Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for hot flushes

Is it possible to manage hot flushes in a natural way? The science says yes! Many studies have proved that a technique called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can really help. So let’s take a closer look…

What is CBT?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – or CBT to you and me – is a range of talking therapies based on the theory that our thoughts, our feelings, and what we do are all connected to how our body feels. It works on the premise that if we change one of these, we can alter the others. “Several studies, in the UK and the Netherlands, with over 600 women, have shown that the CBT significantly reduces the impact of hot flushes and night sweats, and has additional benefits to mood and quality of life,’ describes Professor Myra Hunter, Emeritus Professor of Clinical Health Psychology at King’s College London.

Professor Hunter is the UK’s top expert in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for hot flushes, and has created an guide for Health & Her that explains how you can use CBT techniques to manage your symptoms. As the CBT works on lots of menopause symptoms, we’d recommend that you read the full story – it’s an interesting 10-minute read that explains how the technique works, and how you can get started practicing it at home or with the support of a specialist. Here is CBT for menopause. 

Did you know?

You might have seen women exploring CBT during the BBC programme ‘The Truth About… The Menopause’ with Mariella Frostrup? Professor Myra Hunter was the expert featured.

Where to take the next step

Talk to a specialist GP about CBT – they may be able to refer you. For a private CBT therapist, visit the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy to find an accredited CBT therapist.