Natural therapies are becoming increasingly popular among menopausal women seeking to ease their symptoms. A study published in the latest issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that a simple, brisk walking routine can reduce various psychological symptoms associated with menopause such as anxiety, stress, and depression. Between 1996 and 1997, 380 women living in Philadelphia were recruited to be observed for at least eight years. The women reported physical activity level and frequency of menopausal symptoms including stress, anxiety, depression, and hot flashes.

Researchers found that higher levels of physical activity were most beneficial to post menopausal women - who reported lower levels of perceived stress than those who did not exercise. This group walked at a moderate pace of 4 miles per hour for an hour and a half at least 5 times a week. Though the study found mental benefits of exercise, it did not find exercise to reduce physical symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes.

Head researcher Deborah Nelson adds, "Physical symptoms like hot flashes ... go away when you reach menopause, but mental health is something women still need to think about post-menopause." You don't have to run 20 miles a week to reap the benefits of exercise. If you stay with a moderate-paced walking schedule, it can keep your body mass index down and lower the risk of stress, anxiety and depression.

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