Abstract
This study examined the effects of caffeine, alcohol, and physical activity (PA) on the perceived frequency and severity of hot flashes in menopausal women. Female employees at a Mid-Western university were invited to participate in an on-line survey. The 26-itemized Wo- men’s Health Survey (WHS) included questions regarding demographics, menopausal stage, experience of hot flashes, consumption of caffeinated beverages and alcohol, and participation in PA. One-hundred and ninety-six women completed the study. Ordinary Least Squares regressions revealed PA, caffeine, and alcohol intake were significant in predicting the severity of hot flashes (R2 = 0.068, F(6,180) = 2.195, p = 0.046), though they did not predict frequency of hot flashes (R2 = 0.043, F(6,184) = 1.39, p = 0.221). Participation in aerobic PA increased frequency of hot flashes (p = 0.031); while higher intensity of aerobic PA had an inverse relationship on both frequency and severity of hot flashes (p = 0.011, p = 0.003, respectively). Spearman correlations demonstrated a positive relationship between caffeinated soda intake and frequency (r = 0.17, p = 0.06) and severity (r = 0.19, p = 0.04) of hot flashes. Beverage consumption and PA may predict severity of hot flashes in women. Less frequent, higher intensity aerobic PA may lead to fewer, less severe hot flashes.
Highlights
Menopausal hot flashes, with varying degrees of severity, are a significant concern for women across the world
The purpose of this research study was to examine the effects of consumption of caffeine, alcoholic beverages, and physical activity on the perceived frequency and severity of hot flashes in menopausal women
The recruitment email informed participants of the following parameters related to the study: their random selection, criteria for participating, purpose of research procedures, and approximate time needed to participate in the study
Summary
Menopausal hot flashes, with varying degrees of severity, are a significant concern for women across the world. Women with hot flashes are more likely to experience disturbed sleep, depressive symptoms and significant reductions in quality of life as compared to asymptomatic women [3]. These symptoms may continue to occur for 5 years or more [4]. Several factors have been studied for their contributions to the severity and frequency of hot flashes in menopausal women. The purpose of this research study was to examine the effects of consumption of caffeine, alcoholic beverages, and physical activity on the perceived frequency and severity of hot flashes in menopausal women
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