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Vasomotor symptoms and mortality: the Rancho Bernardo Study
Johan Svartberg1, Denise von Mühlen, Donna Kritz-Silverstein
1Department of Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway. johan.svartberg@unn.no
Menopause (New York, N.Y.)
|May 8, 2009
Summary
Night sweats during menopause may significantly lower the risk of death from all causes, cardiovascular disease, and coronary heart disease in older women. This finding is independent of lifestyle factors and hormone therapy use.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Epidemiology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats, are common during menopause.
- The association between these symptoms and long-term mortality risk in older women requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between vasomotor symptoms and mortality from all causes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and coronary heart disease (CHD).
- To assess these associations in a cohort of community-dwelling older women.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, population-based study involving 867 postmenopausal women.
- Data on lifestyle and menopause-related history were collected, with vital status followed for an average of 11.5 years.
Main Results:
- 73% of women reported hot flashes; 39% of those also reported night sweats.
- Night sweats, in addition to hot flashes, were associated with a nearly 30% lower risk of all-cause mortality.
- A similar reduced risk for CVD and CHD mortality was observed in women experiencing night sweats, independent of hormone use but not after adjusting for BMI, exercise, and smoking.
Conclusions:
- Experiencing night sweats during menopause is linked to a reduced risk of death over the subsequent two decades.
- This association persists independently of various risk factors, including postmenopausal hormone therapy use.
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