Why Contrast Therapy Holds the Key to Hormonal Balance for Women
Written by co-founder Rebecca Assice
In today’s fast-paced lifestyle where stress builds up, hormonal fluctuations can become more than just an occasional mood shift or cramps — they can disrupt sleep, energy levels and wellbeing. That’s why contrast therapy — the combination of heat (sauna) and cold (ice baths) — is becoming a top choice for women seeking recovery, balance and hormonal regulation. At the heart of Singapore’s wellness landscape, the upcoming Sochill Bath Club in Holland Village is designed to bring this science-backed ritual into a social, accessible space.
What is Contrast Therapy — And Why It Matters for Women
Contrast therapy (also referred to as hot/cold immersion) involves cycling between heat exposure (for example a Finnish sauna or hot tub) and cold exposure (ice baths or cold plunge). This alternating process activates vascular changes — vasodilation in the heat, vasoconstriction in the cold — which in turn stimulates the autonomic nervous system and influences hormonal regulation.
Many women face unique hormonal and metabolic challenges. Contrast therapy offers a science-backed way to address them. Here's why:
- Improved circulation from contrast cycles helps flush waste and supports lymphatic function—important for hormonal health and inflammation.
- Sauna use reduces cortisol levels and helps shift into parasympathetic state (rest-and-digest) which supports hormonal balance, especially during PMS or perimenopause.
- Cold exposure triggers dopamine and norepinephrine, improving mood and focus—helpful when hormonal fluctuations affect clarity and energy.
- Thermal exposure in women with PCOS demonstrated improved cardiovascular markers and reduced sympathetic nerve activity via heat therapy — showing heat/cold isn't only about recovery but broader endocrine health.
Tailored Contrast Routines for Women
Since female hormonal physiology can vary (menstrual cycle, perimenopause, postpartum), contrast therapy routines can be adjusted to honour those shifts:
- During menstruation, opt for shorter cold exposures (30–90 secs) or favour warmth (sauna/hot tub) since the body might be more sensitive.
- During the follicular / ovulation phase (when estrogen is high and energy tends to peak), a slightly longer cold plunge (1–3 min at ~12-15 °C) followed by heat can boost circulation and mood.
- In the luteal phase / PMS period, shorter cold exposures and moderate heat can help manage inflammation, bloating and mood shifts.
A recommended beginner protocol might look like: 10 minutes in sauna or hot bath (75-85 °C), then 1–2 minutes in cold plunge (12-15 °C), repeat 2 cycles, and finish with cold if your goal is alertness, or heat if your goal is calming.
Introducing Sochill Bath Club — Wellness Re-imagined in Holland Village
Launching in Q1 2026, Sochill Bath Club in Holland Village is built around the idea of social wellness—recovery not as a solo luxury but a communal, consistent ritual for everyday heroes. Their tagline, “Everyday recovery for everyday heroes”, emphasises that hormonal wellness isn’t just for athletes but for anyone wanting more balance, resilience and calm.
Features you’ll find at SoChill:
- Finnish sauna and hot magnesium tubs for comprehensive heat therapy.
- Ice-bath plunge pools and ice buckets for cold immersion and contrast therapy.
- Café & community lounge area: recover with friends, swap stories, connect.
Instead of treating sauna and ice baths as one-off experiences, Sochill positions them as regular recovery rituals embedded in your lifestyle. And for women looking to support hormonal regulation, the design merges comfort, science and sociability.
Conclusion
Hormonal balance and wellness don’t need to be daunting—contrast therapy offers a powerful, accessible way to reset your body, mind and mood. With its opening in Q1 2026, Sochill Bath Club brings this into a social, stylish and science-backed environment right in Holland Village. Whether you’re navigating hormonal shifts, juggling stress or simply want a reliable recovery ritual, the combination of Finnish sauna, ice baths and community wellness might be exactly what your routine needs.
Rebecca
