Jul 25, 2014 04:08 PM EDT By J Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

Coffee may be aggravating menopausal symptoms, according to a recent study HealthDay reported.

Researchers found an association between caffeine intake and more bothersome hot flashes and night sweats, which affects about two-thirds of postmenopausal women. They also discovered an association between caffeine intake and fewer problems with mood, memory and concentration in perimenopausal women, possibly because caffeine is known to enhance arousal, mood and attention. 

"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," researcher Dr. Stephanie Faubion, director of the Women's Health Clinic at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., said in a statement.

For the study, researchers collected and analyzed data from more than 1,600 women. They completed a questionnaire that assessed menopause-related health information that includes personal habits and ratings of menopausal symptom presence and severity. Menopausal symptom ratings were compared between caffeine users and nonusers.

Approximately 85 percent of the United States population consumes some form of caffeine-containing beverage daily. Hot flashes and night sweats are the most commonly reported menopausal symptoms, occurring in 79 percent of perimenopausal women and 65 percent of postmenopausal women. Although it has long been believed that caffeine intake exacerbates menopausal vasomotor symptoms, research has challenged this assumption, as caffeine has been both positively and negatively linked to hot flashes.

"Menopause symptoms can be challenging, but there are many management strategies to try," Faubion said.

Faubion said one way to gain some control over bothersome menopausal symptoms is to be careful about what one eats. This means forgoing spicy and hot beverages, limiting alcohol and tobacco, and trying stress management strategies such as meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, acupuncture and massage.

She added that it is of paramount importance to maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly and stay active.

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