Frequent hot flashes may signal higher risk of heart disease
Menopause: Women discuss the positives
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The study, conducted by the North American Menopause Society, (NAMS) has found hot flashes experienced during menopause could put undue stress on the heart and increase the risk of heart disease.
The conclusion reached by NAMS is a result of analysis of a series of large cohort studies which have conducted physiologic assessments of vasomotor symptoms. Vasomotor is another way to describe actions which impact blood vessels, hot flashes are an example of a vasomotor symptom.
Dr Rebecca Thurston of the University of Pittsburgh said: “Hot flashes are regarded as symptoms with implications for quality of life but not necessarily physical health.”
She continued: “Accumulating research has called this long-held clinical wisdom into question and underscores that frequent or severe hot flashes may signal women who are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease risk at midlife and beyond.”
Doctor Thurston is due to conduct a presentation on the matter later this month. She said: “This presentation will introduce the latest thinking about how women with a high burden of vasomotor symptoms may particularly benefit from targeted cardiovascular reduction efforts as they age.”
Why is this research important?
The reason why this research is important is because cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in women. Therefore, any study which provides insight into cardiovascular risk is highly important and can help researchers develop new preventative treatments.
How many women could be affected?
It’s hard to say, but NAMS estimate that around 70 percent of women experience hot flashes at some point during their menopause.
However, it should be noted this is for American women and this figure may differ between countries.
Nevertheless, the study provides a crucial insight into how menopause can impact women later in life.
But not just later in life either, a woman can pre-menopausal when they’re still young, meaning menopause can affect them for the majority of their life.
On menopause and perimenopause (when symptoms occur before your periods stop), the NHS say: “Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels. This usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55.
“It can sometimes happen earlier naturally. Or for reasons such as surgery to remove the ovaries (oophorectomy) or the uterus (hysterectomy), cancer treatments like chemotherapy, or a genetic reason. Sometimes the reason is unknown. You reach menopause when you have not had a period for 12 months.”
What are the main symptoms of menopause?
The main physical symptoms of menopause are:
• Hot flushes
• Difficulty sleeping
• Heart palpitations
• Headaches and migraines which are worse than normal
• Muscle aches
• Joint pains
• Changed body shape and weight gain
• Dry and itchy sin
• Reduced sex drive
• Vaginal dryness and pain
• Recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs).
However, menopause has more than just a physical impact on a woman, it can cause psychological symptoms too.
Women going through menopause often experience mood swings, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Furthermore, they can also experience problems with concentration and brain fog (also a symptom of COVID-19).
Because of this, women must be supported throughout this experience; and given adequate support.
The NHS says talking to other people going through the same thing can help should support be required, so too can doing relaxing activities such as yoga or meditation.
While these changes can help, HRT is considered the safest and most effective treatment for the condition, one which your GP can discuss with you should you choose this treatment.
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