[Factors associated with the intensity of hot flashes in climacteric women].
OBJECTIVE
To identify factors associated with the intensity of hot flashes in 334 climacteric women living in Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil.


METHODS
Secondary analysis of a data bank of a descriptive cross-sectional population-based study. Selection of 334 women reporting hot flashes aged 45-60 years was carried out through cluster sampling. Data were collected by home interviews using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire provided by the International Health Foundation/International Menopause Society and by the North American Menopause Society and adapted by the authors. Intensity of hot flashes was measured using the circulatory index. The variables analyzed were age, use of contraceptive methods and hormonal therapy, tubal ligation, body mass index, menopausal status, time since menopause, hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy and smoking. Statistical analysis was performed by using the median, absolute and relative frequencies according to the type of variable. The prevalence ratio (PR) was used to measure association. Bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were used to identify the factors associated with the intensity of hot flashes.


RESULTS
Women with time since menopause of over 61 months (PR: 0.59; IC 95%: 0.39-0.88) had a significantly lower chance of presenting intense hot flashes while the antecedent of bilateral oophorectomy (PR: 1.95; IC 95%: 1.08-3.50) was significantly associated with the intensity of hot flashes.


CONCLUSIONS
Both factors, time since menopause and bilateral oophorectomy, suggest hypoestrogenism as a common cause of more intense hot flashes. Women with these factors should receive specialized care to minimize the negative effects of hot flashes.
Santos-Sá
Danielle
D
Departamento de Tocoginecologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, São Paulo.
Pinto-Neto
Aarão Mendes
AM
Conde
Délio Marques
DM
Pedro
Adriana Orcesi
AO
Oliveira
Simone Caetano Morale de
SC
Costa-Paiva
Lúcia
L
D017677:Age Distribution; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002979:Climacteric / Q000502:physiology*; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008572:Menarche; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000502:physiology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013997:Time Factors