The Evidence: How Massage Therapy Supports Menopausal and Perimenopausal Symptoms

Perimenopause and menopause bring significant hormonal shifts that can influence sleep, mood, temperature regulation, energy levels, and physical comfort. While experiences vary, many people look for supportive therapies that help manage symptoms without relying solely on medication.  Massage therapy is one such approach. A growing body of research highlights how therapeutic touch can support physical, emotional, and neurological regulation during this life stage.

What the research shows…

1) Massage can reduce overall menopausal symptoms

Systematic reviews examining massage interventions in menopausal and perimenopausal populations report meaningful improvements in symptom severity. Research has found reductions in:

  • Hot flashes and night sweats
  • Fatigue
  • Urinary and pelvic discomfort
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Overall symptom burden

2) Evidence for improved sleep and reduced insomnia

Sleep disruption is one of the most common concerns during perimenopause and menopause. These benefits are linked to massage’s effect on nervous system regulation and relaxation.

Research exploring physiotherapy and manual therapy interventions, including massage, shows:

  • Improved sleep quality
  • Reduced insomnia symptoms
  • Greater restfulness and recovery

3) Evidence for reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms

Hormonal changes can influence emotional regulation and stress sensitivity. Studies examining manual therapy approaches, including massage, demonstrate:

  • Reduced anxiety symptoms
  • Decreased depressive symptoms
  • Improved emotional well-being

4) Evidence for improved quality of life and mental health

Massage supports not only symptom relief, but also how people experience and relate to their bodies during this transition. Clinical trials evaluating massage interventions in menopausal populations have found improvements in:

  • Quality-of-life scores
  • Mental health indicators
  • Body image perception
  • Overall sense of well-being

5) Physiological mechanisms supported by research

The therapeutic effects of massage are not only subjective, they are also physiological. These mechanisms help explain why massage may influence sleep, mood, pain, and fatigue simultaneously.

Evidence shows massage may:

  • Lower cortisol (stress hormone)
  • Increase serotonin and dopamine
  • Improve parasympathetic nervous system activity
  • Enhance circulation and tissue relaxation
  • Support immune and stress-response systems

6) Massage as a non-pharmacological option

For individuals who cannot or prefer not to rely solely on hormone therapy, massage offers a complementary approach to symptom management. Research consistently identifies massage as:

  • Non-invasive
  • Low risk
  • Accessible
  • Supportive alongside medical treatments

What this means in practice

The evidence does not suggest massage “cures” menopause or perimenopause, but it does show that it can meaningfully support comfort, regulation, and well-being. People may notice improvements in:

  • Stress levels
  • Sleep patterns
  • Muscle tension and body aches
  • Emotional balance
  • Energy and fatigue
  • Overall daily functioning

References

Aarshageetha, P., Janci, P. R., & Tharani, N. D. (2023). Role of alternate therapies to improve the quality of life in menopausal women: A systematic review. Journal of Mid-life Health.

Espí-López, G. V., Monzani, L., Gabaldón-García, E., & Zurriaga, R. (2020). The beneficial effects of therapeutic craniofacial massage on quality of life, mental health and menopausal symptoms: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine.

Garibaldi, E. (2025). Manual therapy to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression in menopause: A scoping review. Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.

Lialy, H. E., Mohamed, M. A., AbdAllatif, L. A., Khalid, M., & Elhelbawy, A. (2023). Effects of different physiotherapy modalities on insomnia and depression in perimenopausal, menopausal, and post-menopausal women: A systematic review. BMC Women’s Health.

Listiana, E., Anggorowati, A., & Susilawati, D. (2022). Massage therapy to relieve menopausal symptoms: A systematic review. Jurnal Kebidanan.