Differential factors associated with hot flashes in Chinese perimenopausal and postmenopausal women

Objective: This study investigated factors associated with hot flashes in Chinese perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited Chinese women aged 40-60 years who were perimenopausal or postmenopausal and examined factors associated with hot flashes. Participants completed a questionnaire detailing demographic information, characteristics of menstruation, reproductive history, use of hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives, personal lifestyle factors (exercise, multivitamin use, soy products use, diet), and symptoms of hot flashes. Height, weight, blood pressure, and waist and hip circumference were also measured. Results: A total of 1399 participants (817 perimenopausal women and 582 postmenopausal women) completed the study. In perimenopausal women, college or higher education decreased the prevalence of hot flashes (odds ratio (OR) 0.63; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.46-0.86). In postmenopausal women, an omnivorous diet decreased the prevalence of hot flashes (OR 0.38; 95% CI 0.17-0.85). Strenuous exercise (>= 3 times a week) increased the prevalence of hot flashes (OR 1.41; 95% CI 1.08-1.83) in perimenopausal women. Conclusions: It is possible that modifiable risk factors for hot flashes exist in Chinese perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Future studies with larger populations are needed to confirm these findings. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.