Vasomotor symptoms

DEFINITION

Vasomotor symptoms include hot flushes and night sweats. They are thought to occur due to narrowing of the thermoneutral zone in the hypothalamus during the menopause transition. They can disturb sleep and aggravate symptoms of fatigue, depressed mood and anxiety.

The BMS says:

• Hot flushes are commonly defined as transient periods of intense heat in the upper body, arms and face, which are often followed by flushing of the skin and profuse sweating.
• Many hot flushes are then followed by chills, palpitations and a sense of anxiety.

NICE says:

• Hot flushes and night sweats include a sudden feeling of heat in the upper body (face, neck and chest) that spreads upwards and downwards. In some cases, this becomes generalised, typically lasting 2–4 minutes and can be associated with excessive sweating, palpitations or anxiety.
• They can be embarrassing and distressing, and triggers may include spicy food or alcohol.