International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Showing symptoms of the menopause does not suggest a woman is particularly vulnerable to heart disease, experts have insisted.

Females often go through sweats and hot flashes when their years of fertility come to an end, which some observers believe may indicate possible cardiovascular problems.

However, Northwestern University in Chicago has dismissed the notion there is a link between the two, following recent tests.

Dr Emily Szmuilowicz, lead researcher at the facility, commented: "Our study provides reassurance that the common experience of menopausal symptoms in early menopause is not associated with increases in blood pressure or other risk markers for cardiovascular disease."

However, she stated that if women continue to experience menopausal symptoms years after they have gone through the change, this could indicate an abnormality with their blood vessels.

Dr Szmuilowicz said this may potentially impact on their cardiovascular health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some women may experience all the symptoms associated with the menopause, while others may not have any at all.

Posted by Carla Mackenzie