Researchers at a major U.S. university explored how cold water immersion affects anxiety, mood, and menopausal symptoms. The study, published in Post-Reproductive Health, examined the potential mental and physical benefits of regular cold-water exposure for women who have entered menopause.
Involving 1,114 women, including 785 who had reached menopause, the study observed that most participants, about 63.3 percent, regularly swim in cold water to ease menopause-related symptoms and support overall health, while others swam infrequently or not at all. The researchers gathered health information from the volunteers and asked menopausal participants to self-assess changes in hot flashes, mood fluctuations, and anxiety. The results showed notable associations: nearly half of regular cold-water swimmers reported reduced anxiety, with 46.9 percent noting an improvement. About one-third, 34 percent, reported fewer mood swings, while 31.1 percent described mood swings as less severe. Additionally, 30.3 percent of participants stated fewer and milder hot flashes as a result of cold-water swimming. These findings highlight a potential link between cold-water exposure and menopausal symptom management, though individual experiences vary.
The study’s lead author, a professor at a university women’s health institute, explained that cold-water exposure aligns with athletic recovery practices. Regular exposure to cold water has been associated with mood enhancement and reduced stress, offering a plausible mechanism for the observed psychological benefits. The report emphasizes that cold-water routines should be approached with care and safety in mind, particularly for those new to this practice.
Experts cautioned that safety is paramount when engaging in cold-water swimming. Participants were advised to avoid hypothermia, choose clean, well-maintained water, and gradually build tolerance rather than jumping into extreme conditions. The recommendation underscores the importance of medical or professional guidance for individuals with cardiovascular concerns or other health issues. In addition, it is essential to monitor body signals during and after immersion and to discontinue activity if signs of distress appear.
Questions about menopause and active coping strategies remain a priority for researchers. While the results indicate potential benefits for mood and hot-flash frequency, they do not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Further work is needed to understand the long-term implications of cold-water exposure, the ideal duration and frequency of sessions, and how factors such as water temperature, swimming technique, and individual health status influence outcomes.