Menopause: vasomotor symptoms Archives - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia

PURPOSE: to identify factors associated with the occurrence of hot flashes in climacteric women living in Campinas, São Paulo. METHODS: data bank secondary analysis of a cross-sectional descriptive population-based study. The selection of 456 women aged 45-60 years was done through area cluster sampling. Data were collected via home interviews using structured, pre-tested questionnaires provided by the International Health Foundation/International Menopause Society and by the North American Menopause Society and adapted by the authors. The analyzed variables were age, race, use of contraceptive methods and hormonal therapy, tubal ligation, body mass index, menopausal status, time since menopause, hysterectomy, and cigarette smoking. Statistical analysis was performed using the mean, median and the prevalence ratio (PR). Multiple logistic regression was performed using the stepwise selection process with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). RESULTS: bivariate analysis showed that postmenopausal women (PR: 1.42, CI 95%: 1.06-1.90) and those who were submitted to hysterectomy (PR: 1.50, CI 95%: 1.05-2.14) had a significantly greater chance of presenting hot flashes. After applying multiple regression analysis, there was no significant association between hot flashes and any of the evaluated variables. CONCLUSION: results were consistent with previous studies. Many doubts still exist about which factors are associated with hot flashes.