Premenopausal vasomotor symptoms in an ethnically diverse population

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Vasomotor symptoms (VMS), such as hot flashes and night sweats, significantly impact quality of life for many women.
• The prevalence and demographic variations of VMS in premenopausal women, particularly across different racial and ethnic groups, require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of vasomotor symptoms (VMS) in a diverse population of premenopausal women aged 45-56 years.
• To examine the association between race/ethnicity and the likelihood of experiencing VMS.
• To explore the relationship between soy food intake and VMS prevalence within different racial groups.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 1,513 premenopausal women (ages 45-56) using electronic health records and mailed surveys.
• Data included demographics, menstrual regularity, hormone use, and a soy food frequency questionnaire.
• Generalized linear models were used to assess associations between race/ethnicity and VMS, controlling for age and BMI.

Main Results:

• Overall VMS prevalence was 55% in this premenopausal cohort.
• Native American women reported the highest prevalence of VMS (66.7%), while East Asian women reported the lowest (25.6-38.9%).
• Hispanic women had lower VMS prevalence compared to non-Hispanic white women. Among white women, higher soy intake correlated with increased VMS, an association not observed in other groups.

Conclusions:

• Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are highly prevalent in premenopausal women across diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
• Racial and ethnic disparities in VMS prevalence exist, with Asian and Hispanic women reporting lower rates than white women.
• Dietary soy intake may play a role in VMS experienced by white women, warranting further research into this specific association.