The Effects of Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise on Hot Flashes in Menopausal Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic Period:

Vasomotor symptoms are the most common problem during the menopausal period. This study investigated the effects of diaphragmatic breathing exercises on hot flashes in menopausal Turkish women during the COVID-19 pandemic period. The study was carried out as a randomized controlled trial with the participation of menopausal women aged 45-60 years in eastern Turkey. A total of 68 women formed two groups, 34 in each group. A Descriptive Characteristics Form and the Hot Flash-Related Daily Interference Scale were used to collect study data.The results of the study showed that the menopause period in most women was between one and five years. The participants stated that the COVID-19 pandemic period increased the frequency of their menopausal hot flashes to a statistically significant extent. While there was a statistically significant difference (p0.05).The diaphragmatic breathing exercises in this study were found to reduce hot flashes complaints during the menopausal period.