Scientists have found an association between caffeine intake and more bothersome hot flashes and night sweats in post-menopausal women. The study by Mayo Clinic researchers in the US also showed an association between caffeine intake and fewer problems with mood, memory and concentration in peri-menopausal women, possibly because caffeine is known to enhance arousal, mood and attention.
Also see: Are you overdoing your caffeine intake with coffee?
The findings of this largest study to date on caffeine and menopausal symptoms will be published in the journal Menopause.
For the study, researchers conducted a survey using the Menopause Health Questionnaire, a comprehensive assessment of menopause-related health information that includes personal habits and ratings of menopausal symptom presence and severity.
Questionnaires were completed by 2,507 consecutive women who presented with menopausal concerns at the Women's Health Clinic at Mayo Clinic in Rochester between July 25, 2005, and July 25, 2011. Data from 1,806 women who met all inclusion criteria were analysed. Menopausal symptom ratings were compared between caffeine users and non-users.
Also see: Coffee, even in small doses, isn't good
"While these findings are preliminary, our study suggests that limiting caffeine intake may be useful for those postmenopausal women who have bothersome hot flashes and night sweats," said Stephanie Faubion, director of the Women's Health Clinic at Mayo Clinic in Rochester.
The study was published in the journal Menopause.
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