Oh Joy – Hot Flashes Might Last Longer Than We Thought

April 2, 2010

Hot flashes affect up to 75% of women during menopausal transition.  For some women they are just mildly annoying but for others they can be extremely bothersome and involve drenching sweats day and night, heart palpitations, anxiety and confusion.   Some of these severe symptoms may require medication and the most effective treatment is hormone therapy (HT) – estrogen with or without progestin.  In light of the well publicized health risks connected with certain hormone preparations, HT is currently prescribed at the lowest does for the shortest period of time.

Deciding whether to use HT might be easier if women knew how long they were likely to be experiencing hot flashes.  Current health information suggests that symptoms typically go on for six months to 2 years but no investigation had lasted long enough to collect data on the symptoms from start to finish in a certain group of women.  That is, until now.  A recent Australian study published the  journal of Menopause (who would have thought there was such a publication!) tracked women from pre-menopause  through the entire transition and reported that hot flash duration averaged more than 5 years – well above previous estimates.  Well isn’t that good news!

Investigators analyzed data from 438 women ages 45 to 55 who were still getting their period when the study began in 1991.  These women were interviewed annually and completed health questionnaires, including questions on hot flashes.  After 13 years of follow up, the researchers found that hot flashes lasted an average of 5.8 years in HT users and 5.2 years in nonusers.  This indicates that HT might not lessen the duration of the flashes themselves; more likely just their severity.

Certain lifestyle changes can help with hot flashes, like keeping the thermostat turned down, dressing in loose layers, drinking ice water, and avoiding hot or spicy foods.   I also think that avoiding alcohol is helpful because that seems to be one of the triggers to getting a nighttime hot flash that has been common in women I’ve spoken to. The study noted that there was a link between high exercise levels and shorter hot flash duration.  Obviously another good reason to do some form of exercise several times a week.