Regular brisk walking helps women cope with the menopause

Scientists in the U.S. say some of the symptoms of the menopause can be alleviated with regular exercise.

The researchers from Temple University in Philadelphia say women who suffer from stress, anxiety or depression because of the menopause may benefit from a regular walking routine.

According to the new research physical activity can help throughout the menopausal transition and afterwards.

The study's lead author Dr. Deborah Nelson, says in an aging population, physical activity is one way for women to stay mentally healthy.

The research team tracked 380 Philadelphia women with an average age of 42 recruited between 1996 and 1997, for more than eight years.

The women were assessed on their levels of physical activity, and for symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression and hot flashes and all of the women were pre-menopausal at the start of the study.

Of the women, 49 percent were African American, 58 percent reported more than a high school education, and 38 percent smoked cigarettes.

The women were placed into three groups, the top-tier group walked at a moderate pace for an hour and a half at least five times a week; the middle tier walked five times a week for 40 minutes and the bottom group - considered the non-exercisers walked for 15 minutes about five times a week.

The research revealed that women who were postmenopausal benefited most from walking at a moderate pace and this was particularly so for African-American women.

The women who walked for five days a week for an hour and a half at a speed of 6.5 km/h, while they reported no reduction in hot flashes they did report less stress and better emotional well-being.

Dr. Nelson says the women walked outside on city blocks or in shopping malls and the regime did not require going to the gym.

Nelson says it is not necessary to run 20 miles a week to reap the benefits of exercise as a moderate-paced walking schedule can keep body mass index down and lower the risk of stress, anxiety and depression.

The study is published in the January issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention.