The effect of dietary intake on hot flashes in menopausal 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 examines the relationship between dietary intake and the frequency of hot flashes in postmenopausal women. The research investigates how blood glucose levels fluctuate before and after meals, and how these fluctuations correlate with the occurrence and severity of hot flashes. Two different studies, a controlled experimental design and an observational study, were used to explore this connection. The controlled study involved blood glucose manipulation in postmenopausal women, while the observational study required participants to document their food intake and hot flash occurrences over a 24-hour period.
Who was studied?
The study included postmenopausal women, aged 40 to 55, who were symptomatic and experienced daily hot flashes. The controlled study had a smaller sample of 10 participants, while the observational study had 21 participants. The women were selected based on specific inclusion criteria, including their daily experience of hot flashes, absence of hormone therapy use, and a lack of smoking history. Most participants were between 50-54 years of age, and the majority were Caucasian, with a few African American women included. The controlled study was performed in a clinical research center, while the observational study was conducted in a community setting.
Most important findings
The study found that hot flashes were more frequent when participants’ blood glucose levels were lower, particularly in the 30 minutes before meals. In the controlled study, hot flashes were observed less frequently after meals, when blood glucose levels were higher. The observational study reinforced these findings, showing that the frequency of hot flashes increased as the time between meals grew longer. The results support the hypothesis that low blood glucose levels contribute to the occurrence of hot flashes, suggesting that maintaining stable blood glucose levels through regular meals could help reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
Key implications
The study provides evidence that dietary intake, particularly maintaining stable blood glucose levels, may help alleviate the frequency and severity of hot flashes in postmenopausal women. This finding presents an opportunity for healthcare providers to focus on dietary interventions as an alternative or supplement to hormone therapy for managing hot flashes. Future research should explore dietary recommendations that can help stabilize blood glucose levels throughout the day, as well as the potential role of lifestyle changes such as meal timing and nutrient selection.
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.