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

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

The study is planned as a randomised controlled trial, designed to produce meaningful and reliable findings. Participants who meet eligibility criteria will be randomly allocated by computer to one of two groups. Allocation will take place only after ethical approval is confirmed

All participants will complete questionnaires to help researchers understand their experiences

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

• An application for ethical approval has been submitted to an independent UK Research Ethics Committee

• No study activities will begin until approval is formally confirmed

Registration and Next Steps

• Registration of interest will open shortly

• Registering interest does not mean you are enrolled

• Before participation, you will receive:

  • A Participant Information Sheet

  • An Informed Consent Form

• A member of The Open Practice team will contact you to explain the study, answer questions and outline next steps

Timeline (subject to ethics approval):

• Ethical approval expected: late January / early February 2026

• First program group planned: mid-February or March 2026

Important Information

• Participation is voluntary

• You may withdraw at any time, without giving a reason