While hormone therapy is recognized as a primary medical treatment for midlife symptoms like hot flashes and sleep disturbances, only a small percentage of women use it. Nonpharmacologic approaches such as CBT are effective alternatives, but patients frequently face hurdles like geographic distance, limited provider availability, and scheduling inconveniences.
To evaluate a potential technology-driven solution, researchers tested a novel AI-VR program called MenoZen VR™ on Meta Quest 3S headsets. The small-scale study enrolled women aged 45 to 60 who experienced frequent hot flashes—defined as over 28 episodes weekly—and were not undergoing hormone therapy.
The intervention featured an AI-VR avatar named Maia, who guided participants through tailored modules blending psychoeducation, talk therapy, mindfulness, paced breathing, and CBT principles. Qualitative results indicated strong interest and acceptance among midlife participants for a personalized, nonpharmacologic digital tool.
Lead author Dr. Karisma Suchak of the Cedars-Sinai Center for Virtual Medicine and Health System Transformation noted that the findings highlight early feasibility in delivering evidence-based therapies to lessen symptom burdens while overcoming care access barriers. Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for The Menopause Society and a study co-author, emphasized that while broader clinical trials are still required, immersive tech solutions could eventually expand care availability for women navigating the menopause transition.
