Managing hot flushes with cognitive behavioural therapy with Dr Adrian Lopresti and Dr Melanie Smith

About this episode

This episode discusses how cognitive behavioural therapy can help manage menopausal symptoms and improve women's wellbeing during the menopause transition.

Menopause is far more than a hormonal shift; it is a complex biopsychosocial transition that impacts every aspect of a woman’s life. In this episode, Dr Adrian Lopresti speaks with UK clinical psychologist Dr Melanie Smith, a leading researcher in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for menopause. Together, they explore how CBT, an evidence-based lifestyle intervention, can help women better manage stress and significantly reduce menopausal symptoms, including vasomotor symptoms. Dr Smith explains the science behind the narrowed thermoneutral zone and how educating women about this physiology can reduce anxiety and improve day-to-day function. Listeners will gain insights into stress management, paced breathing, cognitive reframing, and sleep strategies that enhance wellbeing and quality of life. Evidence-based and endorsed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and featured in the International Menopause Society 2025 white paper, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) offers practitioners a valuable, non-pharmacological lifestyle medicine approach. It provides an effective option for women who are unable or choose not to use menopause hormone therapy (MHT)…

People in this episode

Host: Dr Adrian Lopresti

Guest: Dr Melanie Smith

Topics covered

• menopause
• cognitive behavioural therapy
• stress management
• vasomotor symptoms
• women's health

Keywords

• menopause
• cognitive behavioural therapy
• CBT
• stress management
• vasomotor symptoms
• women's health
• non-pharmacological

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, International Menopause Society

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