Hot Flashes and Low Bone Density--Are They Linked?

Besides tasting good, there are now more reasons to stop for frozen yogurt or ice cream this summer. A study, published in the journal Menopause , found that postmenopausal women with vasomotor menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats -- had lower bone mineral density.

Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, and colleagues analyzed data for 2,213 women between the ages of 42-52 who participated in the bone sub-study of the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation.

UCLA study co-authors Dr. Carolyn J. Crandall, associate clinical professor of general internal medicine and Gail A. Greendale, professor of medicine in geriatrics research also found lower bone mineral density in women with the same vasomotor symptoms undergoing early menopause. Although the doctors did not fully explain the correlation between low bone density and hot flashes, other menopause research suggests that it must have something to do with the natural reduction of estrogen levels in women as they enter into menopause.

If you do suffer from night sweats and hot flashes, it is important that you have a bone density test and of course it is important for all women over 40 to have at least 1200 mgs of calcium per day. So ladies don’t feel guilty the next time you have a craving for ice cream or frozen yogurt, just put on those wicking pajamas, curl up on the couch and enjoy a scoop. It’s one indulgence that will do your body good.