Younus, J., Simpson, I., Collins, A., & Wang, X. (2003). Mind control of menopause. Women’s Health Issues, 13, 74–78.

The primary purpose was to observe the effect of hypnosis on hot flashes and overall QOL in symptomatic patients. A secondary objective was to observe the effect of hypnosis on fatigue.

Each participant had four, one-hour per week sessions of hypnosis. The same physician, with the help of a nurse, conducted every session.

Ten healthy volunteers and four patients with breast cancer (total 14 patients) with hot flashes were enrolled.

All participants recorded frequency, duration, and severity of hot flashes in a hot flash diary.

The frequency (p < 0.0001), duration (p < 0.0001), and severity (p < 0.0001) of hot flashes were significantly reduced. The overall QOL was also improved (p < 0.05). The participants enjoyed better sleep and had less insomnia (p < 0.012). There was a significant improvement on current fatigue level (p = 0.017), but reduction in the total fatigue level was not statistically significant.

Study limitations included pilot study nature with a very small sample size; mixed healthy participants and people with breast cancer.