DIGITAL HEALTH INTERVENTIONS FOR MENOPAUSE SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT: A META-ANALYSIS

Abstract

Menopause is associated with vasomotor, psychological, sleep, and quality-of-life disturbances that significantly affect women's physical, emotional, and social well-being. Digital health interventions have emerged as accessible, personalized, and patient-centered approaches for menopause management; however, their overall effectiveness remains uncertain. This meta-analysis assessed how well digital health treatments helped peri-, menopausal, and postmenopausal women with their menopausal symptoms, psychological and sleep results, quality of life, and functional outcomes. In order to find relevant research published between 2015 and 2026, electronic databases were thoroughly examined. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, and those providing independent quantitative data were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled effects were estimated using random-effects models, and heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran's Q, τ², and I² statistics. Visual examination of a funnel plot was used to investigate publication bias. Overall menopausal symptom severity was significantly reduced, according to the pooled analysis (SMD = −0.93, 95% CI: −1.41 to −0.45; p < 0.001). Additionally, notable enhancements in the quality of sleep (MD = −1.90, 95% CI: −3.57 to −0.24; p = 0.025) and quality-of-life and functional outcomes (Hedges' g = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.14–1.50; p = 0.019). Although moderate-to-high heterogeneity was observed, all pooled estimates consistently favored digital health interventions. These findings indicate that digital health interventions are effective adjuncts to conventional menopause care, improving symptom control, sleep quality, and life quality. To bolster the evidence and encourage wider clinical use, more extensive, carefully planned randomised controlled trials with standardised outcome measures are required.