Redefining menopausal care: a randomized trial of group CBT for vasomotor symptoms in Korean women

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop and evaluate a culturally adapted, group-based eight-session cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program for perimenopausal/postmenopausal Korean women to reduce vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and improve psychological well-being and quality of life. METHOD: In a non-blinded, parallel-group randomized controlled trial, 50 postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to a group-based CBT intervention group or a wait-list control group. Assessments were conducted at baseline, post intervention and at 4-week follow-up. Primary outcomes were VMS frequency and distress assessed using the Hot Flush Rating Scale (HFRS) and daily interference measured by the Hot Flash Related Daily Interference Scale (HFRDIS). Secondary outcomes included menopause-specific quality of life assessed using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL), anxiety and depressive symptoms measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and sleep quality assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the CBT group showed significant improvements in VMS frequency, distress and daily interference. Quality of life improved across all MENQOL domains. Anxiety decreased significantly with sustained effects at follow-up. Depressive symptoms did not change significantly, and sleep improvements were not sustained. CONCLUSIONS: Group-based CBT effectively reduced VMS and improved quality of life and anxiety, supporting its use as a safe non-hormonal intervention for perimenopausal/postmenopausal Korean women.