Current Research

Menopause & Nervous System Regulation Research study

About the Research

Menopause can bring a wide range of physical, emotional, and cognitive changes that affect daily life. Alongside hormonal shifts, there is growing interest in the role of the autonomic nervous system, which helps regulate stress, sleep, temperature, and emotional balance.

This study explores whether supporting nervous system balance, including the role of the vagus nerve, may help support wellbeing during the menopausal transition.

Key aims:

Explore the impact of a body-based nervous system regulation program
Understand changes in menopausal symptoms and overall wellbeing
Contribute to research on non-pharmacological menopause support options

The Open Practice is currently recruiting for a research study exploring whether a gentle, non-invasive, body-based programme may help support menopausal symptoms through nervous system regulation.

Ethical approval has been granted by an independent UK Research Ethics Committee.

About the Study

The program being studied is non-invasive and does not involve medication, supplements, or physical manipulation.

The program includes:

Gentle, guided body-based practices
Education about the nervous system and vagus nerve
Support for stress regulation and bodily awareness
Reflection and group discussion
A supportive group environment

How the Study Will Work

This study is a randomised controlled trial, designed to produce meaningful and reliable findings. Participants who meet the eligibility criteria will be randomly allocated by computer to one of two groups after completing baseline measures.

All participants will complete questionnaires to help researchers understand their experiences.

Active Program Group

Participants allocated to the active program will take part in:

An 8-week group program
Weekly 1-hour sessions
Guided body-based practices
Education on nervous system regulation
Group reflection and discussion
Access to a moderated WhatsApp group for connection and support
Questionnaires completed before and after the program

Treatment as Usual Group

Participants continue with their usual menopause support routine
- This may include HRT or other self-management strategies
Participants complete the same questionnaires at matched time points

Participants in this group will be offered a free menopause and nutrition workshop after completing the study questionnaires

Who Can Take Part

To be eligible, participants must:

Assigned female at birth
Be aged 40–65 years
Be experiencing moderate to severe menopausal symptoms

Who Cannot Take Part

You will not be able to take part if you:

Have changed HRT or other menopause treatments in the last 3 months
Plan to change HRT or other menopause treatments during the study
Already know you will miss more than one program session

Possible Benefits

While benefits cannot be guaranteed, some participants may experience:

Greater understanding of their nervous system
Improved self-regulation skills
Increased awareness of how their body responds during menopause

Participation also contributes to research aimed at improving menopause support options.

Ethics and Approval

This study has received ethical approval from an independent UK Research Ethics Committee. (Reference number: IREC042)
The research is sponsored by The Open Practice.

Registration and Next Steps

Registration of interest is now open.
Registering your interest does not mean you are enrolled in the study.
If you appear eligible, you will receive:
• A Participant Information Sheet
• An Informed Consent Form
A member of The Open Practice team will then contact you to explain the study and outline next steps, as well as answer any questions you may have.

Timeline (subject to ethics approval):

Groups will begin once sufficient eligible participants have been enrolled.
Groups aiming to start w/c 30th March or 13th April

Important Information

Participation is voluntary
You may withdraw at any time, without giving a reason

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