Holistic approaches to health and wellness are increasing, with menopause management being no exception. That’s why this October, for Menopause Awareness month (and World Menopause Day on the 18th), we launched “The State of Menopause Wellness Report”. 

As the official theme for this year’s awareness month is “Lifestyle Medicine”, we have commissied nationwide research (via Censuswide) to find out how holistic treatments can play a supportive role. We surveyed over 1,000 people who are currently or have recently expereinced perimenopause and menopause, highlighting the struggles, breakthroughs, and the rise of holistic therapies. The findings shine a light on:

• Current gaps in GP support and how long it takes women to get help.
• The link between mental health and menopause experiences.
• The use of Holistic therapies like yoga, mindfulness and hydrotherapy.
• A shift in attitudes, awareness and treatment options over the last decade.

Early Diagnosis and Support Could Provide Better Menopause Experiences

Our study found that, the majority of respondents, more than six in ten (62%), describe their menopause journey as being a negative or bad experience. With data suggesting that slow diagnosis and GP dismissal could be contributing factors.

Whilst diagnosis alone won’t solve this, our study found correlations between early diagnosis and early support, with “better” menopause experiences. 

• Those who reported a “very good” experience were more likely to be diagnosed and supported early. Help typically arrived by their second visit.
• Those who described menopause as “traumatic” often faced long waits and repeated GP visits before their concerns were taken seriously. Support comes much later, often by the fourth or fifth appointment.

The Mental Health Connection

The survey findings also uncovered a powerful link between menopause and mental health. Respondents who struggled with loneliness and GP dismissal during menopause, were more likely to identify as having “poor” mental health.

• Women with poor mental health were nearly three times more likely to feel alone during menopause (63% vs 18%).
• They were also almost twice as likely to feel dismissed by their GP (46% vs 24%).

This correlation could indicate that women who are already vulnerable are often the least supported, leaving them isolated at a time when they most need compassion and understanding.

The Rise Of Holistic Therapies for Managing Symptoms

It is no wonder then, that those experiencing menopause and perimenopause are increasingly looking beyond traditional treatments. Almost three-quarters (72%) believe that doctors should be able to prescribe social or holistic therapies alongside important medicines such as HRT.

The 10 most effective holsitic therapies for menopause:

1. Yoga or pilates 
2. Cold water therapy
3. Breathwork
4. Meditation or mindfulness 
5. Supplements 
6. Hydrotherapy
7. Diet changes
8. Aromatherapy
9. Herbal remedies
10. Menopause specific apps or online communities

Sarah Gilbertson, Therapeutic Coach for Women in Midlife and Founder of FlourishWell Coaching explains, “The most helpful therapies are the ones women enjoy and feel they can sustain. Yoga, Pilates and breathwork support body and mind. Weight training builds strength and protects bone health. Journalling or mindfulness bring clarity. And hydrotherapy –  from hot tubs to warm baths – can ease muscle tension and offer much-needed calm.”

The Effectiveness of Hydrotherapy and Hot Tubs For Managing Menopause

Water-based therapies can provide a source of comfort for many when managing menopause symptoms, according to research published on WhatSpa?. From hot tubs and saunas to warm baths and cold plunges, hydrotherapy offers a natural way to ease both body and mind.

It turns out that our survey respondent’s agree. The majority (63%) said that they use warm baths, saunas or hot tubs to help manage their symptoms. 

In addition, nearly half of women (45%) said water-based therapies such as these are effective for managing menopause symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings and hot flushes. By comparison, only 15% felt they weren’t effective, while 41% were neutral. 

Similar responses were found among perimenopausal women, almost one in two (48%) reported finding hydrotherapy effective. This suggests that simple practices, like soaking in a warm bath or spending time in a hot tub, can play a meaningful role in helping women relax, reduce stress, and regain a sense of control.

Menopause Managment Has Come a Long Way, But it’s Not Enough

The good news is that attitudes towards menopause are shifting. Compared to a decade ago, most women agree that awareness and understanding have improved. But while progress has been made, there’s still work to do.

• 77% of women feel that general menopause awareness has improved in the past 10 years, with almost a third (30%) describing this as a “high improvement.”
• 76% say awareness of the range of menopause symptoms has improved – a step forward in recognising that menopause is more than just hot flushes.
• Just over half (51%) believe that the speed of diagnosis has improved, but nearly a quarter (23%) feel nothing has changed, and almost one in ten (9%) feel it has actually declined.

Finding Holistic Treatments That Work for You

Menopause management has come a long way in the last decade and it is exciting to see the increase in access to treatment and the variety of therapies being used. At Platinum Spas, we believe that wellbeing is multi-faceted and this is only strengthened through these survey findings.  For many women, therapies like hydrotherapy, mindfulness, and movement can make a real difference alongside medical support. It’s all about finding what works best for you and your body.

If you’re looking to integrate hydrotherapy at home for your menopause symptoms, Platinum Spas’ range of hot tubs and swim spas are a great solution. Get in touch to find out more or book a visit to your nearest hot tub showroom to see our products in person.