Impact of hot flashes and night sweats on carotid intima-media thickness and bone mineral density among postmenopausal women

Objective: To determine whether postmenopausal women with vasomotor symptoms have a lower bone mineral density (BMD) and a higher carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) than those without vasomotor symptoms.

Methods: Postmenopausal women with (n=87) or without (n=117) vasomotor symptoms who did not receive hormone therapy were included. The CIMT and BMD were determined and the relationship with vasomotor symptoms evaluated.

Results: The presence of both hot flashes and night sweats was associated with a CIMT of more than 0.80 mm after adjusting for age, time since menopause, and body mass index (adjusted odds ratio 3.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3-4.5; P<0.001). The adjusted odds ratio for a CIMT higher than 0.80 mm in women with night sweats was 3.6 (95% CI 1.5-8.9; P=0.006); the adjusted odds ratio in women with hot flashes was 23.1 (95% CI 9.1-58.4; P<0.001). The mean CIMT was 0.65±0.08 mm in the asymptomatic group and 0.81±0.06 mm in the symptomatic group (P<0.001). The mean lumbar (L1, L2, and L3) and total hip BMD values were lower in the symptomatic group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Hot flashes and night sweats in postmenopausal women are associated with a higher CIMT and a lower BMD.