Vasomotor Syndrome is a complex amalgamation of hot flashes and night sweats experienced by menopausal women. It merits careful consideration because this intricate interplay of physiological and hormonal shifts can significantly impact daily life.
Studies reveal that up to 85 percent of women experience hot flashes during menopause. Vasomotor Syndrome (VMS) is not a mere inconvenience; it represents a form of temperature regulation dysfunction stemming from the shifts in gonadal hormones. A decline in estrogen levels can trigger a series of physiological responses, including alterations in thermoregulation.
Monica J.R. Williams-Rilley , MD is a Board Certified Family Physician and a Cliovana expert practitioner, who specializes in Functional Medicine and sexual health and wellness.
Dr Williams answers 6 key questions about VMS:
- How long can I experience VMS?
Hot flashes and night sweats are a common occurrence for many women during menopause. Although these symptoms can begin several years before a woman's final menstrual period, on average women contend with hot flashes and night sweats for 7 to 9 years. One-third of women endure these symptoms for an entire decade or longer, according to the North American Menopause Society (NAMS).
- Are night sweats and hot flashes the same?
No they are not. Hot flashes and night sweats are both types of sweating. Hot flashes occur during the day or night and cause intense feelings of heat. Night sweats occur only at night and have longer periods of perspiration than hot flashes. The sweat produced by night sweats starts out gradually, lasts much longer and then declines slowly.
- What is my body temperature during a hot flash?
A study measured the body temperatures of a menopausal woman during hot flashes. Internal temperatures fell after each flash, with the lowest recorded at 35.6 degrees Celsius for the rectal temperature, 35.6 degrees for the vaginal temperature and 35.2 degrees for the tympanic (ear) temperature. Where sweating occurred, skin temperature fell during a flash and rose after it.
- Are menopause, perimenopause, PMS and PMDD the only causes of night sweats?
Night sweats are not just a symptom of menopause, perimenopause, PMS/PMDD, and pregnancy. They may be caused by a variety of factors including infectious diseases like tuberculosis and HIV, bacterial infections like endocarditis, viral infections like the flu and COVID-19, hormonal diseases, substance abuse, neurologic disorders, cancer, behavioral health conditions and sleep disorders. Additionally, night sweats may be linked to hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating without an obvious cause).
- Can VMS be linked to Cardiovascular Health?
Vasomotor symptoms (VMS), including hot flashes and night sweats, have been linked to cardiovascular health in women. Studies in the Journal of the American Heart Association and the SWAN study have shown that these symptoms may serve as an early indicator of cardiovascular problems later in life. Recognizing VMS as a potential indicator of cardiovascular health is crucial for a comprehensive women's health approach, emphasizing early intervention and tailored strategies that account for hormonal changes and long-term cardiovascular well-being.
- What other changes can I expect with VSM?
Along with Vasomotor Symptoms (VMS), there can be other changes occurring, particularly related to sexual health. Conditions like vaginal dryness and reduced libido may also manifest during this stage. These changes often stem from hormonal shifts that impact tissue stimulation. This is where treatments like Cliovana come into play, offering non-invasive and effective solutions to address these intimate concerns. By linking VMS with these additional challenges, it highlights the holistic approach needed for women's health during this transitional phase.
No comments:
Post a Comment