BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

• Exercise has been suggested as a treatment option for hot flushes, but evidence is limited as to effectiveness  
  • Previously, most research focused on aerobic and low-impact exercise vs resistance training
  • Resistance training may work via activation of central β-endorphin production following activation of large muscle groups
• Berin et al. (Maturitas, 2019) studied impact of resistance training on the frequency of moderate to severe postmenopausal hot flushes

METHODS:

• Randomized, controlled trial (RCT)
• Participants
  • ≥4 moderate or severe hot flushes or night sweats per day
  • At baseline: No regular exercise or use of therapy for hot flushes two months prior to study entry
• Intervention: 15-week resistance training
  • Performed 3x per week
  • The program contained 8 exercises performed with 8–12 repetitions in 2 sets
    • Chest press | Leg press | Seated row | Leg curl | Latissimus dorsi pull-down | Leg extension | Crunches and back raises
  • Loads were set individually from eight-repetition maximum-strength tests and increased progressively
• Primary outcome
  • Change in mean moderate or severe hot flushes per day from baseline to week 15
  • Assessed with symptom diaries
• Secondary outcomes
  • Change in hot flush score
  • Time spent on physical activity
• Statistical analysis
  • 40 participants needed to detect a 50% difference in moderate and severe HF with 80% power and an expected dropout rate of 20%
  • Increased to 60% to allow for secondary outcomes analysis

RESULTS:

• 58 women completed the trial: 29 in intervention group | 29 in control group
  • Mean age: 55 years
  • Mean number of moderate or severe hot flushes per day at baseline: 7.1 (no difference between groups)
• The frequency of hot flushes decreased more in the intervention group than in the control group
  • Mean difference: −2.7 (95% CI, −4.2 to −1.3)
• Mean percentage change in hot flushes was significantly higher in the exercise group (P <0.001)
  • Intervention group: -43.6% (95% CI, −56.0 to −31.3)
  • Control group: −2.0% (95% CI, −16.4–12.4)

CONCLUSION:

• Postmenopausal women who completed a 15-week resistance-training program experienced fewer moderate and severe hot flushes
• Resistance-training could be an effect and safe treatment option for reducing hot flushes in postmenopausal women
• Results can only be generalized to an otherwise healthy postmenopausal population

Learn More – Primary Sources:

Resistance training for hot flushes in postmenopausal women: A randomised controlled trial

Related ObG Topics:

North American Menopause Society: Hormone Therapy Statement

What Hormone Profile is Associated with Hot Flashes?

Can Mindfulness Alleviate Menopausal Hot Flashes?

How Does Exercise Affect Health Postmenopause?