Manage Menopause Symptoms with Music
Listening to Music Eases Symptoms and Improves Mood
Looking for a new nonpharmacologic way to manage menopause-related hot flashes or depressed mood? Turn up the music. Think about it…music evokes emotions either good or bad. How many times have you started singing along to a favorite song, or dancing to a new sound that literally moves you and makes you feel good? Music can move one to tears, help you express anger, and frustration, or elicit sheer joy and love. Now research has shown it may help women manage menopause-related symptoms too! Â
We already know from research that other alternative therapies such as mindfulness training, meditation, cognitive behavioral therapies, and even hypnosis may help manage mood disorders such as depression that impact the mental health of many women during perimenopause or menopause. The use of music as therapy is rooted in ancient beliefs that music can cure the body and soul.
Emerging research indicates music causes biological changes in the brain that may be therapeutic for managing menopause-related symptoms. Music stimulates the secretion of neurotransmitters that decrease stress, reduce blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate. In other words, music can promote relaxation and alleviate depression and other menopause symptoms. More research is needed to confirm the benefits of music therapy for menopause symptoms, however, there is no risk associated with listening to music, so why not give it a try? The key is to pick the music you LIKE and listen to it often!Â
