Exercise may ease menopause-related depression and improve quality of life, offering a viable alternative to hormone therapy for many women.
Hormonal changes impact mental health
The hormonal changes of midlife affect not only the body but also mental well-being. Many women experience depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances during this time, but may not always be able to access hormone therapy.Hormone therapy has limitations
Hormone therapy is not suitable for all, and therapies are lacking in capacity. In the United Kingdom, one in ten women eventually leaves their job due to these symptoms. Facing this situation, hormone therapy remains the first option, but it is not suitable for all, particularly after certain cancers, and many avoid it out of fear of risks.Exercise as a potential solution
A team from University College London compiled, in a review published in October 2026 in Menopause, twelve randomized trials and more than a thousand women to measure the effect of exercise on mood during this hormonal transition. Physical activity during menopause could significantly reduce depression and improve quality of life, despite requiring only moderate effort.Endurance activities yield best results
Not all movement produces the same effect. Endurance activities, such as brisk walking, Zumba, dance, or taekwondo, showed the strongest reduction in depressive symptoms and the best overall quality of life.
