Vasomotor symptoms, estradiol levels and cardiovascular risk profile in women

Abstract

Objectives: We investigated whether menopausal vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are related to an adverse cardiovascular risk profile. Furthermore, we examined the association between estradiol levels and VMS, and whether an association between VMS and cardiovascular risk factors can be explained by estradiol levels.

Study design: We used data from a Swedish population-based sample of 5857 women, aged 50-64 years. Data on VMS and potential confounders were collected by questionnaires.

Main outcome measures: Body mass index (BMI), waist hip ratio (WHR), glucose, blood pressure, lipid profile and estradiol levels were measured.

Results: Symptoms of flushing/sweats were reported by 55% and sweats by 31% of all women. Estradiol concentrations were significantly lower in women with VMS. After multivariate adjustment, women with symptoms of sweats had a statistically significantly higher BMI, waist hip ratio, total cholesterol level, LDL level, triglycerides level, glucose level, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. These patterns did not change after correction for estradiol. The associations between flushing/sweats combined and cardiovascular risk factors were less pronounced.

Conclusions: Women with VMS have a less favorable cardiovascular risk profile. Although estradiol levels were significantly lower among women with VMS, the increased cardiovascular risk profile cannot be explained by circulating estradiol levels.