The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on menopausal symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

J Affect Disord. 2025 Apr 5:S0165-0327(25)00590-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2025.04.029. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: 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.

METHODS: 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.

RESULTS: 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.

CONCLUSIONS: 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.

PMID:40194630 | DOI:10.1016/j.jad.2025.04.029