Can yoga, Pilates, tai chi and breathwork actually help menopause symptoms — or are we all just stretching our way through the placebo effect?

In this first official Peri-odical Review, pharmacist Kate Thomas looks at the evidence behind mind-body exercise in perimenopause and menopause. We unpack what the research actually found, where these practices may genuinely help, and where wellness culture tends to get a little bit ahead of itself.

In this episode:

• whether yoga and similar practices improve menopause symptoms
• why the biggest benefits may be in mood, stress and wellbeing
• what the evidence says about hot flushes and physical symptoms
• why mind-body exercise is a support strategy, not a cure
• how sex and intimacy fit into the broader conversation about movement, connection and feeling at home in your body
• why doctors asking you to come back for results is not necessarily a scam
• the problem with direct-to-consumer “wellness” testing and health anxiety as a subscription service

This is a conversation about menopause, medicine, wellness, evidence, and the blurry space in between.

So roll out the mat if you want to.

Or leave it in the corner and go for a walk in the bush instead.

Because you are not doing menopause wrong.