Menopausal women are reported to have a better quality of life when they exercised.
According to a study conducted by Dr. Steriani Elavsky, women passing through their menopause are reported to have a better quality of life when they exercised. The improvements in heart and respiratory fitness are said to have a positive effect on their perceived quality of life.
This research was carried out on 164 inactive menopausal women who were divided into three groups on a random basis. One group was assigned to perform Yoga while the second group was asked to walk and the third group remained inactive. The average age of women in this study was fifty. These women were asked to follow this routine for four months.Improvement in quality of life was reported in women who walked regularly or did yoga. Anxiety and stress related to menopause also was reduced. This study is published in the April issue of the journal- Annals of Behavioral Medicine.
But Dr. Lila Nachtigall, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at New York University School of Medicine does not seem to concur with this report. Though she agrees that exercise has beneficial effects on heart, lungs, arteries and weight she does not agree that it may bring down hot flashes. Sleep disturbance and anxiety level may be controlled by exercise. But hormone replacement therapy is the best for severe hot flashes.
Source-Medindia
JYT