User Outcomes for an App-Delivered Hypnosis Intervention for Menopausal Hot Flashes: Retrospective Analysis. Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Menopausal Hot Flashes
Menopausal Hot Flashes
Menopausal hot flashes are one of the most common and disruptive symptoms that women experience during the transition to menopause. Characterized by sudden sensations of heat, sweating, and flushing, hot flashes can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life, causing sleep disturbances, mood swings, and even long-term health consequences. Understanding the complex mechanisms behind hot flashes, as well as the role of microbiome-targeted therapies, offers new avenues for improving menopausal health.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an app-delivered hypnosis intervention, specifically the Evia app, for reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes in menopausal women. Participants used the app, which included a five-week program of daily tasks such as educational readings, hypnotic inductions, and hot flash tracking. The app utilized audio-recorded hypnosis with imagery to induce a feeling of coolness, targeting both daytime and nighttime hot flashes. The study focused on the impact of this non-hormonal, non-pharmacological approach in improving hot flash outcomes.
Who was studied?
The study involved 410 women who downloaded and used the Evia app between November 6, 2021, and February 5, 2024. Participants were required to report experiencing at least three daily hot flashes at baseline and to complete at least one hot flash diary log. The women were divided into two groups: one group reported both daily hot flashes and night sweats, while the second group reported only daily hot flashes. These women varied in their menopausal stage, with some using hormone therapy and others not, providing a diverse sample to assess the efficacy of the app.
Most important findings
The results showed a significant reduction in the frequency of hot flashes. Among the women who experienced both hot flashes and night sweats, 76.3% reported a clinically significant reduction of at least 50% in daily hot flashes. In the group with only daily hot flashes, 56.8% of participants experienced a similar reduction. Additionally, both groups showed a significant decrease in hot flash severity. The study highlighted that the more frequently participants used the Evia app, the greater the reduction in hot flash frequency, although this correlation was small.
Key implications
The findings suggest that app-delivered hypnosis can be an effective, non-hormonal alternative for managing menopausal hot flashes, providing a promising tool for women who prefer non-pharmacological treatments. This approach increases access to hypnotherapy, especially for those who face barriers to in-person therapy, such as geographical limitations, cost, or time constraints. While further randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these results, the study demonstrates the potential for mobile health interventions to improve women’s quality of life during menopause.
Menopausal Hot Flashes
Menopausal hot flashes are one of the most common and disruptive symptoms that women experience during the transition to menopause. Characterized by sudden sensations of heat, sweating, and flushing, hot flashes can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life, causing sleep disturbances, mood swings, and even long-term health consequences. Understanding the complex mechanisms behind hot flashes, as well as the role of microbiome-targeted therapies, offers new avenues for improving menopausal health.
Menopause
Menopause impacts many aspects of health, including the gut microbiome, weight management, and hormone balance. Diet, probiotics, intermittent fasting, and HRT offer effective management strategies.