Innovative program designed to make menopause more manageable

The University of Newcastle’s Psychology Clinic will trial a new program designed to alleviate the life-changing, and often debilitating, effects of menopause.

Managing symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia, fatigue and muscle weakness will form part of the 10-session Menopause Made Manageable program.

Dr Rosemary Webster from the Faculty of Science and Information Technology said the program was designed for women between the ages of 40 and 65, who were experiencing menopause.

"Increasing numbers of women are juggling the demands of work, health, family and relationships while not feeling as well as they could," Dr Webster said.

"The impact of the sometimes problematic symptoms of menopause can be overlooked or dismissed as par for the course of menopause.

"The unpredictable nature, frequency and duration of symptoms often compound the impact of menopause and can lead to long-term health problems."

The University’s group therapy program includes information and management strategies on topics such as the physiology of menopause symptoms; physical wellbeing, exercise, weight and nutrition; changing behaviour; managing stress, anxiety and depression; and assertiveness and social skills.

Clinical and Health Psychology Doctoral student, Cindy Buxton, will evaluate the success of the program and the feasibility of conducting it on an ongoing basis. Women will be asked to complete a survey about their menopause status and physical and emotional well-being before and after attending the Menopause Made Manageable program.

(Source: University of Newcastle: Menopause Made Manageable: May 2009)