Do Hot Flashes Increase Depression Risk?
Persistent hot flashes are associated with a greater risk of depression among women ages 65 years or older, according to a recent study.1
Risk of depression increases with age, and previous research has suggested a link between hot flashes and depressive symptoms.
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The study focused on how hot flashes and other independent factors specifically affect the risk of depression in women ages 65 years or older. A total of 1500 Australian women age 65 years to 79 years were evaluated.
Results of the study showed that persistent hot flashes, as well as several other risk factors, were independently associated with moderate-to-severe symptoms of depression. Other risk factors included living in financially insecure housing, being a caregiver to another person, smoking, having pelvic floor dysfunction, or experiencing vaginal dryness during intercourse.
The study also found that women using antidepressants were more likely to have moderate to severe depressive symptoms compared with nonusers. Women with partners and who were employed had a lower risk of depression.
“Older women need to be assessed for depression, particularly if they have housing issues or caregiving responsibilities and complain of hot flashes, vaginal dryness, or pelvic floor issues,” said Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton, executive director of the North American Menopause Society.2
—Christina Vogt
References:
1. Zeleke BM, Bell RJ, Billah B, Davis SR. Vasomotor symptoms are associated with depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older women [published online June 19, 2017]. Menopause. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000000938.
2. The North American Menopause Society. New study links hot flashes with depression [press release]. Cleveland, OH. June 26, 2017. http://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/hot-flashes-and-depression-6-26-17.pdf. Accessed June 27, 2017.