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The menopause or climacteric is a normal part of life, but signs that the time has come can bring great discomfort to women, which can even affect your daily activities. Meditation can help lessen some symptoms such as hot flashes (suffocation), night sweats and insomnia. The University of Massachusetts conducted a study that showed that a technique based on Buddhist meditation reduces stress associated with hot flashes and improves physical functioning, psychological and sexual.
About 40% of menopausal women suffer from hot flashes and night sweats, which affect their quality of life, the researchers said. But since hormone replacement therapy has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease, breast cancer and stroke, mental training allows women to be less reactive to the symptoms of menopause.
The study divided 110 women between the ages of 47 and 69, into two groups: one received training, while the other remained in a "waiting list" to learn the technique. Participants filled out questionnaires to determine factors influencing hot flashes, such as alcohol consumption and exercise of yoga.
The researchers also measured four dimensions of quality of life: physical, psychological, vasomotor (hot flashes), and sexual function. The women rated the symptoms on a four-point scale ranging from "nothing" to "extremely" concerned. They kept diaries noting the number and intensity of hot flashes and night sweats. On average, women had the maximum score for sweating and moderate to severe hot flash.
After taking classes once a week for eight weeks and a full day of training, women's training group had an average 15% decrease in the amount of their symptoms, compared with 7% for the control group. Regarding the severity of symptoms there were no major differences, but the training group reported better sleep and less anxiety.
"What surprised us most was the effect on sleep," said Dr. Carmody, being attention training (through meditation) as effective as hormone replacement therapy to reduce insomnia.
