Medical News Note: A report from UCLA medical researchers suggests that women experiencing hot flashes or night sweats during or around menopause have somewhat lower bone density than similar-aged women with no menopausal symptoms.
This finding serves as a helpful reminder for women to talk with their doctors about bone density and the possibility of a bone mineral evaluation as they approach or experience menopause, especially if they are having hot flashes or night sweats.
Women of all ages should think about ways to protect their bone health, including a healthy diet high in calcium and vitamin D and regular weight-bearing exercise to keep bones strong.
Read more about the relationship between hot flashes and bone density in this article:
Article Link:
Science Daily, 2009. “Hot flashes linked to lower bone density in women,” http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090506094220.htm
Original Report:
Crandall, C., et al., Mar/Apr 2009. “Presence of vasomotor symptoms is associated with lower bone mineral density: a longitudinal analysis,” http://www.menopausejournal.com/pt/re/menopause/abstract.00042192-200916020-00006.htm;jsessionid=KJJGtZx1y9w0vs2mhRyp8JLyxBV555vX4Ght2NDgnwYnF4s9pkv0!-634287438!181195629!8091!-1
EmpowHer Links:
“Menopause 101 By Amy Rosenman, M.D. and Nancy Greep, M.D.”
https://www.empowher.com/providers/article/menopause-101-amy-rosenman-md-and-nancy-greep-md
“Bone Conditions:” Includes Osteopenia and Osteoporosis
https://www.empowher.com/condition/bone-conditions/community/share/recent?page=1
“Reconsidering Osteoporosis Drugs: Do They Have a Leg to Stand on?”
https://www.empowher.com/news/herarticle/2008/07/19/reconsidering-osteoporosis-drugs-do-they-have-leg-stand
Related Background:
National Osteoporosis Foundation: http://www.nof.org/
Contributed by: D. Jenkins, Ph.D.
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