Phthalate metabolite levels and menopausal hot flashes in midlife women Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Menopausal Hot Flashes
Menopausal Hot Flashes
Menopausal hot flashes are one of the most common and disruptive symptoms that women experience during the transition to menopause. Characterized by sudden sensations of heat, sweating, and flushing, hot flashes can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life, causing sleep disturbances, mood swings, and even long-term health consequences. Understanding the complex mechanisms behind hot flashes, as well as the role of microbiome-targeted therapies, offers new avenues for improving menopausal health.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This study explores the association between urinary phthalate metabolite levels and the occurrence and severity of hot flashes in midlife women. Researchers specifically examined the metabolites of phthalates, chemicals commonly found in personal care products, and their potential link to the onset and frequency of menopausal hot flashes. The study focused on women aged 45 to 54 years, measuring phthalate metabolites such as MEP, MEHP, MEHHP, and others, to determine whether these metabolites were associated with a higher risk of experiencing hot flashes, including their severity and frequency.
Who was studied?
The study included 195 women aged 45 to 54 years, primarily Caucasian and African American, recruited from Baltimore city and its surrounding counties. The participants were selected from the Midlife Women’s Health Study and included both women who had experienced hot flashes and those who had not. Women were classified based on their menopausal status (pre, peri, or postmenopausal) and their history of hot flashes. Urine samples were collected to measure phthalate metabolite levels, while detailed questionnaires assessed the frequency, severity, and duration of hot flashes.
Most important findings
The study found a significant association between higher urinary levels of phthalate metabolites, particularly those from personal care products (Sum PCP), and an increased risk of ever experiencing hot flashes. The findings revealed that higher levels of certain metabolites like MEP and MECPP were significantly linked to a higher likelihood of experiencing hot flashes in the past 30 days, as well as more frequent daily hot flashes. Specifically, the Sum PCP variable, which reflects exposure to phthalates in personal care products, was positively associated with both the occurrence and severity of hot flashes, including the most frequent (daily) occurrences.
Key implications
The findings suggest that exposure to phthalates, particularly from personal care products, may increase the likelihood and severity of hot flashes in midlife women. This adds to the growing body of evidence that phthalates, which have endocrine-disrupting properties, could potentially accelerate menopausal symptoms or exacerbate their intensity. Given the widespread use of phthalates in personal care products, these results imply that reducing exposure to these chemicals could be a potential strategy for mitigating hot flashes in susceptible women. Further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms by which phthalates may influence menopausal symptoms.
Menopausal Hot Flashes
Menopausal hot flashes are one of the most common and disruptive symptoms that women experience during the transition to menopause. Characterized by sudden sensations of heat, sweating, and flushing, hot flashes can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life, causing sleep disturbances, mood swings, and even long-term health consequences. Understanding the complex mechanisms behind hot flashes, as well as the role of microbiome-targeted therapies, offers new avenues for improving menopausal health.