| Hot flashes are synonymous with menopause, yet some women begin experiencing hot flashes years before the final menstrual period. The purpose of this study was to examine salivary hormone profiles and symptoms of premenopausal women experiencing hot flashes as compared to women who did not experience hot flashes in relation to the menstrual cycle. The study group (participants experiencing hot flashes) was at increased risk of experiencing menstrual cycle changes, mastalgia and anovulation than the control group (participants who did not experience hot flashes).;The study group was more symptomatic than the control group and these symptoms were cyclic in nature, increasing in frequency and intensity in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The study group also reported more anxiety and sleep disturbance than the control group. Finally, there was no difference between the two groups in estradiol or progesterone concentrations in saliva samples. However there was a significant difference in cortisol concentrations in one month of the study, suggesting adrenal involvement.;Health care providers need to be aware that premenopausal women with regular menstrual cycles experience hot flashes and other symptoms (specifically menstrual cycle changes, cyclic mastalgia, anxiety and sleep disturbance) which suggest changes in hormone concentrations. These hormone changes may not be detected by standard clinical screenings. Other studies identified hot flashes to be associated with more serious diseases processes such as bone loss and cardiovascular changes. These conditions are processes that occur over years, even decades. Early detection by screening premenopausal women for hot flashes and other associated symptoms allows for timely intervention. |
