Effect of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Menopausal Symptoms: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background and purpose: Reducing estrogen levels in perimenopausal period cause menopause-like symptoms. Hormonal and non-hormonal treatments are done to improve these symptoms. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on menopausal symptoms in perimenopausal women. Materials and methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted in which 73 perimenopausal women were recruited in Yazd, Iran 2017.  Samples were randomly divided into two groups [intervention (n=36) and control (n=37)]. The intervention group received Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) once a week during eight two-hour sessions, while no intervention was done in the control group. Demographic questionnaire, Cooperman's index, the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) were completed by both groups before, immediately, and one month after the intervention. Results: The mean scores for overall menopausal symptoms and its dimensions (except for the uro-genital dimension) in intervention group, decreased significantly after the intervention compared to those of the control group (P<0.001). The repeated measure showed that overall menopausal symptoms and its dimensions mean scores in intervention group changed significantly in three intervals of the study (P<0.001). Conclusion: MBCT was found to be effective in improving menopausal symptoms, so, it can be considered as a supporting method in management of symptoms associated with perimenopausal period.   (Clinical Trials Registry Number: IRCT2017080935598N1)