Hyderabad:In an effort to address the often-overlooked struggles of menopausal women, a 45-day lifestyle intervention conducted in Hyderabad’s urban slums has shown remarkable results.
The study, published in the Journal of Biological Methods, demonstrated a 50 per cent reduction in menopause symptoms among participants, who underwent the programme, compared to those receiving standard care.
The study, conducted by researchers from ESIC Medical College, involved 82 postmenopausal women aged between 45 and 60 years, divided equally into experimental and control groups.
The experimental group participated in a comprehensive intervention focusing on six domains: health education, physical activity, nutrition, mindfulness, interpersonal relationships, and stress management.
According to the study, the programme endeavoured to “correctly and carefully alleviate the bodily and emotional burden of menopause” through holistic lifestyle adjustments.
The results were transformative - the menopause rating scale (MRS) scores in the intervention group dropped significantly from 12.85 to 6.17, while overall health-promoting behaviour scores increased by 30 points. Nutrition and stress management showed the most improvement, with scores rising by 67 per cent and 48 per cent, respectively. Meanwhile, the control group, which did not participate in the programme, saw no significant changes in symptoms or health-promoting behaviours.
The researchers highlighted the importance of practical and sustainable solutions tailored to underserved communities. The study reported that participants were encouraged to incorporate affordable dietary changes, such as adding calcium-rich foods, and to engage in simple physical activities like walking and yoga. Regular WhatsApp group interactions and follow-ups kept participants motivated, ensuring consistent engagement throughout the programme.
“Dietary changes, such as shifts to food rich in calcium and fibre, have become crucial measures,” the study noted, while emphasising that “stress management can ease their mental burden.”
These findings highlight the significant impact of combining nutrition, physical activity, and stress relief into a structured lifestyle programme.
Although physical activity and spiritual growth showed modest improvements, the study showed the need for structured interventions to address the broader challenges of menopause. Researchers advocated for integrating such programmes into primary healthcare systems, particularly in resource-constrained settings, to offer accessible solutions to women navigating menopause.
The study also emphasised the wider implications of menopause on women’s health, noting that it “goes far beyond vasomotor symptoms” and can lead to increased risks of cardiovascular and musculoskeletal issues.
With menopause affecting nearly a third of a woman’s life, the researchers called for holistic approaches to improve quality of life during this critical phase.
The findings pave the way for replicating similar programmes in other underserved communities, as it offers a model for affordable, effective and sustainable menopause care.
