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Carson MY, Thurston RC. Vasomotor symptoms and their links to cardiovascular disease risk. CURRENT OPINION IN ENDOCRINE AND METABOLIC RESEARCH 2023; 30:100448. [PMID: 37214424 PMCID: PMC10198127 DOI: 10.1016/j.coemr.2023.100448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Hot flashes and night sweats, also known as vasomotor symptoms (VMS), are common and bothersome symptoms of the menopause transition. In addition to negatively impacting quality of life, VMS have been associated with multiple indicators of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, including an unfavorable CVD risk factor profile, increased subclinical CVD, and elevated risk of CVD events. Several facets of VMS have been associated with CVD risk, including the frequency, timing, duration, and severity of VMS. VMS may signify poor or degrading cardiovascular health among midlife women and indicate women who warrant focused CVD prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Y. Carson
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rebecca C. Thurston
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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The severity of vasomotor symptoms and number of menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women and select clinical health outcomes in the Women's Health Initiative Calcium and Vitamin D randomized clinical trial. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 27:1265-1273. [PMID: 33110042 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000001667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study evaluated whether vasomotor symptom (VMS) severity and number of moderate/severe menopausal symptoms (nMS) were associated with health outcomes, and whether calcium and vitamin D (CaD) modified the risks. METHODS The Women's Health Initiative CaD study was a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, which tested 400 IU of 25-hydroxyvitamin-D and 1,000 mg of calcium per day in women aged 50 to 79 years. This study included 20,050 women (median follow-up of 7 y). The outcomes included hip fracture, colorectal cancer, invasive breast cancer, all-cause mortality, coronary heart disease, stroke, cardiovascular death, and total cardiovascular disease (CVD). MS included: hot flashes, night sweats, dizziness, heart racing, tremors, feeling restless, feeling tired, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, mood swings, vaginal dryness, breast tenderness, migraine, and waking up several times at night. Associations between VMS severity and nMS with outcomes were tested. RESULTS No association between VMS severity and any outcome were found. In contrast, nMS was associated with higher stroke (hazard ratio [HR] 1.40 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.89 for ≥ 2 MS vs none; HR 1.20 95% CI 0.89-1.63 for 1 MS vs none, P trend = 0.03) and total CVD (HR 1.35, 95% CI, 1.18-1.54 for ≥ 2 MS vs none; HR 0.99, 95% CI, 0.87-1.14 for 1 MS vs none P trend < 0.001). CaD did not modify any association. CONCLUSION Severity of VMS was not associated with any outcome. Having ≥2 moderate or severe MS was associated with an increased risk for CVD. The number of moderate/severe MS may be a marker for higher CVD risk. : Video Summary:http://links.lww.com/MENO/A669.
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Oppermann K, Colpani V, Spritzer PM. Risk factors associated with coronary artery calcification in midlife women: a population-based study. Gynecol Endocrinol 2019; 35:904-908. [PMID: 31006278 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2019.1604656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the association between individual risk factors and coronary artery calcification (CAC), as a marker of subclinical cardiovascular disease, in a population-based nested cross-sectional study of midlife women. Anthropometric and metabolic data from 295 women from the South of Brazil were analyzed. Habitual physical activity was assessed by pedometer. CAC was assessed by a multi-detector computed tomography system. Average Agatston score was used to stratify participants as CAC > 0 and CAC = 0. Women with CAC > 0 (34.7%) were older (58.7 ± 5.4 vs. 56.3 ± 5.2 years, p < .001) and had higher prevalence of central adiposity (71 vs. 59%, p = .04) and hypertension (71 vs. 52%, p = .002) than women in the CAC = 0 group. Hormone therapy (HT) was more prevalent in the group with CAC = 0 (19.7 vs. 9.8%, p = .029). The prevalence ratios for CAC > 0 were 0.545 (95%CI:0.309-0.962, p = .036) for HT and 1.752 (95%CI:1.207-2.541, p = .003) for hypertension, after adjustment for age, educational level, smoking, alcohol intake, and physical activity. The present data in a population-based sample of midlife women indicate that hypertension and age were positively associated with higher risk for CAC > 0 and HT was related with CAC = 0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Oppermann
- Department of Gynecology, Medical School of Passo Fundo University, Passo Fundo, Brazil
- Department of Gynecology, São Vicente Hospital, Passo Fundo, Brazil
| | | | - Poli Mara Spritzer
- Gynecological Endocrinology Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Department of Physiology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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What's in a name: are menopausal "hot flashes" a symptom of menopause or a manifestation of neurovascular dysregulation? Menopause 2019; 25:700-703. [PMID: 29381665 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000001065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Hot flashes have typically been classified as "symptoms of menopause" that should be tolerated or treated until they resolve. However, mounting evidence points to hot flashes as a manifestation of one or several underlying pathophysiological processes. Associations exist between the presence, timing of onset, severity, and duration of hot flashes, and the risk of several neurological (affecting sleep, mood, and cognition) and cardiovascular conditions. In addition, four consistent patterns of vasomotor disturbances have been identified across different countries, making it unlikely that these patterns are solely explained by socioeconomic or cultural factors. The changing hormonal environment of menopause may unmask differences in the autonomic neurovascular control mechanisms that put an individual woman at risk for chronic conditions of aging. These differences may have a genetic basis or may be acquired across the life span and are consistent with the variability of the clinical manifestations of aging observed in women after bilateral oophorectomy. It is time to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the four patterns of vasomotor symptoms more closely, and to shift from describing hot flashes as symptoms to be tolerated to manifestations of an underlying autonomic neurovascular dysregulation that need to be addressed.
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Shufelt CL, Pacheco C, Tweet MS, Miller VM. Sex-Specific Physiology and Cardiovascular Disease. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1065:433-454. [PMID: 30051400 PMCID: PMC6768431 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-77932-4_27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences in cardiovascular diseases can be classified as those which are specific to one sex and those that differ in incidence, prevalence, etiology, symptomatology, response to treatment, morbidity, and mortality in one sex compared to the other. All sex differences in cardiovascular conditions have their basis in the combined expression of genetic and hormonal differences between women and men. This chapter addresses how understanding basic mechanisms of hormone responses, imaging diagnostics, and integration of genomics and proteomics has advanced diagnosis and improved outcomes for cardiovascular conditions, apart from those related to pregnancy that are more prevalent in women. These conditions include obstructive coronary artery disease, coronary microvascular dysfunction, spontaneous coronary artery dissection, diseases of the cardiac muscle including heart failure and takotsubo cardiomyopathy, and conditions related to neurovascular dysregulation including hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause and effects of exogenous hormones on vascular function. Improvement in technologies allowing for noninvasive assessment of neuronally mediated vascular reactivity will further improve our understanding of the basic etiology of the neurovascular disorders. Consideration of sex, hormonal status, and pregnancy history in diagnosis and treatment protocols will improve prevention and outcomes of cardiovascular disease in women as they age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrisandra L Shufelt
- Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Smidt Heart Insititute, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Christine Pacheco
- Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Smidt Heart Insititute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marysia S Tweet
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Virginia M Miller
- Surgery and Physiology, Women's Health Research Center, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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El Khoudary SR, Thurston RC. Cardiovascular Implications of the Menopause Transition: Endogenous Sex Hormones and Vasomotor Symptoms. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 2018; 45:641-661. [PMID: 30401548 DOI: 10.1016/j.ogc.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The menopause transition (MT) is a critical period of women's lives marked by several physiologic changes and menopause-related symptoms that have implications for health. Risk for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in women, increases after menopause, suggesting a contribution of the MT to its development. This article focuses on the relationship between 2 main features of the MT and women's cardiovascular health: (1) dynamic alterations of sex hormones, particularly endogenous estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone, and (2) vasomotor symptoms, the cardinal symptom of the menopause. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar R El Khoudary
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, Epidemiology Data Center, University of Pittsburgh, 4420 Bayard Street, Suite 600, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
| | - Rebecca C Thurston
- Departments of Psychiatry and Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Thurston RC. Vasomotor symptoms: natural history, physiology, and links with cardiovascular health. Climacteric 2018; 21:96-100. [PMID: 29390899 PMCID: PMC5902802 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2018.1430131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Vasomotor symptoms (VMS), or hot flushes and night sweats, are the classic symptom of menopause. Recent years have brought key advances in the knowledge about VMS. VMS last longer than previously thought, on average 7-10 years for frequent or moderate to severe VMS. Although VMS have long been understood to be important to women's quality of life, research has also linked VMS to indicators of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, such as an adverse CVD risk factor profile, greater subclinical CVD and, in emerging work, CVD events. Relations between VMS and CVD are not typically accounted for by CVD risk factors. In newer work, VMS-CVD risk relations are demonstrated with state-of-the-art subjective and objective measures of VMS. Some research indicates that VMS-CVD risk relations may be sensitive to the timing or duration of VMS. Thus, research collectively supports relations between VMS and CVD risk independent of known CVD risk factors. Next steps include identifying the mechanisms linking VMS and CVD risk indicators, understanding any timing effects, and clarifying the precise nature of relations between VMS and CVD risk. Clinical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- R C Thurston
- a Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Epidemiology , University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh , PA , USA
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History of vasomotor symptoms, extent of coronary artery disease, and clinical outcomes after acute coronary syndrome in postmenopausal women. Menopause 2018; 25:635-640. [PMID: 29406426 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000001064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) during menopausal transition have been linked to a higher burden of cardiovascular risk factors, subclinical vascular disease, and subsequent vascular events. We aim to investigate the association of VMS with the extent of coronary disease and their prognostic role after an acute coronary syndrome. METHODS The Ladies Acute Coronary Syndrome study enrolled consecutive women with an acute coronary syndrome undergoing coronary angiography. A menopause questionnaire was administered during admission. Angiographic data underwent corelab analysis. Six out of 10 enrolling centers participated in 1-year follow-up. Outcome data included the composite endpoint of all-cause mortality, recurrent myocardial infarction, stroke, and rehospitalization for cardiovascular causes within 1 year. RESULTS Of the 415 women with available angiographic corelab analysis, 373 (90%) had complete 1-year follow-up. Among them, 202 women had had VMS during menopausal transition. These women had the same mean age at menopause as those without VMS (50 years in both groups), but were younger at presentation (median age 71 vs 76 years; P < 0.001), despite a more favorable cardiovascular risk profile (chronic kidney dysfunction 4.5% vs 15.9%; P = 0.001; prior cerebrovascular disease 4.5 vs 12.2%; P = 0.018). Extent of coronary disease at angiography was similar between groups (mean Gensini score 49 vs 51; P = 0.6; mean SYNTAX score 14 vs 16; P = 0.3). Overall cardiovascular events at 1 year did not differ between groups (19% vs 22%; P = 0.5). CONCLUSIONS In postmenopausal women with an acute coronary syndrome, a history of VMS was associated with younger age at presentation, despite a lower vascular disease burden and similar angiographically defined coronary disease as compared with women without VMS. No difference could be found in terms of overall clinical outcomes. These results should be interpreted cautiously as all analyses were unadjusted and did not account for risk factor differences between women with and without a history of VMS.
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Hot flashes and the heart: an ongoing enigma. Menopause 2017. [DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000000934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Harrington LB, Blondon M, Cushman M, Kaunitz AM, Rossouw JE, Allison MA, Martin LW, Johnson KC, Rosing J, Woods NF, LaCroix AZ, Heckbert SR, McKnight B, Smith NL. The cross-sectional association between vasomotor symptoms and hemostatic parameter levels in postmenopausal women. Menopause 2017; 24:360-370. [PMID: 27922933 PMCID: PMC5365368 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000000777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) may be a marker of cardiovascular risk. We aimed to evaluate the cross-sectional association of VMS presence and severity with hemostatic parameter levels measured at baseline among Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Hormone Therapy trial postmenopausal participants. METHODS This cross-sectional analysis included 2,148 postmenopausal women with measures of VMS presence and severity reported in the 4 weeks before WHI baseline, who were not using warfarin or hormone therapy and for whom the following baseline hemostatic parameters were measured within the WHI Cardiovascular Disease Biomarker Case-Control Study: antithrombin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, protein C antigen, total and free protein S antigen, total and free tissue factor pathway inhibitor, D-dimer, normalized activated protein C sensitivity ratio, and thrombin generation. Using multiple linear regression, we estimated the adjusted average difference in each hemostatic parameter associated with VMS presence and severity. A multiple comparisons-corrected P value was computed using the P-min procedure to determine statistical significance of our smallest observed P value. RESULTS Women were 67 years of age on average and 33% reported VMS presence at baseline. There was some suggestion that VMS presence may be associated with a -0.34 adjusted difference in normalized activated protein C sensitivity ratio compared with no VMS (95% CI, -0.60 to -0.087; P = 0.009), but this association was not significant after correction for multiple comparisons (P = 0.073). VMS presence or severity was not significantly associated with the other hemostatic parameters. CONCLUSIONS We found no convincing evidence that VMS presence or severity was associated with levels of hemostatic parameters among postmenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura B. Harrington
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Marc Blondon
- Division of Angiology and Haemostasis, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mary Cushman
- Department of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
| | - Andrew M. Kaunitz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL
| | | | - Matthew A. Allison
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA
| | - Lisa W. Martin
- Department of Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Karen C. Johnson
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Jan Rosing
- Department of Biochemistry, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Nancy F. Woods
- School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Andrea Z. LaCroix
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA
| | | | - Barbara McKnight
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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Thurston RC, El Khoudary SR, Tepper PG, Jackson EA, Joffe H, Chen HY, Matthews KA. Trajectories of Vasomotor Symptoms and Carotid Intima Media Thickness in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. Stroke 2015; 47:12-7. [PMID: 26578657 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.115.010600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Emerging work has linked menopausal vasomotor symptoms (VMS) to subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) among women. However, VMS are dynamic over time. No studies have considered how temporal patterns of VMS may relate to subclinical CVD. We tested how temporal patterns of VMS assessed over 13 years were related to carotid intima media thickness (IMT) among midlife women. METHODS The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation is a longitudinal cohort study of midlife women. Eight hundred and eleven white, black, Hispanic, and Chinese participants with a well-characterized final menstrual period completed measures of VMS, a blood draw, and physical measures approximately annually for 13 years. Women underwent a carotid artery ultrasound at study visit 12. RESULTS Four trajectories of VMS were identified by trajectory analysis (consistently high, early-onset, late-onset, persistently low VMS) and tested in relation to carotid indices in linear regression models. Results indicated that women with early-onset VMS had both greater mean IMT (beta, b [standard error, SE]=0.03 [0.01], P=0.03) and greater maximal IMT (b [SE]=0.04 [0.01], P=0.008) than women with consistently low VMS, adjusting for demographics and CVD risk factors. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to test trajectories of VMS in relation to subclinical CVD. Women with VMS early in the menopause transition had higher mean IMT and maximal IMT than those with consistently low VMS across the transition. Associations were not accounted for by demographic factors nor by CVD risk factors. Results can signal to women in need of early CVD risk reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C Thurston
- From the Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (R.C.T., K.A.M.), Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health (R.C.T., S.R.E.K., P.G.T., H.-Y.C., K.A.M.), PA; Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor (E.A.J.); and Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA (H.J.).
| | - Samar R El Khoudary
- From the Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (R.C.T., K.A.M.), Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health (R.C.T., S.R.E.K., P.G.T., H.-Y.C., K.A.M.), PA; Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor (E.A.J.); and Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA (H.J.)
| | - Ping Guo Tepper
- From the Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (R.C.T., K.A.M.), Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health (R.C.T., S.R.E.K., P.G.T., H.-Y.C., K.A.M.), PA; Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor (E.A.J.); and Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA (H.J.)
| | - Elizabeth A Jackson
- From the Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (R.C.T., K.A.M.), Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health (R.C.T., S.R.E.K., P.G.T., H.-Y.C., K.A.M.), PA; Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor (E.A.J.); and Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA (H.J.)
| | - Hadine Joffe
- From the Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (R.C.T., K.A.M.), Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health (R.C.T., S.R.E.K., P.G.T., H.-Y.C., K.A.M.), PA; Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor (E.A.J.); and Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA (H.J.)
| | - Hsiang-Yu Chen
- From the Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (R.C.T., K.A.M.), Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health (R.C.T., S.R.E.K., P.G.T., H.-Y.C., K.A.M.), PA; Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor (E.A.J.); and Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA (H.J.)
| | - Karen A Matthews
- From the Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (R.C.T., K.A.M.), Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health (R.C.T., S.R.E.K., P.G.T., H.-Y.C., K.A.M.), PA; Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor (E.A.J.); and Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA (H.J.)
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Reid RL, Magee BA. Confronting the challenges of the menopausal transition. Womens Midlife Health 2015; 1:7. [PMID: 30766694 PMCID: PMC6297993 DOI: 10.1186/s40695-015-0008-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Canada’s Generation X is now entering the menopausal transition and pursuing effective therapy for bothersome vasomotor symptoms. They do so at a time when confusion about the safe and appropriate use of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) has never been greater. Misplaced fears among women and their health care providers about MHT have, in many circumstances, led them to abandon this most effective therapy. This review discusses the physiology of the menopausal transition, the nature of symptoms related to withdrawal of ovarian estrogen production, and the potential benefits and risks of MHT. It is now clear that for most recently menopausal women the benefits of MHT outweigh the risks. The rationale for choosing different dosages, formulations, and regimens is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Reid
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 4 V1 Canada
| | - Bryden A Magee
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 4 V1 Canada
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Cheung KL, Stefanick ML, Allison MA, LeBlanc ES, Vitolins MZ, Shara N, Chertow GM, Winkelmayer WC, Kurella Tamura M. Menopausal symptoms in women with chronic kidney disease. Menopause 2015; 22:1006-11. [PMID: 25628057 PMCID: PMC4515400 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000000416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to determine whether menopausal symptoms differed between women with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and women without CKD, and whether CKD modified associations of late vasomotor symptoms (VMS) with mortality and/or cardiovascular events. METHODS CKD, defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate lower than 60 mL/minute/1.73 m (using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation), was determined in 17,891 postmenopausal women, aged 50 to 79 years at baseline, in the multiethnic Women's Health Initiative cohort. Primary outcomes were presence, severity, and timing/duration of VMS (self-reported hot flashes and night sweats) at baseline. We used polytomous logistic regression to test for associations among CKD and four VMS categories (no VMS; early VMS-present before menopause but not at study baseline; late VMS-present only at study baseline; persistent VMS-present before menopause and study baseline) and Cox regression to determine whether CKD modified associations between late VMS and mortality or cardiovascular events. RESULTS Women with CKD (1,017 of 17,891; mean estimated glomerular filtration rate, 50.7 mL/min/1.73 m) were more likely to have had menopause before age 45 years (26% vs 23%, P = 0.02) but were less likely to experience VMS (38% vs 46%, P < 0.001) than women without CKD. Women with CKD were not more likely than women without CKD to experience late VMS. Late VMS (hazard ratio, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.04-1.29) and CKD (hazard ratio, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.54-1.97) were each independently associated with increased risk for mortality, but CKD did not modify the association of late VMS with mortality (Pinteraction = 0.53), coronary heart disease (Pinteraction = 0.12), or stroke (Pinteraction = 0.68). CONCLUSIONS Women with mild CKD experience earlier menopause and fewer VMS than women without CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine L Cheung
- 1Division of Nephrology, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 2Department of Medicine, Stanford Prevention Research Center, Palo Alto, CA 3Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 4University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 5Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research NW, Portland, OR 6Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 7MedStar Health Research Institute, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 8Division of Nephrology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 9Section of Nephrology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 10Geriatric Research and Education Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, California
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Geraldino-Pardilla L, Dhaduvai S, Giles JT, Bathon JM. Lack of association of oral calcium supplementation with coronary artery calcification in rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2015; 67:1465-1473. [PMID: 25808397 PMCID: PMC4446236 DOI: 10.1002/art.39100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between oral calcium supplementation and coronary artery calcification among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients without known cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS This study was conducted as a nested, prospective cohort study of RA patients without known CVD. The daily supplemental calcium dose was ascertained from each patients' list of prescription and over-the-counter medications at baseline and at visit 2 (median 20 months postbaseline). The coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, a measure of coronary atherosclerosis, was assessed by cardiac multidetector row computed tomography at baseline and at visit 3 (median 39 months postbaseline). The association between calcium supplementation and CAC was explored. RESULTS Among the 145 RA patients studied, 42 (28%) were taking ≥1,000 mg/day of supplemental calcium at baseline. A CAC score of >100 units was seen in 44 patients (30%) at baseline and 50 patients (34%) at followup. Baseline CAC scores of >100 units were significantly less frequent in patients receiving the higher dosage (≥1,000 mg/day) of supplemental calcium than in those receiving the lower dosage (<1,000 mg/day) (odds ratio [OR] 0.28, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.11-0.74); this association remained significant after adjustment for relevant confounders (adjusted OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.09-0.93). Similarly, at the third study visit, CAC scores of >100 units were less frequent in the higher supplemental calcium dose group compared to the lower dose group (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.18-0.95); however, after adjustment for relevant confounders, the statistical significance of this association was lost (adjusted OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.14-1.12). No effect of sex heterogeneity was seen in the association of calcium supplementation with coronary artery calcification, and no change in the CAC score over time was observed. CONCLUSION Higher levels of oral calcium supplementation were not associated with an increased risk of coronary atherosclerosis, as measured by the CAC score, in this RA cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Geraldino-Pardilla
- Columbia University, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, College of Physicians & Surgeons. New York, NY
| | - Shanthi Dhaduvai
- Columbia University, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, College of Physicians & Surgeons. New York, NY
| | - Jon T Giles
- Columbia University, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, College of Physicians & Surgeons. New York, NY
| | - Joan M Bathon
- Columbia University, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, College of Physicians & Surgeons. New York, NY
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Franco OH, Muka T, Colpani V, Kunutsor S, Chowdhury S, Chowdhury R, Kavousi M. Vasomotor symptoms in women and cardiovascular risk markers: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Maturitas 2015; 81:353-61. [PMID: 26022385 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2015.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the observational or interventional studies assessing the association of vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes and night sweats) with various cardiovascular risk markers (systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), hypertension, total cholesterol, body mass index (BMI), and measures of subclinical atherosclerosis), in peri-menopausal, menopausal, or postmenopausal women. Eleven unique studies were identified with data available on 19,667 non-overlapping participants. Pooled analysis showed that women with hot flushes, compared to those without, tended to have significant higher levels of SBP (mean difference (MD): 1.95 mmHg (95%CI, 0.27 to 33.63)), and DBP (MD 1.17 mmHg (95%CI, -0.21 to 2.54)) and higher odds of having hypertension (OR: 1.18, 95%CI: 0.93 to 1.51), albeit non-significant. Similarly, women who reported night sweats compared to those who did not, had significant higher levels of SBP, (MD: 1.33 mmHg (95%CI, 0.63 to 2.03)), DBP (MD: 0.55 mmHg (95%CI, 0.19 to 0.91)), total cholesterol (MD: 0.17 mmHg (95%CI, 0.03 to 0.31)) and BMI (MD 0.64 mmHg (95%CI, 0.47 to 0.80)). Vasomotor symptoms in women were not associated with measures of subclinical atherosclerosis. Women with vasomotor symptoms may have an unfavorable cardiovascular risk profile compared to women without vasomotor complaints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar H Franco
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Taulant Muka
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Veronica Colpani
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Office NA-2914, Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Setor Kunutsor
- Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB1 8RN, United Kingdom
| | - Susmita Chowdhury
- Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB1 8RN, United Kingdom
| | - Rajiv Chowdhury
- Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB1 8RN, United Kingdom
| | - Maryam Kavousi
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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A review of the effect of diet on cardiovascular calcification. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:8861-83. [PMID: 25906474 PMCID: PMC4425113 DOI: 10.3390/ijms16048861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Revised: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular (CV) calcification is known as sub-clinical atherosclerosis and is recognised as a predictor of CV events and mortality. As yet there is no treatment for CV calcification and conventional CV risk factors are not consistently correlated, leaving clinicians uncertain as to optimum management for these patients. For this reason, a review of studies investigating diet and serum levels of macro- and micronutrients was carried out. Although there were few human studies of macronutrients, nevertheless transfats and simple sugars should be avoided, while long chain ω-3 fats from oily fish may be protective. Among the micronutrients, an intake of 800 μg/day calcium was beneficial in those without renal disease or hyperparathyroidism, while inorganic phosphorus from food preservatives and colas may induce calcification. A high intake of magnesium (≥380 mg/day) and phylloquinone (500 μg/day) proved protective, as did a serum 25(OH)D concentration of ≥75 nmol/L. Although oxidative damage appears to be a cause of CV calcification, the antioxidant vitamins proved to be largely ineffective, while supplementation of α-tocopherol may induce calcification. Nevertheless other antioxidant compounds (epigallocatechin gallate from green tea and resveratrol from red wine) were protective. Finally, a homocysteine concentration >12 µmol/L was predictive of CV calcification, although a plasma folate concentration of >39.4 nmol/L could both lower homocysteine and protect against calcification. In terms of a dietary programme, these recommendations indicate avoiding sugar and the transfats and preservatives found in processed foods and drinks and adopting a diet high in oily fish and vegetables. The micronutrients magnesium and vitamin K may be worthy of further investigation as a treatment option for CV calcification.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between profiles of vasomotor menopausal symptoms (VMS) during the menopausal transition with the prevalence of diabetes. METHODS VMS and diabetes were measured at baseline and 3-year intervals for 15 years in 4,895 women in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health who were aged 45 to 50 years at baseline in 1996. Latent class analysis and generalized estimating equation models for binary repeated measures were performed. The VMS profiles were labeled as mild, moderate, early severe, and late severe. RESULTS The prevalence of diabetes in the total group was 9.0%. Compared with mild VMS, the odds of diabetes were higher in those with a late severe profile (though not statistically significant; adjusted odds ratio, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.97-1.68) and in those with an early severe profile (adjusted odds ratio, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.20-2.32). Adjustment for body mass index attenuated this association, but the odds of diabetes were still significantly higher in women with an early severe profile than in women with mild VMS (odds ratio, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.11-2.17). The moderate profile was not associated with diabetes. CONCLUSIONS Women with an early severe VMS profile are more likely to have diabetes across a period of 15 years. This association is not explained by body mass index or other potential confounders. Our findings imply that the predictive value of VMS for diabetes may vary with the timing of VMS relative to menopause.
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Herber-Gast G, Brown WJ, Mishra GD. Hot flushes and night sweats are associated with coronary heart disease risk in midlife: a longitudinal study. BJOG 2014; 122:1560-7. [PMID: 25377022 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.13163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between vasomotor menopausal symptoms (VMS), i.e. hot flushes and night sweats, and the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD). DESIGN A prospective cohort study. SETTING AND POPULATION 11 725 women, aged 45-50 years at baseline in 1996, were followed up at 3-year intervals for 14 years. METHODS Self-reported VMS and incident CHD were measured at each survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE We determined the association between VMS and CHD at the subsequent survey, using generalised estimating equation analysis, adjusting for time-varying covariates. RESULTS At baseline, 14% reported rarely, 17% reported sometimes, and 7% reported often having night sweats. During follow-up, 187 CHD events occurred. In the age-adjusted analysis, women who reported their frequency of experiencing hot flushes and night sweats as 'often' had a greater than two-fold increased odds of CHD (OR hot flushes 2.18, 95% CI 1.49-3.18; OR night sweats 2.38, 95% CI 1.62-3.50) compared with women with no symptoms (P trend < 0.001 for frequency of symptoms). Adjustment for menopausal status, lifestyle factors, body mass index, diabetes, and hypertension attenuated the associations (OR hot flushes 1.70, 95% CI 1.16-2.51, P trend = 0.01; OR night sweats 1.84, 95% CI 1.24-2.73), P trend = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS Women who report having hot flushes or night sweats 'often' have an increased risk of developing CHD over a period of 14 years, even after taking the effects of age, menopause status, lifestyle, and other chronic disease risk factors into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gcm Herber-Gast
- Centre for Longitudinal and Life Course Research, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - W J Brown
- School of Human Movement Studies, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - G D Mishra
- Centre for Longitudinal and Life Course Research, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
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For vasomotor symptoms, timing—and duration—may be everything. Menopause 2014; 21:917-9. [DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000000303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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BRCA1/2 mutation carriers are potentially at higher cardiovascular risk. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2014; 91:159-71. [PMID: 24529552 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2014.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Revised: 12/24/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BRCA1/2 mutation carriers have an elevated risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer at a relatively young age. Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy is an established strategy to tremendously reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. It is recommended to perform this surgery at age 35-40 years (BRCA1) and at age 40-45 years (BRCA2) resulting in an early and abrupt menopause. BRCA1/2 mutation carriers are potentially at higher risk of cardiovascular diseases due to early surgical menopause, and cardiotoxic effects of adjuvant treatment for breast cancer. Furthermore, preliminary results of experimental studies suggest a possible causative function of the BRCA genes in cardiovascular risk. More research on cardiovascular health risks in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers is needed, especially in the field of cardio-oncology, requiring additional attention to potentially cumulative effects on cardiovascular risks in this specific group of women.
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Vasomotor menopausal symptoms are not associated with incidence of breast cancer in a population-based cohort of mid-aged women. Eur J Cancer 2013; 50:824-30. [PMID: 24361228 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2013.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Revised: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, two case-control studies showed that vasomotor menopausal symptoms (VMS), i.e. hot flushes (HF) and night sweats (NS), are associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer. Until now, however, no prior studies have prospectively examined the association between VMS and breast cancer incidence. We investigated this in a population-based cohort of mid-aged women in Australia. METHODS We included 11,297 women without a history of breast cancer aged 47-52 years from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, surveyed every 3 years from 1998 to 2010. Information regarding first invasive breast cancer events and date of diagnosis was obtained from cancer registries. We determined the association between HF and NS and breast cancer occurrence before the subsequent survey, using time-dependent cox regression analysis, adjusting for time-varying lifestyle factors. RESULTS At baseline 33.1% of the women reported experiencing HF and 24.6% reported NS. During a mean follow-up of 13.7 years, 348 cases of breast cancer occurred. VMS were not associated with breast cancer; adjusted hazard ratios were 1.09; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.87-1.35 for HF and 1.06; 95% CI 0.84-1.33 for NS. No significant interactions were found between each of body mass index, alcohol use, current hormone therapy use, menopausal status and VMS and breast cancer (p-values>0.05). CONCLUSIONS We did not find an association between VMS and breast cancer incidence. Research in this area is scarce and additional large prospective population-based studies are required to confirm or refute these findings.
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Pines A. Climacteric Commentaries. Climacteric 2013. [DOI: 10.3109/13697137.2013.803703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Hautamäki H, Mikkola TS, Sovijärvi ARA, Piirilä P, Haapalahti P. Menopausal hot flushes do not associate with changes in heart rate variability in controlled testing: a randomized trial on hormone therapy. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2013; 92:902-8. [PMID: 23656530 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.12164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare in controlled cardiovascular autonomic function tests the effects of hormone therapy (HT) on heart rate variability (HRV) responses in postmenopausal women with and without pretreatment hot flushes. DESIGN A randomized placebo-controlled trial. SETTING Finland, Helsinki University Central Hospital. POPULATION A total of 150 recently postmenopausal and healthy women with prospectively evaluated hot flushes. METHODS Women (72 with and 78 without hot flushes) were randomized to receive estradiol alone or in combination with medroxyprogesterone acetate or placebo for 6 months. Time and frequency domain measures of HRV were assessed at baseline and after HT with short-term recordings during paced quiet and deep breathing and with active orthostatic tests, both under carefully controlled laboratory conditions to avoid confounding factors present in long-term ambulatory HRV measurements. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Responses of time and frequency domain measures of HRV to HT. RESULTS At baseline HRV was similar in women with and without hot flushes. Pretreatment hot flushes did not associate with changes in time domain parameters of HRV during controlled quiet or deep breathing or active orthostatic tests after different types of HT. However, HT reduced HRV in very low frequency power in women with pretreatment hot flushes (from 371 ± 40 to 258 ± 28 ms(2) , p = 0.018). HT did not have an effect on other frequency domain measures during quiet breathing or active orthostatic tests. CONCLUSIONS Hormone therapy did not significantly modify the HRV responses in women with or without hot flushes under controlled short-term measurements of the cardiovascular autonomic nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Hautamäki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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Wolff EF, He Y, Black DM, Brinton EA, Budoff MJ, Cedars MI, Hodis HN, Lobo RA, Manson JE, Merriam GR, Miller VM, Naftolin F, Pal L, Santoro N, Zhang H, Harman SM, Taylor HS. Self-reported menopausal symptoms, coronary artery calcification, and carotid intima-media thickness in recently menopausal women screened for the Kronos early estrogen prevention study (KEEPS). Fertil Steril 2013; 99:1385-91. [PMID: 23312232 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.11.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2011] [Revised: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether self-reported menopausal symptoms are associated with measures of subclinical atherosclerosis. DESIGN Cross-sectional analysis. SETTING Multicenter, randomized controlled trial. PATIENT(S) Recently menopausal women (n = 868) screened for the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS). INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Baseline menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, dyspareunia, vaginal dryness, night sweats, palpitations, mood swings, depression, insomnia, irritability), serum E2 levels, and measures of atherosclerosis were assessed. Atherosclerosis was quantified using coronary artery calcium (CAC) Agatston scores (n = 771) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). Logistic regression model of menopausal symptoms and E2 was used to predict CAC. Linear regression model of menopausal symptoms and E2 was used to predict CIMT. Correlation between length of time in menopause with menopausal symptoms, E2, CAC, and CIMT were assessed. RESULT(S) In early menopausal women screened for KEEPS, neither E2 nor climacteric symptoms predicted the extent of subclinical atherosclerosis. Palpitations and depression approached significance as predictors of CAC. Other symptoms of insomnia, irritability, dyspareunia, hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, and vaginal dryness were not associated with CAC. Women with significantly elevated CAC scores were excluded from further participation in KEEPS; in women meeting inclusion criteria, neither baseline menopausal symptoms nor E2 predicted CIMT. Years since menopause onset correlated with CIMT, dyspareunia, vaginal dryness, and E2. CONCLUSION(S) Self-reported symptoms in recently menopausal women are not strong predictors of subclinical atherosclerosis. Continued follow-up of this population will be performed to determine whether baseline or persistent symptoms in the early menopause are associated with progression of cardiovascular disease. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT00154180.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Foran Wolff
- Program in Reproductive and Adult Endocrinology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Hautamäki H, Haapalahti P, Piirilä P, Tuomikoski P, Sovijärvi A, Ylikorkala O, Mikkola TS. Effect of hot flushes on cardiovascular autonomic responsiveness: A randomized controlled trial on hormone therapy. Maturitas 2012; 72:243-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2012.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2011] [Revised: 03/26/2012] [Accepted: 04/03/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Postmenopausal Hot Flushes: Pathophysiology and Clinical Relevance to Cardiovascular Disease. CURRENT OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY REPORTS 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s13669-012-0006-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Lambrinoudaki I, Augoulea A, Armeni E, Rizos D, Alexandrou A, Creatsa M, Kazani M, Georgiopoulos G, Livada A, Exarchakou A, Stamatelopoulos K. Menopausal symptoms are associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in healthy recently postmenopausal women. Climacteric 2011; 15:350-7. [DOI: 10.3109/13697137.2011.618564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Archer DF, Sturdee DW, Baber R, de Villiers TJ, Pines A, Freedman RR, Gompel A, Hickey M, Hunter MS, Lobo RA, Lumsden MA, MacLennan AH, Maki P, Palacios S, Shah D, Villaseca P, Warren M. Menopausal hot flushes and night sweats: where are we now? Climacteric 2011; 14:515-28. [PMID: 21848495 DOI: 10.3109/13697137.2011.608596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE An overview of the current knowledge on the etiology and treatment of vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women. MATERIALS AND METHODS Acknowledged experts in the field contributed a brief assessment of their areas of interest which were combined and edited into the final manuscript. RESULTS Women around the world experience vasomotor symptoms as they enter and complete the menopause transition. Vasomotor symptoms, specifically hot flushes, are caused by a narrowing of the thermoneutral zone in the brain. This effect, although related to estrogen withdrawal, is most likely related to changes in central nervous system neurotransmitters. Peripheral vascular reactivity is also altered in symptomatic women. Estrogen replacement therapy is the most effective treatment for hot flushes. Of the other interventions investigated, selective serotonin and selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and gabapentin show efficacy greater than placebo. Objective monitoring of hot flushes indicates a robust improvement with hormone replacement therapy but little to no change with placebo. These data suggest that the subjective assessment of responses to therapy for vasomotor symptom results in inaccurate data. Hot flushes have recently been associated with increased cardiovascular risks and a lower incidence of breast cancer, but these data require confirmation. CONCLUSIONS Vasomotor symptoms are experienced by women of all ethnic groups. They are caused by changes in the central nervous system associated with estrogen withdrawal and are best treated with estrogen replacement therapy. Objective monitoring of hot flushes indicates that placebo has little to no effect on their improvement. Subjective assessments of hot flushes in clinical trials may be inaccurate based on objective measurement of the frequency of hot flushes. Based on preliminary reports, women experiencing hot flushes have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and a reduced incidence of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- D F Archer
- Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA
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Abstract
Hot flushes are complained of by approximately 75% of all postmenopausal women, and hormone therapy (HT) is the most effective way to alleviate them. Hot flushes are characterized by altered vascular function and sympathetic nervous system activity. Hot flushes occurred more often in women attending large, non-randomized observational studies (e.g. Nurses' Health Study), where HT use protected against cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, they were absent (or mild) in randomized HT trials where HT use was accompanied with an elevated risk for CVD. Hot flushes, if a factor for cardiovascular health, could partly explain the conflict between observational and randomized trials. Several cross-sectional studies imply that hot flushes are detrimental to the cardiovascular system. However, the data are not uniform, and hot flushes were recalled retrospectively or during HT use. In our prospective study hot flushes were accompanied with a vasodilatory effect during endothelial testing, and this was related to the severity of hot flushes. Night-time hot flushes were followed with transient rises in ambulatory blood pressure (BP). However, no effect of hot flushes on diurnal BP was detected. The use of estradiol showed no harmful effects on endothelial function in women with hot flushes, but in non-flushing women oral, but not transdermal, estradiol led to vasoconstrictive changes. Estradiol complemented with medroxyprogesterone acetate eliminated the vasoconstrictive effect of sole oral estradiol. Thus, both oral and transdermal estradiol are applicable in flushing women, whereas a transdermal route should be favored in non-flushing women if used e.g. for bone protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauliina Tuomikoski
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland
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Flash of insight or flush of confusion? Menopause 2010; 17:1108-10. [DOI: 10.1097/gme.0b013e3181e851f9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Oophorectomy, menopause, estrogen treatment, and cognitive aging: clinical evidence for a window of opportunity. Brain Res 2010; 1379:188-98. [PMID: 20965156 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2010] [Revised: 09/29/2010] [Accepted: 10/11/2010] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The neuroprotective effects of estrogen have been demonstrated consistently in cellular and animal studies but the evidence in women remains conflicted. We explored the window of opportunity hypothesis in relation to cognitive aging and dementia. In particular, we reviewed existing literature, reanalyzed some of our data, and combined results graphically. Current evidence suggests that estrogen may have beneficial, neutral, or detrimental effects on the brain depending on age at the time of treatment, type of menopause (natural versus medically or surgically induced), or stage of menopause. The comparison of women who underwent bilateral oophorectomy with referent women provided evidence for a sizeable neuroprotective effect of estrogen before age 50 years. Several case-control studies and cohort studies also showed neuroprotective effects in women who received estrogen treatment (ET) in the early postmenopausal stage (most commonly at ages 50-60 years). The majority of women in those observational studies had undergone natural menopause and were treated for the relief of menopausal symptoms. However, recent clinical trials by the Women's Health Initiative showed that women who initiated ET alone or in combination with a progestin in the late postmenopausal stage (ages 65-79 years) experienced an increased risk of dementia and cognitive decline regardless of the type of menopause. The current conflicting data can be explained by the window of opportunity hypothesis suggesting that the neuroprotective effects of estrogen depend on age at the time of administration, type of menopause, and stage of menopause. Therefore, women who underwent bilateral oophorectomy before the onset of menopause or women who experienced premature or early natural menopause should be considered for hormonal treatment until approximately age 51 years.
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