Other things to consider
Other things to consider
Medication
Some medicines can exacerbate menopausal symptoms. Hot flushes can be related to drugs that affect vascular reactivity, such as some antihypertensives, and to antidepressants when prescribed at high doses. Pharmacists should also ask about medicines or herbal remedies already tried to treat menopausal symptoms.
Lifestyle factors
Ask about smoking, alcohol, exercise and nutrition. Observational studies have found that women with either a higher body mass index (BMI) or a greater percentage of body fat report more frequent or severe vasomotor symptoms.
Studies do not show a clear link between the menopause itself and weight gain although many women attribute their weight gain to exactly that. Smoking is associated with earlier menopause and smokers have more vaginal dryness than non-smokers after the menopause.