{"id":6900,"date":"2024-04-19T06:00:33","date_gmt":"2024-04-19T06:00:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthnewscentral.com\/?p=6900"},"modified":"2024-04-19T06:00:33","modified_gmt":"2024-04-19T06:00:33","slug":"can-cold-water-swimming-help-alleviate-menopause-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthnewscentral.com\/can-cold-water-swimming-help-alleviate-menopause-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Cold Water Swimming Help Alleviate Menopause Symptoms?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Open Access Government<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Recent research<\/a> suggests that immersing oneself in cold water, particularly through activities like open water swimming, may offer a range of benefits for both physical and mental well-being, especially for women experiencing menopause-related symptoms. The idea of cold water therapy has gained traction due to various factors, including its portrayal in popular media like television shows and movies, as well as anecdotal evidence shared among enthusiasts.<\/p>\n

While the exact mechanisms behind these benefits are still being studied, early findings<\/a> suggest that cold water immersion could trigger the release of neurotransmitters associated with mood regulation, potentially offering relief from symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, there’s growing interest in exploring<\/a> how swimming in cold water might augment the overall therapeutic effects of swimming, though further research is warranted to fully understand the risks and rewards.<\/p>\n

Specifically concerning women in midlife and beyond, recent studies have delved into the potential advantages of cold water swimming for managing menopausal symptoms. One study, published in the journal Post Reproductive Health<\/em><\/a>, found promising indications that open water swimming could help alleviate issues such as hot flashes, anxiety, and mood swings commonly experienced during menopause.<\/p>\n

So, if you’re curious about the potential benefits of cold water swimming, it might be worth considering taking the plunge, even if it’s just for a quick dip to start. The growing body of research suggests that the chilly waters could hold significant therapeutic potential for both body and mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cCold water has previously been found to improve mood and reduce stress in outdoor swimmers, and\u00a0ice baths have long been used to aid athletes\u2019 muscle repair and recovery,\u201d said the senior author,\u00a0Joyce Harper, PhD<\/a>, in a press release. She is a professor of reproductive science and reproductive health at University College London.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur study supports these claims; meanwhile, the anecdotal evidence also highlights how the activity can be used by women to alleviate physical symptoms, such as hot flushes, aches and pains,\u201d said Dr. Harper.<\/p>\n

Physicians specializing in menopause concur that while hormone therapy (HT) stands as a primary treatment, adopting a “holistic” approach is equally crucial.<\/p>\n

\u201cMany women, whether menopausal or not, find cold water swimming beneficial, especially for their mental health,\u201d said Louise Newson, MBChB<\/a>. She is a physician and menopause specialist at Newson Health Menopause and Wellbeing Centre in Stratford-Upon-Avon, England. She also is not affiliated with the University College London study.<\/p>\n

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For Women Experiencing Menopause, Cold Water Swimming Helped Alleviate Symptoms<\/h2>\n

Dr. Harper and her team embarked on a study to delve into the impact of open water swimming on the health and well-being of women, with a particular focus on its correlation with menstruation and menopause. Leveraging social media platforms, including cold water swimming communities, they recruited female open water swimmers who then participated in a comprehensive 42-question survey.<\/p>\n

The response was substantial, with over 1,100 women participating, with nearly 800 of them in the midst of menopause. Interestingly, the majority of these women engaged in open water swimming throughout the year, opting for swimsuits rather than wetsuits.<\/p>\n

The findings from the survey shed light on the significant benefits experienced by women in managing menopause symptoms through cold water swimming. Among the approximately 700 women experiencing menopausal symptoms, almost half reported a notable reduction in anxiety, while around one-third noticed improvements in mood swings, low mood, and hot flashes. Remarkably, over 60 percent of the participants actively utilized swimming as a means to alleviate their symptoms.<\/p>\n

This research underscores the potential of open water swimming as a holistic approach to enhancing women’s health and well-being, particularly during transitional phases like menopause. It highlights the therapeutic value of immersing oneself in cold water environments, not only for physical fitness but also for mental and emotional wellness, providing valuable insights for both healthcare professionals and individuals seeking alternative avenues for managing menopausal symptoms.<\/p>\n

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Exercise with Friends Helps Build Community<\/h2>\n

In addition to alleviating menopausal symptoms, women cited outdoor exposure, enhancing mental well-being, and engaging in physical activity as their primary reasons for cold water swimming.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe majority of women swim to relieve symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings, and hot flushes. They felt that their symptoms were helped by the physical and mental effects of the cold water, which was more pronounced when it was colder,\u201d said Harper. The benefits were also seen for those who took a dip for longer periods of time.<\/p>\n

Further research still needs to be conducted in terms of frequency, duration, temperature, and exposure needed to reduce menopause symptoms, as per Harper. \u201cHowever, we hope our findings may provide an alternative solution for women struggling with the menopause and encourage more women to take part in sports,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe great thing about cold water swimming is it gets people exercising in nature, and often with friends, which can build a great community,\u201d Harper said.<\/p>\n

The extent to which these advantages would apply to the broader population remains uncertain. The authors of the study recognize potential bias as the survey was exclusively completed by women already engaged in cold water swimming.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, the authors observed that women who had already perceived a link between menopausal symptoms and cold water swimming were more inclined to participate in the survey.<\/p>\n

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\u2018I Feel Like Me at My Best\u2019 According to a Cold Water Swimmer<\/h2>\n

Several women cited in the research expressed that they perceived cold water as an “immediate stress and anxiety reliever,” characterizing the experience as “healing.”<\/p>\n

\u201cCold water is phenomenal. It has saved my life. In the water, I can do anything. All symptoms (physical and mental) disappear, and I feel like me at my best,\u201d said one 57-year-old woman who responded in the study.<\/p>\n

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Cold Open Water Swimming Has Risks<\/h2>\n

Although cold water swimming offers advantages, it also carries inherent risks.<\/p>\n

\u201cCaution must be taken when cold water swimming, as participants could put themselves at risk of hypothermia, cold water shock, cardiac rhythm disturbances, or even drowning,\u201d said Harper.<\/p>\n

She added that water quality standards may also vary depending on the location of swimming, potentially increasing the risk of gastroenteritis and other infections.<\/p>\n

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Safety Tips for Open Water Swimming<\/h2>\n

Considering trying out the advantages of swimming in cold water? It’s advisable to consult your healthcare provider beforehand to ensure safety according to your fitness level and medical background.<\/p>\n

Here are some comprehensive guidelines provided by Chill Therapy<\/a>, a non-profit organization based in the United Kingdom, which collaborates with licensed healthcare professionals and Water Safety USA<\/a>:<\/p>\n