Welcome back to Menopause Mondays®, where we delve into the latest research and insights surrounding menopause and women’s health. Today, we’re tackling a pressing issue that could have serious implications for women experiencing both migraines and persistent hot flashes.

A recent study published in Menopause, the journal of The Menopause Society, has uncovered a startling correlation between these two seemingly unrelated symptoms and the increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Yes, you read that right – the combination of migraine and persistent hot flashes could potentially be deadly. The study involved nearly 2,000 women whose data was collected over several decades, starting from ages 18 to 30 and extending up to roughly age 61.

Traditionally, both migraines and hot flashes have been identified as individual risk factors for cardiovascular disease. However, this groundbreaking research is the first to examine the joint influences of these symptoms, independent of traditional risk factors like age, race, estrogen use, and other health conditions.

The findings are alarming. Women who reported experiencing both migraine and persistent vasomotor symptoms were found to be 1.5 times more likely to develop heart disease and 1.7 times more likely to suffer a stroke compared to those without both symptoms. These statistics hold true even after adjusting for various factors like tobacco use, lipid levels, blood pressure, and fasting glucose.

But what exactly does this mean for women going through menopause? Well, let’s break it down.

Hot flashes affect a staggering 80% of women transitioning through menopause. These sudden bursts of heat, often accompanied by sweating and discomfort, are a hallmark symptom of this stage of life. Meanwhile, migraines, particularly those accompanied by aura, are prevalent among women of late-reproductive age, affecting approximately 17.5% of women.

So, what can you do if you find yourself grappling with both migraines and hot flashes? First and foremost, find a menopause specialist to explore the treatment options and lifestyle strategies (maintain a healthy weight, stay physically active, avoid smoking, etc.) and alternative therapies that can help alleviate symptoms and potentially reduce the associated cardiovascular risks. Your menopause specialist will develop a personalized plan for managing your symptoms and protecting your heart health.

Prioitize your hearth health!!!

Stay tuned for more Menopause Mondays® and stay informed so you can be proactive about your health!

Remember, knowledge is power, especially when it comes to managing menopause and prioritizing your well-being.

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*EllenDolgen.com does not recommend, endorse, or make any representation about any tests, studies, practices, procedures, treatments, services, opinions, healthcare providers, physicians, or medical institutions that may be mentioned or referenced.