The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on menopausal symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Hongjuan Wang, Hui Wang, Jojo Yan Yan Kwok, Siyuan Tang, Mei Sun
Journal of Affective Disorders July 15, 2025 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2025.04.029 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review and meta-analysis Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1,670 |
| Population | Menopausal women |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based interventions |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Menopausal symptoms Menopause Quality of life |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key findings | Mindfulness-based interventions significantly improved menopausal symptoms, quality of life, sleep quality, anxiety, depressive symptoms, stress, and mindfulness levels in menopausal women. |
Abstract
Menopause, a crucial transitioning stage for women, can significantly impact mood and wellbeing. We aimed to systematically examine the effectiveness of Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on health outcomes, including menopausal symptoms, quality of life (QOL), sleep quality, anxiety, depressive symptoms, stress, mindfulness levels, and female sexual function index. Eight databases were searched from inception to November 4, 2024 for randomized controlled trials. Two researchers independently selected, extracted, and appraised trials using the Cochrane Collaboration's 'risk of bias' tool. Meta-analysis, subgroup analysis, leave-one-out sensitivity analysis, and meta-regression were performed using Stata 18.0. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to assess the quality of evidence. A total of 19 studies (1670 participants) published between 2011 and 2024 were identified. Of these, 18 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with control group, The pooled analysis demonstrated that MBIs had statistically significant effects on menopausal symptoms (SMD, -2.10; 95 % CI, -3.49 to -0.70), QOL (SMD, -0.88; 95 % CI, -1.67 to -0.09), sleep quality (SMD, -0.92; 95 % CI, -1.65 to -0.20), anxiety (SMD, -1.03; 95 % CI, -1.42 to -0.66), depressive symptoms (SMD, -0.91; 95 % CI, -1.30 to -0.53), stress (SMD, -0.85; 95 % CI, -1.55 to -0.15), and mindfulness levels (SMD, 1.19; 95 % CI, 0.35 to 2.02). The overall quality of evidence for all pooled estimates were graded as low and moderate due to methodological limitations and small sample size. The low attrition rate (6 %) and relatively high adherence rate (79 %) highlight the acceptability of MBIs. This systematic review and meta-analysis support using of MBIs to improve health outcomes in menopausal women. Rigorous randomized controlled trials with extended follow-up are needed to elucidate the mechanisms linking MBIs to menopausal health and strengthen evidence for clinical application.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being Diverse adult clinical populations | 2014 | Meta-analysis | n = 3,515 |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis Healthy subjects | 2009 | Systematic review and meta-analysis | |
| The psychological effects of meditation: A meta-analysis. Nonclinical groups of adult meditators | 2012 | Meta-analysis | n = 163 |
| Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse Adults with recurrent depression in full or partial remission | 2016 | Meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomized controlled trials | n = 1,258 |
| Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials | 2011 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- 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
- Mindfulness- and relaxation-based interventions for Premenstrual Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Women & health August 25, 2026
Cites 20
- What defines mindfulness-based programs? The warp and the weft Psychological Medicine December 29, 2016
- Mindfulness-based interventions: an overall review British Medical Bulletin April 21, 2021
- Effects of mindful-attention and compassion meditation training on amygdala response to emotional stimuli in an ordinary, non-meditative state Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2012
- Functional brain mapping of the relaxation response and meditation Neuroreport May 1, 2000
- Mindfulness training for coping with hot flashes Menopause: The Journal of The North American Menopause Society March 4, 2011
and 15 more in the library