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Effect of fever on menopausal hot flashes
R M Barnard1, F Kronenberg, J A Downey
1School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109.
Maturitas
|March 1, 1992
Summary
Women experiencing fewer hot flashes during a fever may be due to competing thermoregulatory drives. This study monitored hot flashes during fever, finding reduced frequency and intensity when body temperature was elevated.
Area of Science:
- Thermoregulation
- Women's Health
- Physiology
Background:
- Hot flashes are a common symptom for many women.
- Some women report a decrease in hot flashes during fever.
- The physiological mechanisms behind this phenomenon are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between fever and hot flashes.
- To conduct the first physiological monitoring of hot flashes during a fever in a subject with frequent hot flashes when afebrile.
- To explore potential explanations for reduced hot flash occurrence during febrile states.
Main Methods:
- Continuous physiological monitoring of a subject with a documented history of frequent hot flashes.
- Recording of hot flash occurrences and intensity during both afebrile and febrile periods.
- Measurement of internal (core) body temperature.
Main Results:
- Fewer hot flashes were observed during the febrile period compared to afebrile periods.
- Hot flashes that did occur during fever tended to be less intense.
- Hot flashes resumed their typical pattern once the fever subsided and body temperature normalized.
Conclusions:
- Elevated core body temperature during fever is associated with a reduction in hot flash frequency and intensity.
- Potential explanations include competing thermoregulatory drives, inhibition of hot flash triggers by febrile temperatures, or masking of physiological changes.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms involved.