Menopausal symptoms arising from cancer treatments may be reduced by adhering to physical activity, a new study by the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) has determined.
The study, released in Menopause, was conducted by evaluating the menopausal symptoms and the prevalence of physical activity of about 300 women.
Menopausal symptoms include hot flashes, insomnia, night sweats, irregular menstruation cycles, and mood fluctuations.
According to the NAMS news release, the intensity of physical activity could aid in lessening the symptoms associated with menopause following cancer treatment such as radiotherapy, surgical removal of the ovaries, or systemic chemotherapy.
“Results suggest that menopause symptoms are less severe in women with medium to high levels of physical activity than in women with low levels of such activity,” the NAMS press release states.
“The intervention, however, was not determined to play a role in increasing physical activity in women being treated for breast, reproductive, or blood cancers.”
“On the basis of study results, researchers suggest that an increased focus on exercise training should be part of the long-term maintenance program for women after cancer treatment,” the press release concludes.
