OBJECTIVE TECHNIQUES FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF POST-MENOPAUSAL HOT FLASHES

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 57  (3) , 340-344
Abstract
Objective methods of monitoring postmenopausal hot flashes were evaluated. Continuous recordings of finger and core temperature and sternal skin conductance were carried out in 8 postmenopausal and 4 premenopausal women. Postmenopausal patients (4) were studied a 2nd time following 30 days of daily oral ethinyl estradiol 0.05 mg administration. Flashes (120) were subjectively noted and recorded during 104 study h in the postmenopausal women. Some 82, 98, and 81% of subjective flashes were associated with changes in finger temperature, skin conductance, and core temperature, respectively. The occurrence rate and change magnitude of physiologic markers were significantly greater (P < 0.01) in postmenopausal than premenopausal women. Estrogen replacement therapy not only eliminated the subjective sensations but also significantly reduced (P < 0.02) the frequency and magnitude of the changes in physiologic function measured by finger temperature. Measurement of skin conductance changes was the single most sensitive and specific hot flash indicator. The simultaneous change of both skin conductance and finger temperature, although less sensitive, was a very specific hot flash indicator. Apparently physiologic measurement can be used to objectively assess this symptom complex''s is occurrence.

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