Is Coffee Giving You Hot Flashes? Or Making The Hot Flashes You Already Have Worse?

In a recent study published in the journal Menopause, scientists found that menopausal women who drank caffeine were more likely to experience hot flashes and night sweats than those who avoided the drug.

It is estimated that 85 percent Americans consume some form of caffeine -- which includes tea, coffee, energy drinks and some sodas -- on a daily basis.

However, the study also suggests that the effects of caffeine differ depending on what stage of menopause a woman may be in.

The study revealed that caffeine users who are just making the transition into menopause, known as perimenopausal, experienced a boost in their mood, memory and concentration after consuming the drug.

The information was collected between July 25, 2005, to July 25, 2011, from 2,507 women aged 40 year or more who came to the Women’s Health Clinic at Mayo Clinic in Rochester with menopause related concerns.

"While these findings are preliminary, our study suggests that limiting caffeine intake may be useful for those postmenopausal women who have bothersome hot flashes and night sweats," Stephanie Faubian, director of the clinic said.

Menopause symptoms are certainly challenging and in a Mayo news release, Faubian suggested some ways to cope with other menopause symptoms such as avoiding spicy food, hot beverages, alcohol and -- obviously -- caffeine.

She also suggested dressing in layers that can be easily removed and sleeping with moisture-control bedding so as to limit discomfort from night sweats.