Research shows swimming in cold water may reduce menopausal symptoms

women's health

by tracy swartz

Seeds day!

Menopausal women who make cold water swimming part of their daily routine report significantly improved physical and mental health, a new study has found.

Of the 785 women surveyed, 46.9% said swimming eased their anxiety. 34.5% said it was effective for mood swings. 31.1% said they felt elevated. 30.3% said their hot flashes were reduced.

The findings, by researchers at University College London, were published this week in the journal Post-Reproductive Health.

“Cold water has previously been found to improve mood and reduce stress in outdoor swimmers, and ice baths help athletes repair and recover,” lead study author Joyce Harper said in a statement. It has been used for a long time.”

“While our research supports these claims, anecdotal evidence highlights how women can use this activity to alleviate physical symptoms such as hot flashes and pain. ” she added.

Menopause (when a woman stops having a period for 12 months) usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. Symptoms include anxiety, mood changes, discomfort during sex, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, trouble sleeping, weight gain, and slowed metabolism.

63.3% of menopausal women surveyed online for the study said they swim specifically to relieve symptoms.

One 57-year-old woman said: It saved my life. You can do anything in the water. All symptoms (physical and mental) have disappeared and I feel in the best possible condition. ”

Harper said those who swam for longer periods experienced more pronounced effects.

Most of the participants wore swimsuits instead of wetsuits in summer and winter. Wetsuits are designed to keep the user warm.

“Caution should be used when swimming in cold water; participants may be at risk of hypothermia, cold water shock, heart rhythm disturbances and even drowning,” Harper said.

“Water quality standards may also vary depending on where you swim,” she added. “Sewage pollution is an increasingly common concern in the UK's rivers and seas. And sadly, this can increase the likelihood of gastroenteritis and other infections.”

Harper said more research needs to be done on the frequency, duration, temperature and exposure needed to reduce menopausal symptoms.

Her team also studied the effects of cold water swimming on women who were still having their periods.

Of the 711 women who experienced menstrual symptoms, 46.7% reported that cold water swimming improved their anxiety. 37.7% said it reduced their mood swings, and 37.6% said they felt less irritable.

The researchers acknowledged some limitations to the study, including that the study only looked at women who had already swum in cold water. And these women were more likely to complete the survey if they noticed a link between cold water swimming and their symptoms.