Weight Loss Helps Reduce Hot Flashes During Menopause

Weight loss may be key in getting rid of hot flashes, according to a recent study published in the journal Menopause. Findings showed that participants who reduced their weight also reduced these menopausal symptoms.

Researchers from the North American Menopause Society studied over 40 obese white and African-American women dealing with hot flashes, a problem reported by more than 70 percent of participants during menopausal transition.

They found that women often dealt with hot flashes more often when they experience poor quality of life, sleep problems and/or depression.

Furthermore, study results showed that after physiologic monitoring and questionnaires, there was a significant link between the degree of weight loss and hot flash reduction.

"This is encouraging news for women looking for relief for this bothersome midlife symptom," said Dr. Margery Gass, MD, The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) Executive Director, in a news release."Not only might behavior weight loss provide a safe, effective remedy for many women, but it also encourages a health-promoting behavior. Since many of the women in this pilot study indicated their primary motivator for losing weight was hot flash reduction, we know that this could be a strong incentive for women to engage in a healthier lifestyle which provides numerous other health benefits beyond hot flash management."

However, it's important to keep in mind that hot flashes are not the only symptoms related to menopause. Mood swings, night sweats, a need to urinate more frequently and painful intercourse can also cause issues.