The Effect of Cold Packs on Hot Flushes and Depression in Women Going Through the Climacteric Period

This study is planned as a pre-post test, randomised controlled, experimental trial designed to determine the effect of applying a cold gel pack to the Sanyinjiao (SP6) and Hegu (Large Intestinal 4 (LI4)) acupoints on hot flushes and depression in women during the climacteric period.

Hot flushes, a vasomotor symptom of the climacteric period, are a common problem experienced by many women. It has been reported that in women who experience prolonged and severe hot flushes, daily activities are adversely affected and quality of life is impaired. Although hot flushes are not a life-threatening symptom, they lead to both physiological and psychological changes in the body. The literature contains evidence regarding the benefits of acupressure and cold applications in the management of menopausal symptoms. However, no study has been found regarding the application of cold to acupoints. This study aims to determine the effect of applying a cold gel pack to the Sanyinjiao (SP6) and Hegu (Large Intestinal 4 (LI4)) acupoints on hot flushes and depression in women during the climacteric period. The study employs a pre-test post-test design, randomised controlled, experimental study design. The study is planned to be conducted between 13 April 2026 and 13 September 2026 with 80 women (intervention group n=40, control group n=40) who present to the gynaecology outpatient clinic of a foundation university hospital in Türkiye. Women in the intervention group will self-administer cold gel packs to the LI4 and SP6 acupoints three times a week for four weeks, totalling 12 sessions. Data will be collected using an informed consent form, the 'Perimenopausal Depression Assessment Scale' and the 'Menopause-Specific Hot Flash Scale'.

Inclusion Criteria: * In the perimenopausal phase (no menstruation for 3-11 months or an increase in irregular menstrual bleeding) or the postmenopausal phase (no menstruation for more than 12 months), * Participants experiencing moderate to severe hot flushes at least four times a day in the week prior to enrolment, * Participants who are literate in Turkish and able to communicate, * Participants who volunteer to take part in the study will be included in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Women who have entered menopause following surgery, * Women whose hot flush symptoms have decreased or ceased in the week prior to joining the study, * Those receiving hormone replacement therapy, * Those who had received herbal medication (such as black cohosh, black cohosh, ginkgo, ginseng, motherwort, valerian, black snake root, St. John's wort, etc.) or chemical medication for at least two weeks prior to joining the study, * Women with endocrine system disorders such as diabetes or a condition presenting symptoms similar to hot flushes, * Women with a regular menstrual cycle, * Women with a psychiatric diagnosis who are currently receiving treatment, * Women taking sleeping pills, * Women with a language barrier preventing communication in Turkish, * Women who are not willing to participate in the study will not be included in the research.