Diet and lifestyle in the management of hot flushes

Abstract

Obesity has been linked to higher levels of menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes. While weight loss interventions including bariatric surgery have been associated with an improvement in hot flushes, the Women's Health Initiative Dietary Modification (DM) trial has given more complex insights. Thus women who lost weight reported a reduction or elimination of vasomotor symptoms (VMS) over one year. However, women in the intervention who gained >10 lbs also had reduced VMS suggesting that the beneficial impact of a healthy diet was not restricted to those who lost weight. Different diets appear to have health benefits. The Mediterranean type of diet has consistently been found to be compatible with healthier aging and longevity in observational studies. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporotic fracture and breast and endometrial cancer. A 2014 Cochrane review concluded that evidence was insufficient to show whether exercise is an effective treatment for vasomotor menopausal symptoms Subsequently a randomised trial found that exercise is not an effective treatment for hot flushes/night sweats. However another study found that In sedentary women, aerobic training for 6 months may decrease the typical menopausal symptoms, especially night sweats, mood swings, and irritability, but not vaginal dryness. Furthermore exercise participation may result in lower perception of symptom severity. Thus while exercise and maintaining a healthy weight have general benefits their effect on hot flushes is modest. Neither intervention improves vaginal dryness.