Swimming in cold water can significantly alleviate symptoms associated with menopause and menstruation, a recent study conducted by researchers at University College London has revealed.
The study examined responses from 1,114 women aged 16 to 80 who regularly engage in cold-water swimming and highlighted the various physical and mental health benefits of this practise. Among the women going through menopause, half reported a notable reduction in anxiety, with significant percentages also attesting to improvements in mood swings (35%), low mood (31%), and hot flushes (30%).
Half of the Women Surveyed Say Cold Water Therapy Reduces Anxiety
Over 60% of the participants stated that they specifically engaged in cold-water swimming to address menopausal symptoms. An alternative to cold-water swimming, which is easily practised at home, could be taking cold plunges.
Led by Professor Joyce Harper at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health at UCL, the study found that the effects of cold-water swimming were so pronounced that it could serve as an alternative solution for women grappling with menopausal challenges, potentially encouraging more women to participate in sports.
Participants emphasized the healing and transformative aspects of cold-water swimming, citing camaraderie, shared stories, and laughter as integral components of the experience. The study, published in the journal Post Reproductive Health, builds on existing evidence that cold water can reduce stress and enhance muscle repair.
Are you wanting to begin practising cold water therapy but don’t know where to start? Discover guidance on selecting the right cold plunge for your needs.
The positive impact of cold-water swimming was more pronounced with longer swimming durations and in colder water. Anecdotal evidence from participants underscored the profound effects, with one 54-year-old woman noting that it had a significant influence on her menopausal symptoms. Another participant, aged 57, described cold water as "phenomenal," attributing it to life-changing benefits, where physical and mental symptoms vanished, leaving her feeling at her best.
Among the participants who also experienced menstrual symptoms, 38% reported better control of mood swings. The study concluded that regular cold-water swimmers facing either menopausal or menstrual symptoms encountered a positive overall effect, encompassing calming and mood-boosting experiences, improved menstrual experiences, reduced impact of hot flushes, and an overall enhancement of health.
Check out our cold water therapy product range here.