Complications of pregnancy related to more menopausal hot flashes

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) – A difficult pregnancy could result in difficult times during menopause, according to new research.

The researchers found that women who developed complications during pregnancy, including dangerous high blood pressure ("preeclampsia") and gestational diabetes, were more likely to have more hot flashes during menopause.

"This study also highlights the importance of pregnancy-related complications, such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, for future health, particularly cardiovascular health in mid-life," said Dr. Rhoda Conant, author of the report. Study, from the Health Science Center of the University of Oklahoma.

Although the study found a link between complications of pregnancy and hot flashes during menopause, it did not prove the cause-and-effect relationship.

Hot flashes, high blood pressure during pregnancy and diabetes during pregnancy are all linked by a similar underlying cause, called vascular endothelial dysfunction, the study authors said.

To study this theory, the research team analyzed data from more than 2,200 women participating in a national study. The results showed that gestational diabetes and high blood pressure during pregnancy were linked to more episodes of hot flashes later in life.

The results were to be presented Wednesday at the annual meeting of the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) in San Diego.

"Women with a history of these pregnancy disorders were heavier and more likely to take lipids [cholesterol]diabetes medications, "Conant explained in a press release.

It is estimated that up to 80% of women have hot flushes during menopause, according to the study's authors.

According to Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton, Executive Director of NAMS, "With so many women affected by hot flushes, health care providers need to understand all the underlying risk factors that could affect hot flashes at the time of the outbreak. menopause."

Research presented at medical meetings should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

More information

The US National Institute of Child Health and Human Development has more about the complications of pregnancy.