Cold Water Swimming and Menopause (UCL / Post Reproductive Health study)

Tier 1: Established: peer-reviewed research or government health authority
Publisher: Post Reproductive Health (SAGE) / UCL · Published: January 26, 2024 · Accessed: August 15, 2026

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Claims this source supports

• Among 1,114 women surveyed (785 diagnosed with menopause) who regularly cold-water swam, 46.9% reported improved anxiety, 34.5% improved mood swings, 31.1% improved low mood, and 30.3% reported less intense hot flashes (UCL survey, Post Reproductive Health 2024).
• The study was a self-selected online survey, so authors note women already experiencing benefits were more likely to complete it; results are association, not proof of cause and effect.
• Study authors warn cold water swimming carries real risks: hypothermia, cold water shock, cardiac rhythm disturbances, and drowning; longer swims and colder water were reported to have more pronounced symptom effects.
• 63.3% of participants began cold water swimming specifically to relieve menopause symptoms; most women reported swimming for being outdoors, mental health, and exercise as main motivations.
• The majority of women said their symptoms were helped by the physical and mental effects of the cold water, with the effect more pronounced when the water was colder.