nearly half of the women surveyed reporting a reduction in anxiety after taking the plunge, this research opens up a whole new avenue for managing menopausal challenges.
Full disclosure: I can’t swim in a pool unless it’s heated to close to 90 degrees. But hey, reading about cold-water swimming has definitely made me rethink my definition of “chilling out”!
Let’s dive deeper into the study’s findings:
Cold Water, Warm Hearts: The study included over a thousand women, with a significant portion experiencing menopausal symptoms. Remarkably, almost half of these women reported improvements in anxiety symptoms after swimming in cold water. Additionally, substantial percentages noted enhancements in mood swings, mood, and reductions in hot flashes.
Healing Waters: For many women, cold-water swimming wasn’t just about exercise – it was a healing experience. They described it as an immediate reliever of stress and anxiety, with one participant even likening it to a life-saving practice. The sensation of being in the water seemed to dissolve both physical and mental symptoms, leaving them feeling rejuvenated and empowered.
Expert Insights: Menopausal women who regularly swim in cold water report significant improvements to their physical and mental symptoms, finds a new study led by UCL researchers.
The research, surveyed 1114 women, 785 of which were going through the menopause, to examine the effects of cold water swimming on their health and wellbeing.
The findings showed that menopausal women experienced a significant improvement in anxiety (as reported by 46.9% of the women), mood swings (34.5%), low mood (31.1%), and hot flushes (30.3%) as a result of cold water swimming.
In addition, a majority of the women (63.3%) swam specifically to relieve their symptoms.
Some of the women quoted in the study said that they found the cold water to be “an immediate stress/ anxiety reliever” and described the activity as “healing”.
One 57-year-old woman stated: “Cold water is phenomenal. It has saved my life. In the water, I can do anything. All symptoms (physical and mental) disappear and I feel like me at my best.”
Seasonal Soothing: Interestingly, the positive effects of cold-water swimming seemed to extend beyond symptom relief. Many women reported improved mental health, increased exercise habits, and a deeper connection with nature. Moreover, these benefits appeared more pronounced during colder seasons, suggesting that braving the chill might yield even greater rewards.
Beyond Menopause: The benefits of cold-water swimming weren’t limited to menopausal symptoms alone. The study also explored its impact on menstrual symptoms, with a significant portion of women reporting improvements in anxiety, mood swings, and irritability.
So, if you’re navigating through menopause and seeking relief from its symptoms, perhaps it’s time to take the plunge – quite literally. Whether it’s in a lake, ocean, or even a cold-water pool, swimming could offer not just physical exercise but also a refreshing remedy for the mind and body.
As always, consult your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
Stay tuned for more Menopause Mondays® as we continue to keep you up to date on the latest studies.
Until next time, stay cool – both in and out of the water!
Motto: Suffering in silence is OUT! Reaching out is IN!
Sign up for Fearless Vagina: Ellen Dolgen’s Guide to Menopause
If you want to educate your employees, colleagues, or friends about menopause, look no further! Book Ellen for your next event.
Sign up for MENOPAUSE MONDAYS® Blogs
Be sure to follow me on Instagram @menopause_mondays.
Follow me on TikTok @menopausemondays
Sign up for my fun YouTube Videos!
Download my free eBook: MENOPAUSE MONDAYS the Girlfriend’s Guide to Surviving and Thriving During Perimenopause and Menopause.
*EllenDolgen.com does not recommend, endorse, or make any representation about any tests, studies, practices, procedures, treatments, services, opinions, healthcare providers, physicians, or medical institutions that may be mentioned or referenced.
