Menopause is a natural life stage, but it can bring along hot flushes, restless nights, mood swings, and changes that can feel overwhelming. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often the go-to solution, many women are exploring non-hormonal approaches to feel more balanced. One that’s starting to get noticed is infrared therapy.
So, what does the science say?
Research has shown that far-infrared therapy, which utilizes soothing, heat-based light, may alleviate a range of menopausal symptoms. In one study, women who used infrared therapy on their back for just 20 minutes twice a week reported fewer hot flushes, less joint and muscle discomfort, and even improvements in mood and urinary symptoms after ten weeks. While it didn’t affect hormone levels or bone density, it still made a noticeable difference in day-to-day well-being.
Infrared therapy isn’t limited to surface treatments either. Red and near-infrared light, used intravaginally, is being explored for genitourinary syndrome of menopause—a common issue that includes dryness, discomfort, and urinary changes. Early research suggests that regular use of LED light devices may help sustain improvements in these symptoms, offering a non-hormonal option for women who can’t, or don’t want to, use HRT.
There’s also growing interest in photobiomodulation therapies—a broad term that includes visible red light and infrared. These appear safe and show promise for easing some menopause-related changes, though the science is still evolving, and larger studies are needed.
It’s worth noting that when researchers review complementary and alternative therapies for menopause—things like herbal supplements or acupuncture—the results are often no better than placebo. Infrared therapy is standing out as one of the few approaches that show measurable benefits in trials, but it’s still early days.
So, what’s the takeaway? Infrared therapy won’t replace established treatments, but it may become a supportive option in the menopause toolkit. It looks promising for easing hot flushes, joint discomfort, mood changes, and intimate health concerns—and importantly, it seems safe. If you’re curious, it’s always best to check in with a healthcare provider before trying something new, especially if you’re managing other health conditions.
Menopause is about finding what works for you. For some, infrared therapy might be one of those gentle, grounding tools that help ease the journey.
Love Life & Discover Yourself x
References
- Chien, C. H., Chen, K. H., Liu, C. F., & Wu, C. H. (2011). The effect of far-infrared therapy on menopausal symptoms. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 17(11), 1065-1070.
- Zerbinati, N., Serati, M., Origoni, M., et al. (2020). Long-term efficacy of intravaginal red and near-infrared light therapy for genitourinary syndrome of menopause and stress urinary incontinence. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 19(12), 1222-1227.
- Salvatore, S., Pitsouni, E., Grigoriadis, T., et al. (2019). CO₂ laser and photobiomodulation as treatments for genitourinary syndrome of menopause: Review of the literature. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 37(8), 481-492.
- Posadzki, P., Lee, M. S., Moon, T. W., & Choi, T. Y. (2013). Complementary and alternative therapies for menopausal symptoms: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Maturitas, 74(3), 228-236.
- Nelson, H. D., Vesco, K. K., Haney, E., et al. (2006). Nonhormonal therapies for menopausal hot flashes: Systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Internal Medicine, 166(8), 798-808.