Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Helps Menopause Symptoms

    DEVON, ENGLAND, March 07, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Symptoms of menopause following treatment for breast cancer can be improved with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), according to a recent study. Furthermore researchers believe that the results may be extended to healthy women.

Due to the nature of breast cancer and the drugs involved in treatment, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is not recommended for the 65% to 85% of breast cancer patients who suffer from hot flushes and night sweats.

Lead researcher, Professor Myra Hunter, of London's Psychiatry at Kings College, discovered that women who participated in weekly sessions of CBT experienced noticeable relief from these symptoms of menopause.

Researchers studied 96 women who had been treated for breast cancer and were also dealing with symptoms of menopause. Fifty percent of them took part in a 90-minute session each week which included instruction on"paced breathing" during hot flushes and tips on working through associated emotions. The other study participants were given basic care for menopause.

Nine weeks after the study began, women who were given CBT had significantly less difficulty with their symptoms than before beginning therapy, and six months into the study continued to report that night sweats and hot flushes were more manageable, sleeping habits and mood were improved, and overall quality of life was better.

"We don't exactly know how hot flushes work, but we know stress seems to make them worse," said Hunter. "Women who are more anxious before the menopause might be more likely to have them. With any physical symptoms, the way you manage them can make a difference."

She also points out the benefits of paced breathing, saying, "It also gives you something calm to focus on, so you are not thinking negative thoughts."

Fewer women are using HRT since a 2003 study linked it to an increased risk of breast cancer. Antidepressants have also been known to help, but many women do not wish to take them. The study was published in the journal Lancet Oncology.

The research suggests that CBT may also help healthy women through menopause symptoms. Therapy for women with breast cancer is generally offered through hospital groups, and is best left to trained health care professionals, but healthy menopausal woman may be able to learn on their own through self-help materials.

An additional study by Hunter, published in Menopause, followed 140 healthy menopausal women over a 26 week period, again revealing that CBT greatly reduced menopause symptoms. The researchers are planning another study to determine if men who have been treated for prostate cancer may also find symptoms relief though CBT.

Hunter is also working to develop an online CBT strategy designed for women who have undergone breast cancer treatment and plans to publish a self-help book on the topic.

For more information on menopause or menopause symptoms please visit http://www.familyhealthguide.co.uk/menopause/symptoms.html or for general health and well being advice http://www.familyhealthguide.co.uk.

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