The use of Neurofeedback in dealing with menopause
Dr. Dawn Harris, founder and CEO of Kedras Clinics, has been working successfully with Neurofeedback for years. In an article, she shares how neurofeedback can also be used in dealing with symptoms of menopause. The article appeared in the British journal Menopause in June 2023.
The hormonal changes that accompany menopause can be a not insignificant burden for some women, which can be associated with a number of challenges for the women affected. Dr. Dawn Harris explains how Neurofeedback can help patients regain a better quality of life. The perimenopausal changes in a woman's body begin on average at age 47 and last about four to five years (Krug 2022:93). This hormonal reprogramming can be accompanied by a number of physical, neurological as well as psychological changes. In particular, these changes can manifest themselves in hot flashes, sleep disturbances, forgetfulness, mood swings, changes in weight, development of anxiety, skin changes, and relationship problems, to name just a few of the possible symptoms. Since both the intensity of perimenopausal symptoms and the coping strategies associated with them vary, some women may find it challenging to find a therapy that suits them and is associated with as few undesirable side effects as possible.
According to a study from 2021, menopause causes dynamic neurological transformations that have a significant impact on the structure of the brain. Against this background, it is obvious to use therapy components that address these neurological dysregulations. This is where Neurofeedback comes in - with the help of the non-invasive and at the same time safe and fast technology, the brain and the body can learn to regenerate from the neurological changes.
What benefits can Neurofeedback have in the context of symptomatic menopause?
Neurofeedback can work on the regulation of subcortical areas of the brain, including the amygdala, the control center of emotions. In addition, neurofeedback can also work on the regulation of the hypothalamus, which can affect the patient's body temperature. The hippocampus, which is primarily associated with memory, can also be trained through neurofeedback. In addition to the brain areas already mentioned, neurofeedback training also focuses on the regulation of the prefrontal cortex, so that, for example, the ability to concentrate can be trained. Neurofeedback can thus address many of the symptoms associated with menopause by acting on these parts of the brain.
Read the full article in the June issue of Menopause Life magazine.
https://menopauseexperts.com/product/menopause-life-june-2023/
We would also like to advance the knowledge in this area. We are therefore looking for interested therapists who would like to be part of a study investigating case studies on this topic. If you are interested, please let us know here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScoACLdNJnqX8g4We7BVTKfHoVrzD8ix-g4oj7WYlpT_p3RAw/viewform?usp=sf_link
Additional sources:
Krug, M. (2022): Menopause - ein Organ verabschiedet sich. EHK; 71: 89-96. a-1718-1360.pdf (thieme-connect.com)
