Menopause — the point at which periods have stopped for 12 consecutive months — is a natural life transition, but for many women the hormonal changes involved cause significant symptoms that affect quality of life. From hot flushes and sleep disturbance to mood changes and joint pain, the menopause experience varies enormously. A range of therapies can complement medical treatment and help women navigate this transition well.
See therapies that may helpMenopause occurs when the ovaries stop producing oestrogen and progesterone, causing periods to cease permanently. The average age of menopause in the UK is 51, though it can occur earlier — either naturally or as a result of surgery, chemotherapy or other medical causes (premature ovarian insufficiency).
The years leading up to menopause — perimenopause — are often when symptoms are most pronounced, as hormone levels fluctuate unpredictably before declining. Perimenopause can begin several years before the final period and involves many of the same symptoms as menopause itself.
Post-menopause, oestrogen deficiency has longer-term health implications including increased risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, which is why proactive health management during and after menopause is important.
Menopause symptoms vary significantly in type, severity and duration. Common symptoms include:
HRT (hormone replacement therapy) is the most effective medical treatment for vasomotor and other oestrogen-deficiency symptoms. The decision about HRT is personal and should be made in discussion with a GP or menopause specialist. Complementary therapies offer significant additional support alongside or instead of HRT:
If menopause symptoms are affecting your quality of life, you do not have to manage them alone. A GP with menopause expertise or a British Menopause Society-accredited specialist can advise on HRT and other medical options. Many women benefit from a combination of medical and complementary approaches.
The Menopause Charity, Menopause Matters and the British Menopause Society all offer excellent resources. If you are under 45 and experiencing symptoms of menopause, speak to your GP promptly — premature ovarian insufficiency requires specific assessment and management.
Showing 15 therapies linked to Menopause symptoms.
| Therapy | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Behavioural Therapist |
strong
|
Good evidence for the mood, anxiety and hot-flush distress that can come with menopause. |
| Sex Therapist |
strong
|
Supports changes in libido, intimacy and comfort during and after menopause. |
| Acupuncturist |
moderate
|
Commonly used for menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes; outcomes vary. |
| Arts Therapist |
moderate
|
Supports adjustment to the identity and body changes of menopause. |
| Counsellor |
moderate
|
Space to talk through the emotional and life changes menopause can bring. |
| EMDR Practitioner |
moderate
|
Useful where menopause-related anxiety is tied to earlier trauma. |
| EFT Practitioner |
moderate
|
Tapping-based technique used supportively for menopausal stress and symptom distress. |
| Hypnotherapist |
moderate
|
Relaxation and suggestion used for hot flushes, sleep and menopausal anxiety. |
| Massage Therapist |
moderate
|
Eases muscular tension and supports relaxation and sleep during menopause. |
| Mindfulness Practitioner |
moderate
|
Helps with the stress, sleep and mood changes of menopause. |
| Physiotherapist |
moderate
|
Exercise and pelvic-floor support for the physical changes of menopause. |
| Yoga Therapist |
moderate
|
Movement, breath and relaxation that can ease menopausal symptoms and support sleep. |
| Ayurveda Practitioner |
limited
|
Lifestyle and dietary approaches used supportively; be cautious with supplement interactions. |
| Healer |
limited
|
Relaxation-focused complementary therapy; not a substitute for medical menopause care. |
| Homotoxicologist |
limited
|
Complementary approach with limited evidence; use alongside appropriate medical care. |
This varies considerably. Vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes and night sweats) last on average 7 years, though for some women they continue for many years after menopause. Other symptoms such as vaginal dryness tend to persist or worsen without treatment. The good news is that effective treatments — both HRT and complementary approaches — are available.
Yes — NICE recommends CBT specifically for hot flushes and night sweats as a non-hormonal option. Clinical trials show that CBT reduces the bother of hot flushes significantly, even if it does not always reduce their frequency. Hypnotherapy has also shown significant reductions in hot flush frequency in controlled trials.
The safety of HRT has been substantially reassessed since the early 2000s. For most healthy women under 60 who are within 10 years of their last period, the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks. The risk picture varies depending on the type of HRT, individual health history and route of administration. A GP or menopause specialist can provide a personalised assessment.
Menopause sleep problems often have multiple contributors — night sweats, anxiety, and direct hormonal effects on sleep architecture. Approaches that help include CBT-I (CBT for insomnia), addressing night sweats (with HRT or CBT), mindfulness, reducing caffeine and alcohol, and maintaining good sleep hygiene. Acupuncture also has evidence for improving sleep in menopausal women.
Yes — acupuncture has reasonable evidence for reducing hot flush frequency and severity, improving sleep quality and mood during menopause. It is a good option for women who cannot take or prefer not to take HRT. Results typically develop over a course of 6–10 sessions.