Menopausal women who suffer severe hot flushes or night sweats are up to three times more likely to develop liver disease, study finds

Menopausal women suffering severe hot flushes or night sweats are up to three times more likely to develop a form of liver disease, say scientists.

Experts have discovered that those who experience the uncomfortable side effects – also known as vasomotor symptoms – are at triple the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) compared to those with mild symptoms.

NAFLD, a condition in which fat builds up in the liver, has the potential to cause serious damage and has been linked with an increased risk of diabetes and high blood pressure. 

Growing evidence also suggests patients with NAFLD are at substantial risk of coronary heart disease and an irregular heartbeat.

Experts have discovered that those who experience the uncomfortable side effects are at triple the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease compared to those with mild symptoms (stock photo)

Study lead author Dr Eleni Armeni, from the Kapodistrian University of Athens, said: ‘This research… contributes to understanding the link between vasomotor symptoms and cardiometabolic risk factors.

‘It is crucial for the public because it emphasises how hot flushes and night sweats can signal an increased risk for heart and metabolic issues.’

Her team analysed 106 menopausal and postmenopausal women. They discovered that those with moderate to severe hot flushes or night sweats had a three times higher risk of developing NAFLD compared to those with mild symptoms.

This was even after they had taken into account whether women were using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), how old they were or how much exercise they did.

‘Women experiencing these symptoms should consult a healthcare professional to address this and assess their cardiovascular health,’ Dr Armeni added. 

NAFLD, a condition in which fat builds up in the liver, has the potential to cause serious damage and has been linked with an increased risk of diabetes and high blood pressure (stock photo)

Growing evidence also suggests patients with NAFLD are at substantial risk of coronary heart disease and an irregular heartbeat (stock photo) 

The researchers hope their findings encourage health professionals to offer care to menopausal women beyond discussions solely focused on HRT.

In December, a drug that tackles hot flushes was approved in the UK. Fezolinetant, sold under the brand name Veoza, is a daily pill that regulates a brain receptor that releases hormones controling body temperature.

It has not yet been recommended for NHS use.