Urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations and hot flashes in women from an urban convenience sample of 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 investigated the relationship between urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations and hot flash experiences in midlife women. Researchers focused on four key hot flash outcomes, including the frequency, severity, and recent occurrence of hot flashes. The study evaluated whether phthalate exposure, derived from personal care products and plastics, was linked to a higher likelihood of experiencing hot flashes. By analyzing multiple phthalate metabolites in urine, the researchers sought to understand how common exposure to these chemicals might influence menopausal symptoms in women.
Who was studied?
The study included 728 premenopausal and perimenopausal women aged 45-54 from an urban convenience sample in Baltimore. The participants were diverse, comprising multiple racial/ethnic backgrounds, including Caucasian and African American women. Data was gathered via questionnaires on hot flash experiences, and urinary phthalate metabolite levels were measured from pooled samples over several weeks to assess exposure levels. Stratified analyses were performed to determine if associations differed by menopausal status, body mass index (BMI), race/ethnicity, and depressive symptoms.
Most important findings
The study found that higher levels of phthalate metabolites, particularly those from plastics, were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of experiencing hot flashes in the past 30 days, as well as with more frequent daily/weekly hot flashes. Specifically, higher concentrations of DEHP metabolites and phthalate mixtures from plastics (ΣPlastic) were linked to a 23-38% increase in the odds of daily or weekly hot flashes. Interestingly, associations varied by menopause status, with stronger links observed in perimenopausal women, and by race/ethnicity, where non-Hispanic white women exhibited stronger associations with certain phthalates. Furthermore, depressive symptoms influenced how phthalate exposure related to hot flash experiences, with women showing more depressive symptoms having stronger associations with personal care product phthalates.
Key implications
This study suggests that phthalates, especially those found in plastics and personal care products, may play a significant role in the onset and severity of hot flashes in midlife women. Given that phthalates are ubiquitous in the environment, this finding has important public health implications. It highlights the potential value of reducing exposure to phthalates to mitigate menopausal symptoms, particularly for women at higher risk, such as those with depressive symptoms or certain BMI levels. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and to evaluate interventions aimed at reducing exposure.
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.
Menopause
Menopause impacts many aspects of health, including the gut microbiome, weight management, and hormone balance. Diet, probiotics, intermittent fasting, and HRT offer effective management strategies.