Vasomotor Symptoms
Updated:Vasomotor symptoms are physical reactions typically associated with menopause and perimenopause. They primarily include hot flashes and night sweats, which are sudden feelings of heat in the upper body, often accompanied by flushing, sweating, and sometimes chills. These symptoms are caused by hormonal changes that affect the body's temperature regulation system.
Additional Information
Vasomotor symptoms are experienced by up to 75% of women during menopause. They can vary in frequency and intensity, lasting from a few seconds to several minutes. While most commonly associated with women, men can also experience vasomotor symptoms due to hormonal changes or certain medical treatments.
The exact mechanism behind vasomotor symptoms is not fully understood, but it's believed to be related to the fluctuation and eventual decline of estrogen levels. These symptoms can impact sleep quality, mood, and overall quality of life. While they typically subside over time, some women may experience them for years.
Examples
Sarah woke up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat, experiencing a classic vasomotor symptom known as night sweats.
During an important meeting, Linda suddenly felt an intense wave of heat wash over her upper body - a hot flash, one of the common vasomotor symptoms of menopause.