Hot Flashes and Osteoporosis

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that women who have moderate to severe hot flashes and night sweats during menopause are more likely to have lower bone mineral density and higher rates of hip fractures than their peers without these symptoms. The underlying physiology behind this association is not clear at this point. Hot flashes are often alleviated with hormone therapy, although once the hormone therapy stops, the hot flashes return. Hormone therapy will also buy you time before the bone density drops significantly. However, again, that is only true so long you're taking hormones. Long term hormone use has a downside as well, including a higher risk of breast cancer. Other ways to cope with hot flashes include acupuncture, meditation, and an overall healthy lifestyle. Alternative ways to deal with loss of bone density is to improve the quality of the bone and to improve balance and coordination. Weight training, jumping, hopping, running will all improve the density. Yoga, calisthenics, and dancing are among the activities that will improve balance and coordination.