Aerobic exercise linked to better mood in menopause, UCL review of 12 trials finds
Representative image: anaterate / Pixabay
A UCL-led review of 12 trials with over 1,000 women, reported on 13 October 2026, linked exercise, especially aerobic activity, to better mood during menopause.
What Happened
Regular physical activity during perimenopause and the early years after menopause is linked to better mood and quality of life, with aerobic exercise showing the strongest benefit for depressive symptoms, according to a review led by researchers at University College London (UCL), reported on 13 October 2026. The systematic review and meta-analysis, published in the journal Menopause, pooled data from 12 randomised controlled trials involving more than 1,000 women. Activities such as walking, dance, Zumba and aerobic classes were grouped as aerobic exercise, while yoga, tai chi, Pilates and stretching were analysed separately as mind-body activities.
Key Facts
- The review pooled 12 randomised controlled trials covering more than 1,000 women in perimenopause or early postmenopause.
- Aerobic exercise, including walking, Zumba, dance and Taekwondo, showed the strongest effects on reducing depressive symptoms and improving overall quality of life.
- Yoga, tai chi, Pilates and stretching were studied as a separate mind-body category.
- Benefits were especially clear among women in early postmenopause.
- Most programmes were run in groups, which the authors suggest may have added benefit through social support.
- The authors cautioned that the evidence is limited, with wide differences between studies and many judged at high risk of bias.
Why It Matters
Menopause often arrives while women are also managing careers, children and ageing parents. The review's authors note that perimenopause, when hormone levels fluctuate, is a time of greater vulnerability to mood problems. Changes in mood can affect work, relationships and confidence.
The review offers something practical: an accessible, low-cost habit that may help. Walking, dancing or joining an aerobics or Zumba class does not need a prescription, special equipment or large amounts of money. The authors point to the release of endorphins during aerobic activity as one possible reason for the effect on mood, and they suggest the benefit may be especially relevant during perimenopause, when women are more vulnerable to mood problems.
The finding that most programmes were group-based is worth noting. Exercising with others adds company, routine and accountability, all of which help people keep going. For women who feel isolated during this stage, a walking group, a dance class or a community fitness session may offer support as well as fitness.
The review is not a final answer. The trials varied in design and many had weaknesses, so the authors call for larger and better-designed studies. Exercise is also not a substitute for medical care: women with persistent low mood, or symptoms that affect daily life, should speak to a doctor.
| | Activity type | Examples | What the review found | |
|---|---|---|
| | Aerobic | Walking, Zumba, dance, aerobics | Strongest effect on depressive symptoms and quality of life | |
| | Mind-body | Yoga, tai chi, Pilates, stretching | Analysed as a separate group | |
| | Format | Mostly group sessions | Social support may add benefit | |
Impact
Short-term: Women going through perimenopause or early postmenopause have fresh evidence that regular aerobic activity may lift mood and quality of life.
Long-term: The authors' call for better trials could lead to clearer exercise guidance for menopause, and to workplaces and health services building group activity into menopause support.
Who is affected: Women in their 40s and 50s, their families and employers, doctors and gynaecologists, and fitness and community health programmes.
Key Takeaway
A UCL-led review of 12 trials with more than 1,000 women, reported on 13 October 2026, found that physical activity, especially aerobic exercise, is linked to better mood and quality of life during perimenopause and early postmenopause.
Questions and Answers
Does exercise help with mood during menopause?
A UCL-led review of 12 randomised trials found physical activity was linked to better mood and quality of life, with aerobic exercise showing the strongest effect on depressive symptoms.
Which kinds of exercise were studied?
Aerobic activities such as walking, Zumba, dance and Taekwondo, and separately, mind-body activities such as yoga, tai chi, Pilates and stretching.
Is the evidence strong?
It is encouraging but limited. The authors said studies varied widely and many were at high risk of bias, so larger, better-quality trials are needed.
Should women with low mood during menopause rely on exercise alone?
No. Exercise may help, but women with persistent low mood or symptoms that affect daily life should consult a doctor.
Disclaimer: Prepared by the Peepals newsroom from publicly available sources with AI assistance. Information is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication and may change. Images may be representative. Not professional advice. Report an error via our contact page.
Sourced and fact-checked by the Peepals Global Editorial Team
Terry Bradshaw's memoir on depression shows how his wife helps him through 'Roy' days
Assam IAS officer Varnali Deka named Joint Secretary at National Health Authority
Reported, fact-checked and published by the Peepals Global Editorial Team.
