More Physical Activity Tied to Higher Odds of Hot Flashes
By Lori Solomon HealthDay Reporter
FRIDAY, May 31, 2024 -- Increases in physical activity increase the odds of menopause-related hot flashes, according to a study published online May 28 in Menopause.
Sarah Witkowski, Ph.D., from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, and colleagues examined the association between acute changes in physical activity, temperature, and humidity and 24-hour subjective and objective hot flash experiences. The analysis included 188 women (aged 45 to 55 years) across three menopause stages.
The researchers found significantly greater odds of a hot flash following acute increases in physical activity for objective waking hot flashes (odds ratio [OR], 1.31) and subjective waking hot flashes (OR, 1.16). There was also an association observed between acute increases in the actigraphy signal and odds of having an objective (OR, 1.17) or subjective (OR, 1.72) sleeping hot flash. For subjective sleeping hot flashes, significantly higher odds were seen with increases in temperature (OR, 1.38). Humidity was not associated with odds of experiencing any hot flashes.
"This study shows a link between increases in physical activity and subsequent subjective and objective hot flashes during both waking and sleeping periods," Stephanie Faubion, M.D., medical director of The Menopause Society, said in a statement. "Clinicians may advise patients of this link while acknowledging the multiple well-known benefits of physical activity. Because temperature during sleep affected the odds of having a hot flash, modifications such as the use of lighter-weight blankets and sleepwear, as well as keeping the room temperature cooler, may help with nighttime hot flashes."
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.
© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Posted May 2024
Read this next
Air Pollution May Worsen Bone Health in Postmenopausal Women
FRIDAY, May 16, 2025 -- Exposure to air pollution may worsen bone loss in postmenopausal women, according to a study published online April 24 in the Journal of Bone and...
More Research Needed to Prepare People With Mental Illness for Menopause
THURSDAY, May 15, 2025 -- Few studies examine how people living with a mental illness may be best prepared for the menopause transition, considering both menopause symptoms and...
Hormone Therapy Tied to Worse Bladder Health in Postmenopausal Women
TUESDAY, May 6, 2025 -- Hormone therapy use is linked to worse bladder health in postmenopausal women, according to a study published online April 29 in Menopause. Camille...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.