Women who experience menarche at an early age are at higher risk of more frequent and severe hot flushes and night sweats, particularly if they are overweight, Australian research shows. 

The findings point to the need for early intervention programs, especially weight management programs, for women who experienced early menarche (11 years or younger), say the University of Queensland researchers. 

Their analysis of data from more than 18,500 women found those who had an early menarche had a 48% higher chance of frequent hot flushes and a 59% greater risk of frequent night sweats than those who had their menarche at 14 years or older. 

The severity of symptoms was also higher among women with early menarche, with a 27% greater risk of severe night sweats, the researchers wrote in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.