Using Machine Learning to Identify Dietary Predictors of Menopausal Symptoms: Insights into Foods Associated with Symptom Severity and Relief
Jeongwon Hur
Blair Academy, New Jersey, USA
Publication date: May 31, 2025
Blair Academy, New Jersey, USA
Publication date: May 31, 2025
DOI: http://doi.org/10.34614/JIYRC2025I11
ABSTRACT
Menopause is a significant biological transition characterized by hormonal changes that lead to various symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. While nutrition has been suggested to influence menopausal symptom severity, limited research has examined the relationship between dietary patterns and symptom relief using advanced analytical methods. This study employs machine learning techniques, specifically Random Forest regression, to analyze publicly available data (N=3,302) from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) to identify dietary factors associated with symptom severity and relief. Results suggest that fruit and vegetable consumption is correlated with lower symptom severity, whereas high-fat and high-sodium diets exacerbate symptoms. Long-term supplementation of vitamins C and E was associated with reduced severity of menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes and sleep disturbances. These findings underscore the importance of personalized dietary interventions in managing menopause-related health concerns.
Menopause is a significant biological transition characterized by hormonal changes that lead to various symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. While nutrition has been suggested to influence menopausal symptom severity, limited research has examined the relationship between dietary patterns and symptom relief using advanced analytical methods. This study employs machine learning techniques, specifically Random Forest regression, to analyze publicly available data (N=3,302) from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) to identify dietary factors associated with symptom severity and relief. Results suggest that fruit and vegetable consumption is correlated with lower symptom severity, whereas high-fat and high-sodium diets exacerbate symptoms. Long-term supplementation of vitamins C and E was associated with reduced severity of menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes and sleep disturbances. These findings underscore the importance of personalized dietary interventions in managing menopause-related health concerns.
