Red light therapy for menopause: a fad check on skin, hot flashes and vaginal devices
Red light therapy has some early evidence for skin aging, such as fine lines and redness, but results are slow and modest. There is no good evidence that it helps hot flashes, sleep or mood, and research on vaginal devices is still preliminary.
See a doctor before using red light therapy if you have lupus or another light-sensitive condition, or take medicines that increase sun sensitivity. Get a new or changing mole, vaginal bleeding, painful sex or repeated infections checked rather than treating them with a device.
What red light therapy is
Red light therapy uses low levels of red or near-infrared light. It is also called photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy. It is not ultraviolet light.1
It is thought to act on mitochondria, the energy units inside cells. This may boost collagen and blood flow and reduce inflammation, but the mechanism is not proven.1,2
It is offered by dermatologists, spas and gyms, and sold as masks, panels, caps and wands for home use.1,2 Device sellers often market it to women in menopause.
Clinic treatment often means repeat sessions over weeks or months, and insurance usually does not cover it.1
Skin aging and hair
Skin is where the evidence is strongest. Harvard Health Publishing, citing the American Academy of Dermatology, says research suggests benefits for fine lines, wrinkles, skin texture and redness. It also calls red light therapy no miracle fix.2 A Cleveland Clinic dermatologist said consistent use may help wrinkles and redness, but warned against expecting quick or dramatic change.3
Many studies were small, lacked a placebo group, or were done in animals or cells.1 Results usually need use several times a week for four to six months. The best dose and session length are not known.2
For mild hair loss, red light may extend the growth phase of hair in some people.3 The evidence is limited. See dry skin and thinning hair for treatments with stronger evidence.
Hot flashes, sleep and mood
No good-quality trials of red light therapy for menopausal hot flashes or night sweats were found in the medical sources reviewed for this page. Claims about these symptoms come mainly from device sellers.
Cleveland Clinic says there is no scientific evidence for red light therapy for depression, seasonal affective disorder or weight loss.1 No trials were found showing it improves sleep in menopause.
For treatments that are proven to help, see hot flashes and sleep problems.
Vaginal red light devices
Wand-like devices are inserted into the vagina and marketed for dryness and tissue health without hormones.4 Research on at-home devices is still early.4
A review suggested the approach seems safe and may help vaginal symptoms of menopause. But the main study was small, had no control group and relied partly on self-reports. Some review authors had ties to the device industry.4
In 2018, the FDA warned that laser and radiofrequency "vaginal rejuvenation" devices had not been shown safe or effective for dryness. Those stronger clinic devices were linked to burns and scarring.4 An independent Cochrane review of vaginal energy-based devices is underway.4 Proven options include vaginal moisturizers and vaginal estrogen.
Safety and buying sense
Red light therapy seems safe when used briefly and as directed, but long-term safety is not known. Misuse can damage the skin or eyes, so shield your eyes.1,2 Unlike ultraviolet light, red light has not been linked to skin cancer.2
People with light-sensitive conditions, or who take medicines that increase sun sensitivity, should avoid it.2,3 People with darker skin may get dark spots and should check with a dermatologist first.2
Home devices vary in strength and may be weaker than clinic devices.1,2 An "FDA-cleared" label is not the same as proof that a device works for menopause symptoms.
Before buying, it can help to ask a dermatologist: Is my skin problem likely to respond? Is my skin type at risk of dark spots? Would a treatment with stronger evidence suit me better? Clinic courses can mean sessions one to three times a week for weeks or months, so ask about total cost.1
What it is used for: evidence rated
| Option | Evidence | What the research shows |
|---|---|---|
| Fine lines, wrinkles and redness | Research suggests modest benefits, but many studies were small or uncontrolled.1,2 | |
| Mild hair thinning | May help some people with mild hair loss; evidence is limited.1,3 | |
| Vaginal dryness (vaginal devices) | Small, uncontrolled studies only, some with industry ties.4 | |
| Hot flashes and night sweats | No good-quality trials were found in the sources reviewed. | |
| Sleep and mood | No evidence for depression or seasonal mood problems, and no menopause sleep trials found.1 |
Ratings explained: how we rate. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before starting a medicine or supplement.