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In a groundbreaking study led by researchers from the University College London (UCL), menopausal women who regularly engage in cold water swimming reported significant improvements in both physical and mental symptoms associated with menopause. The research, published in the journal Post Reproductive Health, surveyed 1,114 women, with 785 of them undergoing menopause, to explore the impact of cold water swimming on health and wellbeing.
The findings revealed a remarkable correlation between cold water swimming and improvements in anxiety, mood swings, low mood, and hot flushes among menopausal women. A substantial 46.9% of women reported reduced anxiety, 34.5% experienced improved mood swings, 31.1% noticed relief in low mood, and 30.3% reported fewer hot flushes as a result of engaging in cold water swimming.
Senior author Professor Joyce Harper from UCL’s EGA Institute for Women’s Health emphasized the potential benefits of cold water on mental health, citing previous research that linked cold water exposure to mood improvement and stress reduction in outdoor swimmers. Harper noted that the study’s anecdotal evidence underscored how cold water swimming could be a valuable activity for women grappling with physical symptoms like hot flushes, aches, and pains.
While recognizing the positive outcomes, Harper stressed the need for further research into factors such as frequency, duration, temperature, and exposure needed to achieve symptom reduction. Nevertheless, the hope is that these findings will provide an alternative solution for women navigating the challenges of menopause and encourage more women to participate in sports.
Beyond alleviating menopausal symptoms, the study highlighted the broader motivations behind cold water swimming. Women participating in the activity cited being outdoors, improving mental health, and exercising as their main reasons for taking the plunge. Harper underscored the social aspect of cold water swimming, emphasizing how the activity fosters a sense of community, especially when done with friends.
The researchers also explored whether cold water swimming had positive effects on menstrual symptoms. Among the 711 women experiencing menstrual symptoms, nearly half reported improvements in anxiety (46.7%), while over a third noted positive effects on mood swings (37.7%) and irritability (37.6%).
Despite the benefits, the researchers issued a cautionary note, emphasizing the potential risks associated with cold water swimming, including hypothermia, cold water shock, cardiac rhythm disturbances, and drowning. They also highlighted the importance of considering water quality standards, as variations may increase the risk of infections such as gastroenteritis. As women explore the potential benefits of cold water swimming, the study encourages a balanced approach, prioritizing safety alongside the potential positive impacts on physical and mental wellbeing.
