Does Caffeine Make Menopausal Symptoms Worse?

Studies evaluating the relationship of caffeine to vasomotor symptoms have yielded conflicting results.

In a recent study cross-sectional survey, data was collected from 1806 women (mean age, 53.7 years; range, 40-82) completing the Menopause Health Questionnaire. Menopausal symptom ratings were compared between women who used caffeine and those who did not.

In this study of women seeking care for menopausal concerns, caffeine intake was associated with more bothersome vasomotor symptoms (2.30 vs. 2.15, P = 0.011).  While this difference is statistically significant, it seems to be relatively small in magnitude (given that each symptom domain is scored from 1 to 4).

Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD

Faubion SS, Sood R, Thielen JM, Shuster LT.  Caffeine and menopausal symptoms: what is the association?  Menopause. 2015 Feb;22(2):155-8.