Massage & Menopause: Supporting Your Body Through Change
Massage is well known for improving overall health and wellbeing, but its benefits for women experiencing menopause are becoming increasingly recognised. Research continues to highlight how massage, particularly lymphatic drainage, can play a role in managing symptoms during this significant life stage.
Understanding Perimenopause & Menopause
Perimenopause marks the transition leading up to menopause, when hormonal fluctuations begin, often causing symptoms such as irregular periods and changes in mood. Menopause is defined as the point when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle.
Common symptoms during this time include:
Irregular or skipped periods
Heavier or lighter bleeding than usual
Hot flushes
Vaginal dryness
Increased urinary urgency
Sleep disturbances
Mood changes such as irritability, low mood, or mood swings
With more women seeking natural ways to manage these changes, lymphatic massage is emerging as a supportive therapy. Research has shown a strong link between a well-functioning lymphatic system and a reduction in menopause-related symptoms.
A 2017 study in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science found that a single session of lymphatic massage led to a significant reduction in stress-related hormones such as cortisol and DHEA. Participants reported improved mood, reduced water retention, and better overall well-being.
The Benefits of Lymphatic Massage During Menopause
Lymphatic massage offers a range of benefits that can help ease common menopausal symptoms, including:
Supporting circulation and reducing fluid retention
Enhancing sleep quality
Boosting energy levels and reducing fatigue
Improving mental clarity and focus
Increasing joint mobility and flexibility
Supporting soft tissue healing
Stimulating the lymphatic system for overall wellness
Additionally, massage can help lower blood pressure and regulate body temperature, which may assist in managing hot flushes and brain fog.
Relaxation-focused techniques, such as Swedish massage, have also been shown to help regulate stress, improve sleep, and promote a sense of balance during hormonal shifts.
Post-Menopause & Sleep Support
Many women experience sleep disturbances during and after menopause, with studies estimating that between 28% and 63% of postmenopausal women suffer from insomnia.
Massage has been found to support the autonomic nervous system, helping to restore balance within the body. A study published in PMC examined the effects of twice-weekly massage sessions over an eight-week period. Participants reported improvements in how quickly they fell asleep, better sleep quality, and feeling more refreshed upon waking.
However, the study also found that once massage sessions stopped, symptoms tended to return, highlighting the importance of regular treatments for lasting benefits.
Supporting Your Menopause Journey with Massage
If you’re experiencing the effects of menopause and looking for a natural way to support your body, lymphatic massage may help. Get in touch with Gold Coast Lymphatic Massage to discuss a treatment plan tailored to your needs.