Irritating problems such as hot flashes and night sweats cause distress in many women at menopause, and a new study published in the journal Menopause found that hot flashes are associated with a higher body mass index (BMI)
The study of 749 Brazilian women aged 45 to 60 years showed that obese women suffered more severe hot flashes than women of normal weight. The hot flashes caused them to stop certain activities and also decreased their work efficiency.
The data support the “thermoregulatory theory,” which proposes that BMI is positively associated with vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, because body-fat tissue acts as a strong heat insulator. The insulation makes the distribution of heat more difficult, which then causes obese women to suffer more hot flashes.
The study also confirmed associations between an increased BMI and other symptoms, such as joint and muscular pain and more intense urinary problems.
“This study supports earlier studies that found that women who are heavier tend to have more hot flashes, particularly close to menopause,” says Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton, executive director of The North American Menopause Society.
“In some studies, but not all, weight loss and exercise have both been shown to reduce hot flashes in women who are obese, thus giving women even more reason to create a healthier lifestyle for themselves,” Pinkerton said.
A recent study also published in Menopause found that women who have frequent hot flashes may be at an increased risk of heart disease, especially those in younger midlife (40 to 53 years). The study found that hot flashes may signal poor vascular function that can lead to heart disease. “Hot flashes are not just a nuisance, says Pinkerton. “They have been linked to cardiovascular, bone, and brain health.”
Professional Scope of Practice *
The information herein on "Obesity Can Cause More Severe Menopause Symptoms" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
Blog Information & Scope Discussions
Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, acupuncture, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.
We are here to help you and your family.
Blessings
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182
Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card
Could learning to apply healthy sleep hygiene habits help improve sleep and overall health for… Read More
Can incorporating natural probiotic foods help improve many people's gut health and restore functionality to… Read More
Experiencing a whiplash injury can be disorienting and painful. Can recognizing the signs of more… Read More
Individuals dealing with fibromyalgia can find natural remedies to reduce the pain-like symptoms and provide… Read More
For individuals who are looking for a whipped cream substitute for a dairy-free alternative, what… Read More
Can modified workouts and/or having a personal trainer design an alternate fitness routine while in… Read More