80 to 85% of menopausal women experience hot flashes, night sweats, irritability and anxiety. Each year about 1.5 million women reach menopause. That’s 1.2 to 1.275 million unhappy, flashing, irritable women every year. Since menopause symptoms can go on for several years, these women can reach numbers high enough to qualify for a minority group status.

But help may be as simple as regular exercise, and it doesn’t have to be heavy-duty aerobic classes or powerlifting. In a study of 164 sedentary menopausal women who did no additional exercise for four months, but began either a walking program or a yoga program, the symptoms of menopause reportedly decreased and the women reported generally better health and mood.

The bottom line is that physical activity can lessen symptoms and increase quality of life for millions of women who suffer from the symptoms of menopause.

Walking, Yoga May Enhance Quality of Life During Menopause