Researchers Uncover the Benefit of Exercise over Hormones for Menopausal Women

Researchers at Temple University in Philadelphia have hoped to prove that exercise is less risky than hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women, but were unable to find a relationship between exercise and hot flashes.

However, the study was able to show that exercise led to lowered stress levels among postmenopausal women.

Exercise Can Reduce Stress, Anxiety and Depression in Postmenopausal Women

Although the relationship between reduced hot flashes and exercise was not proven, the results of the research are significant because hot flashes in menopausal women have been seen as a temporary problem, while women who are postmenopausal live a long time and often struggle with stress, anxiety and depression.

Small Amounts of Exercise Help

One surprising outcome of the study is that the reduced stress levels were caused by small amounts of exercise. In other words, women who are postmenopausal and dealing with the unfortunate side effects of stress and anxiety can reduce those affects with a moderate exercise routine that they can incorporate into their daily life.

Interestingly, researchers found that extreme exercise regimens actually had the outcome of increasing stress for these women. But that could have been because the women tested were heavier and had lower hormone levels. Moderate exercise regimens seemed to provide greater stress reduction for the group of black women.

Hot Flashes? What Hot Flashes?

Although exercise had little effect on hot-flashes, the interesting point is that while women participated in a moderate but consistent exercise regimen, they seemed to care less about hot flashes. Women seem to just deal with them better while working on a healthy exercise plan.

The mental benefits of exercise for postmenopausal women are an important finding because the lack of estrogen leads to an increase in stress, anxiety and depression.

Consult Your Doctor

Consult your doctor before starting any new diet or exercise program. He or she knows your medical history and will be able to determine if your exercise program will help your menopausal symptoms to improve.

More Information on Menopause

For more information on menopause, please visit the Women's Health network: http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/menopaus.htm