BY: Kiaora Staff | Last Updated: October 14, 2024 | Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Kay Chandler OBGYN/ FACOG
At a routine OB/GYN appointment, you mention the frustration of recurring hot flashes, and your doctor responds, "They are annoying, but they’ll pass soon. Menopause symptoms are harmless anyway."
Unfortunately, this is a false statement. Misunderstandings like these are why over 70% of women seeking hormonal help leave without a prescription. This often leads to feelings of hopelessness and frustration, a common experience for many women.
Hot flashes are the most common symptom of menopause, with approximately 80% of women experiencing them. According to the Mayo Clinic, “On average, hot flash symptoms persist for more than seven years. Some women experience them for more than 10 years.”[1].
A 2019 study published by Everyday Health noted that women typically develop heart disease about 10 years later in life than men. However, research published in 2020 highlighted how menopause elevates a woman’s risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD)[2].
A more recent study from Menopause (December 2022) examined the relationship between menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, and long-term heart disease. It involved over 80,000 postmenopausal women, focusing on symptoms like night sweats, joint pain, racing heart, dizziness, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating. None of the participants had CVD before menopause. The study found that women with persistent or severe hot flashes had a significantly higher likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease.
Hot flashes are triggered by the hypothalamus, the brain's temperature regulator. When estrogen drops during menopause, it disrupts the balance with another chemical, NKB, causing the hypothalamus to raise body temperature, leading to hot flashes. This imbalance and the resulting temperature changes appear to correlate with an increased risk of heart disease. More research is needed to determine if hot flashes cause heart disease or simply indicate a failing cardiovascular system.
BHRT, when administered at therapeutic levels, can significantly reduce or eliminate menopausal symptoms. While many BHRT programs provide a measure of hormonal help, they may not provide adequate support for core body systems.
Hormones play a key role in maintaining strong bones, a healthy cardiovascular system, and balanced brain chemistry. Keeping hormones at physiological levels helps the body function optimally. Studies show that restoring hormone levels can: