Severe Hot Flashes, Night Sweats During Menopause Linked to Dementia, Stroke Risk

For middle aged women, night sweats and hot flashes can be more than an inconvenient side effect of menopause, in fact they could be a sign of more extensive health complications down the road.

A recent study found correlations between night sweats and severe hot flashes, and the potential for strokes and dementia. The study, published in August 2022, found a connection between frequent night sweats and hot flashes, and white matter hyperintensities (WMIs); that is, tiny brain lesions. These WMIs, in turn, have been linked to a greater occurrence of cognitive decline and stroke.

That’s not the only concern however, other studies have connected severe night sweats and hot flashes with greater likelihood of heart disease onset and cardiac concerns, such as stroke.

While the studies take a natural progression of aging into account, it should be noted that within these early studies, participants were mostly limited to small samples and were made up of primarily white women. Still, even with the limited study sampling, the results appear to show some noteworthy results.

WMIs During Menopause

Typically occurring between ages 45 and 55, menopausal hot flashes affect approximately 70 to 75 percent of women during menopause.

A study as early as 2016 pointed to a link between WMIs and hot flashes, raising the possibility of greater risk to the heart and brain with the presence of more frequent or severe hot flashes. Researchers advised caution and lifestyle changes, but said more study was needed to clarify the direct link.

More recent studies however, have come closer to pinpointing the connection. In the study published in “Neurology,” 226 women ages 45 to 67 who were not undergoing hormone therapy were monitored for vasomotor symptoms (VMS), meaning night sweats and hot flashes. Those with greater VMS were found to have a greater volume of white matter hyperintensity, and thus greater potential for brain decline and stroke.

Another study, of 3,300 women from across the United States, found that women with more frequent or intense night sweats were more likely to have classic symptoms considered risks for heart disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and fat buildup in the arteries. An additional 2016 study, conducted by the University of Pittsburgh and published in “Stroke,” involved 304 women and concluded that participants with greater VMS were more likely to have narrowed blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the brain, ultimately pointing to a greater risk of stroke.

Risks After Menopause

When it comes to these health concerns, cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death for women, and that risk has been found to increase substantially after menopause.

Likewise, research have found that women are more prone to have dementia than men, with studies showing between 65 and 70 percent of dementia patients being female.

Although many factors can contribute to these statistics, the research done on increased risks and the impact of WMI on such health concerns creates a connection that can be helpful in women’s preventive health.

Should I Be Worried?

If you’re currently bothered by consistent night sweats or hot flashes, the best course is to consult your doctor both for immediate solutions to ease your symptoms, and for recommendations on lifestyle changes that can help not only your symptoms, but your overall health as you age. While these studies indicate there may be a link between the symptoms and brain and heart health, doctors say these steps can help improve your health and decrease your risk factors:

• Improve your diet, since fat and sugar can contribute to a range of health problems, look at limiting or avoiding added and artificial sugars as well as trans fats.
• Participate in at least 150 minutes of exercise on a weekly basis. Regular aerobic (such as jogging, hiking or swimming) and anaerobic (such as weight lifting, squats, and plyometrics) exercise can improve your health and promote better heart health.
• Have your doctor check your cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure, as well as your body mass index to monitor any lulls or spikes that are cause for concern and ensure they are addressed early to prevent future health problems.
• Since hormonal changes are a big factor in menopause, it’s helpful to consult a gynecologist or endocrinologist to see whether hormone treatment is an option that would help in your situation.

While menopause is a normal part of aging, it needn’t be the start of decline. Instead, healthier habits and attention to brain and heart health can help you stay fit for years to come and avoid increased risk factors for disease.