Which of the following is a non-pharmacologic approach to managing menopausal symptoms?

• A. Weight loss program.
• B. Regular physical activity and lifestyle modifications.
• C. Cognitive behavioral therapy.
• D. Herbal supplements.

Answer: (C)

Cognitive behavioral therapy targets how women experience and respond to menopausal symptoms, making it a focused nonpharmacologic approach to relief. Rather than altering hormones or introducing a supplement, CBT helps change the way symptoms are perceived, reduces distress, and teaches coping strategies. It can address hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and mood changes by identifying triggers, modifying thoughts about symptoms, and changing behaviors that worsen symptoms. The result is often a meaningful reduction in symptom bother and improvements in sleep and quality of life, with a strong evidence base from randomized trials.

Weight loss programs and regular physical activity are valuable for overall health and can lessen some menopausal symptoms to varying degrees, but their effects are broader and less consistently targeted to symptom relief. Herbal supplements lack robust, consistent evidence and carry variability in safety and quality.