Cold water swimming could be beneficial for menopause signs, study suggests

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Cold water swimming could assist alleviate the bodily and psychological signs of menopause, similar to sizzling flushes, anxiousness and temper swings, in accordance with a study.

Those who swam for longer intervals or swam extra repeatedly reported better advantages, researchers mentioned.

The survey of 1,114 girls who repeatedly swam in chilly water was performed by lecturers from University College London (UCL).

The age vary spanned from 16 to 80, with most girls aged between 45 and 59.

The 785 menopausal girls within the group reported signs similar to anxiousness, poor focus, sizzling flushes and evening sweats.

Some 46.9 per cent mentioned chilly water swimming helped their anxiousness, whereas 34.5 per cent mentioned their temper swings had lessened.

A fifth reported a discount in evening sweats, whereas 31.1 per cent mentioned sizzling flushes had decreased.

Some 711 girls reported menstrual signs similar to tiredness, anxiousness, temper swings, bother sleeping and irritability.

Almost half (46.7 per cent) mentioned they believed the exercise had improved their anxiousness, together with 37.7 per cent who reported a discount in temper swings.

Improved sleeping was reported by 21 per cent of the ladies, whereas irritability was decreased in 37.6 per cent.

Researchers mentioned swimming habits “varied overall” among the many girls, however those that swam extra repeatedly or for longer intervals of time have been extra more likely to report a discount in signs.

They added: “Teaching women to swim safely and encouraging them to swim regularly may have a benefit on the debilitating symptoms associated with the perimenopause.”

Among those that reported a discount in a number of signs mentioned they swim particularly to assist alleviate them.

One 57-year-old girl who accomplished the survey mentioned chilly water is “phenomenal”.

“It has saved my life,” she added.

“In the water, I can do anything. All symptoms (physical and mental) disappear and I feel like me at my best.”

Senior writer professor Joyce Harper, of the UCL EGA Institute for Women’s Health, mentioned the findings, revealed in Post Reproductive Health, help claims about chilly water swimming.

She mentioned: “Cold water has previously been found to improve mood and reduce stress in outdoor swimmers, and ice baths have long been used to aid athletes’ muscle repair and recovery.

“Our study supports these claims, meanwhile the anecdotal evidence also highlights how the activity can be used by women to alleviate physical symptoms, such as hot flushes, aches and pains.

“More research still needs to be done into the frequency, duration, temperature and exposure needed to elicit a reduction in symptoms.

“However, we hope our findings may provide an alternative solution for women struggling with the menopause and encourage more women to take part in sports.”

However, Harper urged warning when chilly water swimming, including: “Participants could put themselves at risk of hypothermia, cold water shock, cardiac rhythm disturbances or even drowning.

“Depending on where they are swimming, water quality standards may also vary. Raw sewage pollution is an increasingly common concern in UK rivers and seas. And, sadly, this can increase the likelihood of gastroenteritis and other infections.”