Caffeine consumption can aggravate hot flashes and night sweats in postmenopausal women -
A new study from the Mayo Clinic, published online today by the journal menopause, found an association between caffeine consumption and more bothersome hot flashes and night sweats in postmenopausal women. The study also showed an association between caffeine consumption and fewer problems with mood, memory and concentration among perimenopausal women, possibly because caffeine is known to improve the excitement of mood and attention. The results of the largest study to date on caffeine and menopause symptoms are published on Menopause website and will also be printed in an upcoming issue of the journal.
For the study, the researchers conducted a survey using the questionnaire on menopause health, a comprehensive assessment of health information related to menopause that includes personal habits and presence notes menopausal symptoms and severity. Questionnaires were completed by 2507 consecutive women who had menopausal problems in women's health clinic at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester between July 25 05 and July 25, 2011. The data from 1806 women meeting all criteria inclusion were analyzed. Assessments menopausal symptoms were compared between users of caffeine and not.
About 85 percent of the US population uses some form of drink containing caffeine per day. Vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats) are the symptoms most commonly reported menopause, occurring in 79 percent of perimenopausal women and 65 percent of menopausal women. Although it has long believed that caffeine worsens vasomotor symptoms of menopause, research has challenged that assumption, that caffeine was both positively and negatively related to hot flashes.
"Although these results are preliminary, our study suggests that limiting caffeine intake may be helpful for postmenopausal women with bothersome hot flashes and night sweats," says Stephanie Faubion, MD, director of the Mayo Clinic at women's health Clinic in Rochester. "the symptoms of menopause can be difficult, but there are many management strategies to try."
Other strategies recommended Dr. Faubion including :.
• Be aware of triggers such as spicy foods and hot drinks
• in addition to caffeine, limit alcohol and tobacco.
• Dress in layers so you can remove a layer when you are hot.
• Consider products to stay cool at night as wick leaves and sleepwear, fans, and cooling pillows.
• Try stress management strategies such as meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, acupuncture and massage.
• Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly and stay active.
• Talk to your provider about hormone therapy and nonhormonal prescription medications to relieve symptoms.
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