Vasomotor Symptoms Are Linked to Vascular and Cartilage Structural Changes in Postmenopausal Women

Objectives Vasomotor symptoms (VMS), including hot flashes and night sweats, are among the most common and distressing symptoms during the menopausal period. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between VMS and carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) and femoral cartilage thickness (FCT) in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods This cross‐sectional study included 50 postmenopausal women. Demographic data, body mass index, lipid profile, and menopausal characteristics were collected. CIMT was measured using high‐resolution B‐mode ultrasound, while femoral cartilage thickness was evaluated through knee ultrasound. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of VMS. Results The mean age of the patients was 54.3 (SD: 4.4), and 70% of them had VMS. CIMT was significantly higher and FCT significantly lower in women with VMS ( p < 0.05). Logistic regression revealed that increased CIMT (OR = 27.97, 95% CI: 1.008–776.4, p = 0.049) and decreased medial FCT (OR = 0.008, 95% CI: 0.000–0.574, p = 0.027) were independently associated with the presence of VMS, regardless of age, BMI, and menopause duration. Conclusion Vasomotor symptoms are associated with increased carotid intima‐media thickness and reduced femoral cartilage thickness in postmenopausal women.