Simply shedding body weight can dramatically improve those hot flushes which make life a misery for menopausal women.
That’s the message from a new study at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, published online in the journal ‘Menopause.’
It reveals that menopausal women who managed to shed just 10% of their body weight experienced fewer hot flushes than their comfortably plump counterparts.
‘The most effective treatment for hot flashes is Hormone Therapy. Many women are reluctant to take hormone therapy due to potential health risks which include heart attack and clotting disorders’ says Rebecca Thurston, associate professor of psychiatry, psychology and epidemiology at Pitt.
What are ‘hot flushes?’
Hot flushes or ‘flashes’, if you prefer, are uncomfortable symptoms of menopause. Body temperature increases by up to a whopping 9 degrees in a few seconds. They last for several minutes at a time. Some women suffer five in an hour. Women who have hot flushes are more likely to experience sleep disturbances, hot sweats and depression. Research reveals that women with higher Body Mass Index (BMI) report more hot flushes than their slimmer peers.
‘Relieving hot flashes could greatly improve the lives of millions of women,’ assures Dr Thurston.
The study found that women who were assigned to behavioral weight loss therapy, and shed 10% of their body fat, had a greater hot flash reduction, while those assigned to the control group experienced negligible change. Sustained calorie- reduction and exercise were key in maintaining change.
‘In the past we thought body fat might protect against hot flashes but this idea has been challenged,’ added Dr Thurston.
So now you know it – weight loss helps menopause!
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