The use of cold water immersion as an alternative therapy For menopausal symptoms: a narrative review

Abstract

     This study was survey research aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of cold water immersion as a therapeutic approach for menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes and night sweats, which significantly affect women’s quality of life, emotional well-being, and daily functioning during menopause. Hormone replacement therapy may present limitations and side effects in certain individuals; therefore, cold water immersion has gained increasing attention as an alternative therapeutic method. This study was conducted as a narrative review by collecting and synthesizing information from international academic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Sage Journals, Springer Nature Link, Oxford Academic, MDPI, and Google Scholar. The reviewed literature focused on the effects of cold water immersion on menopausal symptoms, as well as recommendations and precautions for safe practice.

     The findings revealed that cold water immersion may help reduce the severity of hot flashes through mechanisms involving thermoregulatory balance within the hypothalamus, thereby improving the body’s temperature control. In addition, cold exposure may stimulate neurotransmitter release associated with mood enhancement, promote sleep quality, and reduce stress. However, menopausal women are considered a vulnerable population with increased sensitivity to rapid temperature changes. Therefore, it is recommended that the initial water temperature be maintained between 12–15 degrees Celsius, with immersion durations limited to 5–15 minutes per session, approximately 2–3 times per week. Excessive exposure may increase the risk of hypothermia and adverse cardiovascular effects.