Exercise in Menopause

Exercise through and after menopause protects bone, muscle and heart health and helps mood and sleep, and the priority is resistance and impact training for bone.

Falling oestrogen affects far more than the menstrual cycle: bone strength, cardiovascular and metabolic health, mood, sleep and vasomotor symptoms such as hot flushes. The general adult targets still apply: at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week, with strengthening on at least 2 days. The World Health Organization (WHO) gives this as a 150 to 300 minute range. NICE advises explaining the importance of maintaining muscle mass and strength through physical activity.