Too Much Exercise Linked to Increased Hot Flashes, Study Shows

Hot flashes affect about 80% of women during the years around menopause. Despite their prevalence and extensive research into their causes, much about them remains unknown.

A new study, published in the journal Menopause, the journal of The Menopause Society, suggested that acute changes in physical activity, temperature, and humidity may play a role in the hot flash experience.

Hot flashes, affecting about 80% of women around menopause, are sudden heat events involving increased heat transfer to the skin and sweating. They result from reduced estradiol levels, affecting the hypothalamus that controls body temperature. While physical activity offers many health benefits, it can raise body temperature and potentially trigger hot flashes.

The frequency and intensity of hot flashes can vary widely among women. Some may experience them several times a day, while others may have them less frequently. Hot flashes can be particularly disruptive at night, leading to sleep disturbances and contributing to restlessness and fatigue.

Studies have shown that women with a history of hot flashes often experience them during exercise, unlike asymptomatic women. Recent research indicates that more moderate physical activity correlates with more reported hot flashes.

In the study, researchers involved nearly 200 participants across the three menopause stages (premenopause, perimenopause, and postmenopause).

Data indicated significantly higher odds of acute increases in physical activity preceding both objective and subjective hot flashes during waking and sleeping periods. Additionally, restlessness and increased microclimate temperature at night may precede hot flashes, suggesting that certain behavioural measures, such as using lighter blankets and fans, may be beneficial.

“This study shows a link between increases in physical activity and subsequent subjective and objective hot flashes during both waking and sleeping periods. Clinicians may advise patients of this link while acknowledging the multiple well-known benefits of physical activity. Because temperature during sleep affected the odds of having a hot flash, modifications such as the use of lighter-weight blankets and sleepwear, as well as keeping the room temperature cooler, may help with nighttime hot flashes,” said Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for The Menopause Society.

Reference: Witkowski, Sarah PhD1; White, Quinn BA2; Shreyer, Sofiya MA3; Garcia, Randi L. PhD2; Brown, Daniel E. PhD4; Sievert, Lynnette Leidy PhD3. Acute increases in physical activity and temperature are associated with hot flash experience in midlife women. Menopause ():10.1097/GME.0000000000002373, May 28, 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002373