Effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on mental health in natural menopause: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Frontiers in Global Women s Health July 10, 2026 Flavia Bonfadini, Laura Paplauskaite, Michelle Hughes et al.
A systematic review of randomized and non-randomized controlled trials found that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) may improve mental health symptoms in women undergoing natural menopause. A meta-analysis showed a moderate-to-large effect on composite psychosocial outcomes, but smaller effects on anxiety and depression measured independently. No study assessed cognitive function with validated instruments. The authors suggest the discrepancy between composite and standalone mood effects may reflect measurement differences between menopause-specific and generic instruments, or that cognitive complaints contribute to the observed benefits. Substantial methodological limitations temper confidence in these findings.