Discover the Growing Popularity of Menopause Retreats in Wellness

Gabriele Sewtz, a German-born real estate agent from Brooklyn, was never interested in wellness retreats. She considered herself “very data-driven” and found oatmeal exciting. However, her perspective changed when she began experiencing menopause and ended up at a ranch near Austin, Texas. There, she discovered and enjoyed sound baths, cold plunges, and breathwork.

Sewtz is among a growing number of women seeking out menopause-specific retreats. She found the experience transformative, contrary to her initial skepticism.

Menopause brings significant physical, emotional, and psychological changes, and the wellness industry is starting to address this. There’s a surge in supplements, skincare brands, and nutrition programs targeting menopausal women. Many prefer these wellness experiences to traditional medical settings.

Dr. Barbra Hanna, an ob-gyn and founder of MyMenopauseRX, emphasizes the importance of self-care during menopause, which often coincides with other life stressors. She believes spas are great for relaxation but not for medical care.

Dr. Naresh Perembuduri, an Ayurvedic doctor at the luxury Ananda resort in the Himalayas, offers a hormonal rebalance program. This 14-day program includes customized meal plans, exercise routines, and hormone testing, starting at $1,000 per night. The high cost and social stigma around menopause may deter some women.

Menopause affects every woman differently, with symptoms like joint pain, hot flashes, mood swings, weight changes, and pain during sex. For those interested in wellness, menopause can be a reason to visit a specialized retreat.

Actor Josie Bissett chose Costa Rica’s The Retreat for its focus on menopause. She appreciated the program’s focus on personal healing and self-care rather than social activities.

Despite the benefits of these retreats, some experts caution against relying on alternative therapies for menopause. Dr. Hanna warns that treatments promising medical miracles, such as extensive testing, lack evidence-based support.

Menopause is gaining attention, and while today’s treatments may not be revolutionary, future research and funding may change that. For now, menopause is becoming an integral part of wellness discussions and trends.