Ways to Relax During Menopause

Menopause is the permanent end of a woman's period. It typically happens naturally but can occur prematurely due to specific medical treatments or diseases; premature menopause is perimenopause. During perimenopause, the time leading up to menopause, women produce fewer hormones, and the first symptom is typically a change in a woman’s menstrual cycle.

Menopause causes an imbalance in hormone levels and can cause stress, hot flashes, and fatigue. While there are over-the-counter and prescription medications that can help with symptom relief, relaxation techniques can be a helpful complementary treatment. This article reviews how to manage menopause symptoms with relaxation techniques and provides an overview of techniques you can try.

Symptoms of Menopause

Common menopause symptoms include:

• Hot flashes 
• Vaginal dryness
• Trouble sleeping
• Fatigue
• Headaches

These symptoms can cause significant discomfort—disrupting sleep and making everyday life difficult.

Relaxation Techniques

The following relaxation techniques are exercises that decrease stress and tension. 

Deep Breathing

Deep breathing exercises involve placing your hand on your belly while focusing your attention on the rise and fall of your breathing. Practice this daily, and soon you will be able to do it anytime you feel tense.

Boxed Breathing

Boxed or square breathing is convenient because you can follow these steps anytime and anywhere:

• Breathe in through the nose for four (or two) seconds
• Hold your breath four (or two) seconds
• Breath out
• Repeat and visualize a square as you breathe

4-7-8 Breathing Technique

The following 4-7-8 technique steps help decrease the stress hormone cortisol:

• Breathe in through your nose for four seconds
• Hold your breath for seven seconds
• Breathe out through your mouth for eight seconds

Paced Breathing

The paced breathing technique involves controlled, deep breaths that slow your breathing as you concentrate on your diaphragm (area below the lungs):

• Breathe in slowly, feeling your chest move out, for five seconds
• Release your breath for five seconds 
• Alternate steps for 15 minutes twice daily
• Perform for five minutes when having a hot flash

Word Repetition

The following technique uses word repetition to help you relax:

• Pick a focus word 
• Breathe naturally
• Repeat your focus word silently as you breathe out
• Practice 10 to 20 minutes once or twice a day

Autogenic Training

Autogenic training works by using internal suggestions to create a feeling of heaviness and warmth. To practice this technique, find a quiet spot and spend a few minutes deep breathing while quietly stating a positive affirmation.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Progressive muscle relaxation involves systematically tensing and releasing your muscles. Start from your head and work down, taking deep breaths and being careful not to overly tense or cause pain.

Meditation

The following focused meditation exercise helps you tune out the rest of the world and focus on yourself:

• Focus on the air moving in and out of your body 
• Release the tension as you breathe out
• Visualize the incoming air as oxygen and energy  
• If your mind wanders, focus on a sensation or object

Guided Imagery

Guided imagery involves visualizing objects, scenes, or events associated with calmness. Simply close your eyes and imagine something peaceful to you, such as a beach, mountain, sunset, or your favorite pet.

Benefits of Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques help decrease stress, muscle tension, heart rate, blood pressure, hot flashes, irritability, and fatigue. The 4-7-8 method also helps women fight food cravings, sleep better, and manage emotional responses.

Side Effects

Relaxation techniques are considered safe in otherwise healthy people. Some have reported anxiousness when slowing down to practice these techniques. Rarely certain techniques worsen epilepsy or anxiety.

For those with heart disease, talk to your healthcare providers before progressive muscle relaxation. Likewise, if you experience dizziness or hyperventilation, speak with your healthcare provider before practicing paced breathing.

Summary

Menopause is the permanent end of a woman’s menstrual cycle. It can cause stress, hot flashes, fatigue, mood swings, and more. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and the 4-7-8 method can help women relax and decrease muscle tension.

A Word From Verywell

Menopause can be an uncomfortable time in a woman's life. Relaxation techniques and positive affirmations are methods that can be used at home to decrease symptoms associated with menopause. However, you don’t have to do it alone. If symptoms worsen or persist, talk to your healthcare provider so they can help provide relief.