Hot flashes, a common symptom experienced by women going through menopause, may have more significant health implications than previously believed. Recent studies presented at The Menopause Society’s annual meeting have found that intense hot flashes are associated with increased risks of future heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
One study focused on nearly 250 women between the ages of 45 and 67 who were experiencing menopausal symptoms. These women wore devices to measure the quality of their sleep and were fitted with sweat monitors to track their hot flashes. The researchers found that the night sweats experienced during hot flashes were associated with unfavorable profiles of a protein biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease called beta-amyloid 42/40. This suggests that hot flashes during sleep could be a marker for women at risk of developing Alzheimer’s dementia in the future.
It’s important to note that these hot flashes are not causing the increased risk but are merely a marker of individuals who are more likely to develop the disease. The study also examined biomarkers for a protein called tau, another hallmark sign of Alzheimer’s disease, but did not find any association.
Another study by the same research team examined the relationship between hot flashes and heart disease. Prior research had already shown that women who experienced frequent or persistent hot flashes during early menopause had an increased risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, stroke, and heart failure. This new study used objective measurements to assess the frequency and intensity of hot flashes in 276 women. The researchers found that there was a correlation between the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and levels of an inflammatory marker called C-reactive protein, which is used to determine the risk for heart disease and stroke.
These studies highlight the need to pay attention to hot flashes and their potential impact on future health. It’s crucial to continue researching this connection to better understand the underlying mechanisms and develop strategies to reduce risks. Proper management of menopausal symptoms and lifestyle modifications, such as healthy eating and regular exercise, may be important in mitigating the potential risks associated with hot flashes during menopause.
Sources:
– Unpublished studies presented at The Menopause Society’s annual meeting in Philadelphia
– Dr. Stephanie Faubion, director of the Mayo Clinic’s Women’s Health Specialty Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and medical director for The Menopause Society