AI-VR MenoZen VRTM targets menopause symptom access gaps

Access barriers to evidence-based nonpharmacologic treatments for midlife women may soon be mitigated by emerging technology. A recent investigation indicates that artificial intelligence combined with virtual reality offers a viable pathway for delivering cognitive behavioral therapy interventions. The findings are scheduled for presentation at the 2026 Annual Meeting of The Menopause Society in San Diego from October 20 to 24, 2026.

The current treatment landscape

Cognitive behavioral therapy has demonstrated efficacy in managing various menopause-related issues, including hot flashes, insomnia, depression, and sexual dysfunction. Despite this proven effectiveness, patient access remains significantly constrained. Approximately 80% of midlife women experience vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. These conditions, alongside sleep disturbances, mood changes, and cognitive difficulties, substantially affect daily life.

Hormone therapy stands as the gold standard pharmacologic intervention; however, its adoption is low. Data from 2023 shows only 1.7% of U.S. women utilized hormone therapy. This gap has spurred growth in nonpharmacologic options like CBT, though the scarcity of conveniently located providers continues to hinder treatment uptake.

MenoZen VRTM pilot results

To address these accessibility challenges, researchers developed MenoZen VRTM, a novel AI-VR program tailored to the biopsychosocial needs of midlife women. In a small-scale multicenter study, participants aged 45 to 60 who experienced more than 28 bothersome hot flash episodes per week and were not using hormone therapy tested the system. Users engaged with the program via Meta Quest 3S headsets, guided by an AI avatar named Maia through modules incorporating CBT, talk therapy, mindfulness, and paced breathing exercises.

Qualitative data suggests strong interest among midlife women for personalized, nonpharmacologic interventions like MenoZen VRTM. Dr. Karisma Suchak, lead author from the Cedars-Sinai Center for Virtual Medicine and Health System Transformation, noted the study demonstrates early feasibility and acceptability. She stated the program successfully delivers evidence-based therapies to reduce symptom burden and improve quality of life while addressing care accessibility barriers.

Expert commentary on scalability

The specific details of the research will be shared under the title "Qualitative Validation of MenoZen VRTM: An AI-Enhanced Virtual Reality Program for Menopause Symptom Management." Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for The Menopause Society and a study author, highlighted that availability, cost, and convenience often prevent women from accessing necessary treatments.

Faubion emphasized that while larger studies are required to confirm clinical effectiveness, the current findings suggest innovative technologies like AI-enhanced virtual reality could expand access to cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based interventions during the menopause transition.