Abstract
BackgroundWomen commonly seek medical advice about menopausal symptoms. Although menopausal hormone therapy is the most effective treatment, many women prefer non-pharmacological treatments, such as physical activity. The effectiveness of physical activity has been inconclusive when assessed by randomised controlled trials, and it remains unclear how women feel about it as a possible treatment approach. The aim of the study was to explore symptomatic menopausal women’s views and experiences of physical activity as a treatment for vasomotor and other menopausal symptoms.MethodsAn in-depth qualitative study was embedded within a randomised controlled trial that assessed the effectiveness of physical activity as a treatment for vasomotor menopausal symptoms in previously inactive vasomotor symptomatic women. Participants were randomised to one of two physical activity interventions or a usual care group. Both physical activity interventions involved two one-to-one consultations, plus either supporting materials or access to physical activity support groups, over 6 months. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 purposively selected participants from all three trial groups after they had completed trial follow-up. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed by constant comparison.ResultsAll participants talked positively about physical activity as a treatment for their menopausal symptoms, with most reporting participation had improved their hot flushes and night sweats. They reported that they had experienced improved sleep, physical health and psychological well-being. Those who received the physical activity plus social-support intervention reported their ability to cope with their menopausal symptoms had improved. Many participants commented that they would prefer doctors to discuss physical activity as a possible treatment for their hot flushes and night sweats, before offering medication.ConclusionsBased on the views and experiences of the women who participated in this study, healthcare professionals should continue discussing physical activity as a potential first treatment option with menopausal women. Furthermore, healthcare professionals should ensure they prepare, support, and encourage these women both physically and emotionally.Trial registrationISRCTN ISRCTN06495625 Registered 10/11/2010
Highlights
Women commonly seek medical advice about menopausal symptoms
This study aims to explore the feelings, attitudes, and experiences of women who were experiencing vasomotor menopausal symptoms in relation to three key areas of enquiry: (i) using physical activity as a treatment for their Hot flushes (HF)/Night sweats (NS), (ii) the potential for physical activity to improve their quality of life, and (iii) to consider women’s views about the future implementation of physical activity as a treatment for HF/NS
Study design and setting Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants from the Active Women Study, a randomised controlled trial (RCT) that investigated the effectiveness of two physical activity interventions compared to usual care on HF/NS and other health outcomes in vasomotor symptomatic women [15]
Summary
Women commonly seek medical advice about menopausal symptoms. menopausal hormone therapy is the most effective treatment, many women prefer non-pharmacological treatments, such as physical activity. Menopause is a natural phase of a woman’s life that typically occurs when they are around 47–50 years [1] For many women this period can be a difficult physiological and psychological transition with around 45% of women seeking professional advice for their menopausal symptoms [2,3,4,5,6]. There has been a decline in the use of MHT [8, 9] due to concerns about potential associated adverse risks [10], and women are keen to try non-pharmacological treatments. A recent systematic review concluded that there was insufficient evidence on whether physical activity is an effective treatment for HF/NS [11]
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