Junk Old Theory: Exercise To Reduces Hot Flashes

A new health study claims that regular exercise decreases the frequency and severity of hot flashes in menopausal women. Women who are obese or overweight or those who lead sedentary lifestyle suffer from perceptions of hot flashes.

The researchers say that physically active menopausal women are likely to experience fewer hot flashes during the 24 hours that followed their physical activity.

Hot flash is a feeling of warmth that spreads over the body that begins and is most strong felt in the head and neck regions. Hot flashes are a common symptom experienced by women prior to, and during the early stages of the menopausal transition. Menopause symptoms are generally treated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or oral contraceptive pills. 

One of the authors of the study, Steriani Elavsky, assistant professor of kinesiology at Penn State said, "For women with mild to moderate hot flashes, there is no reason to avoid physical activity for the fear of making symptoms worse. In fact, physical activity may be helpful, and is certainly the best way to maximize health as women age. Becoming and staying active on a regular basis as part of your lifestyle is the best way to ensure healthy aging and well being, regardless of whether you experience hot flashes or not."

In order to conduct the study, Lavsky and her colleagues studied 92 menopausal women for duration of 15 days. The sample population included women with mild-to-moderate post menopausal symptoms between the ages of 40-59 years, and who were not on HRT. These women also had two children on an average. The participants in the study were asked to wear accelerometers that monitored their physical activity. They also had to wear a monitor that measured skin conductance (electrical resistance based on skin moisture). 

Those women residing in the community were recruited. The researchers used recruitment sources that included a variety of outlets in the community frequented by women, like libraries, fairs, gyms, advertisements in local newspapers, etc.

This study proves the previously stated physiological explanations false. It stated that performing physical activity increases hot flashes because it increases body core temperature. Whereas this new study proved that on an average basis, the subjects of the study experienced fewer hot flash symptoms after they had exercised ; this reduction in symptoms was least experienced by those women who were overweight, having a low fitness level or those who were experiencing more frequent or more intense hot flashes. 

The researchers say that, "The idea that women could combine diet with exercise to experience fewer hot flashes is a theory worthy of future research."

Elavsky concluded saying, "For women with mild to moderate hot flashes, there is no reason to avoid physical activity for the fear of making symptoms worse. In fact, physical activity may be helpful, and is certainly the best way to maximize health as women age. Becoming and staying active on a regular basis as part of your lifestyle is the best way to ensure healthy aging and well being, regardless of whether you experience hot flashes or not."