VMS: vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes)

• VMS stands for vasomotor symptoms, also known as hot flashes and night sweats
• Hot flashes can be a symptom of menopause and can also occur during pregnancy
• Vasomotor symptoms treatment can consist of lifestyle alterations and medication

Hot flashes, also called vasomotor symptoms, are a common symptom of menopause. Hot flashes can be mild or severe, with the severe forms having an impact on your quality of life. Treatment options are available to relieve your symptoms. In this guide by Ada’s medical team, you can learn more about hot flashes, what causes them, and how to get rid of them.

VMS is an abbreviation that stands for vasomotor symptoms. It can both refer to hot flashes and night sweats. Vasomotor symptoms are considered to be the most common symptoms that appear during menopause and perimenopause. The menopausal transition happens to women between the ages of 40 to 64, and vasomotor symptoms affect about 57% of all women while they’re going through this transition. 1 2

Vasomotor symptoms are described as episodes in which you can experience heat, sweating, and flushing which can specifically be noticed around the head, neck, chest, and upper back region. Hot flashes can also appear at night and can have a significant effect on the quality of life, as they contribute to poor sleep, lower productivity, and low mood. The severity and frequency of the hot flashes can vary from woman to woman. 1 2

The cause of hot flashes is not fully understood yet, but as hot flashes appear in many women during the menopausal transition, scientists believe that a change in reproductive hormones plays a big part. Especially low levels of estrogen and high levels of follicle-stimulating hormone have been linked to the appearance of hot flashes. Scientists do note that all women undergo these hormonal changes at some point in their lives, but not all women experience vasomotor symptoms. This means that other factors also play a role in the development of hot flashes. These factors could be related to genetics, thermoregulation, or changes in the activity of the nervous systems or the blood vessels. 2

Several factors can increase the possibility of experiencing hot flashes. Some of the key risk factors are: 1

• Being of African descent 
• Obesity 
• Smoking 
• Poor dietary habits
• Lack of physical activity
• High alcohol consumption 
• Anxiety and depression

Hot flashes can last a few minutes in each episode, although there are also cases in which hot flashes can last up to an hour. Hot flashes appear during the menopausal transition and can persist for years throughout the entire transition. Some women even experience hot flashes after menopause. Your healthcare provider can provide advice if your symptoms persist.

Hot flashes are a typical symptom of menopause. Vasomotor symptoms have also been linked to several complications, being: 1

• A higher risk of cardiovascular disease 
• A higher chance of osteoporosis

Hot flashes can be a bothersome symptom of menopause. Luckily, there are various ways to relieve your symptoms. Writing down what you were doing whenever you’re experiencing hot flashes can help you understand what triggers them so that you can avoid these triggers. 

There are several lifestyle changes which you can make in order to decrease the severity or frequency of your hot flashes: 3

• Keep the room temperature in your bedroom low 
• Dress in layers which you can take off when a hot flash starts
• Use a portable fan when a hot flash starts
• Avoid smoking
• Avoid alcohol, spicy foods, and caffeine 
• Maintain a healthy weight

If lifestyle alterations aren’t sufficient to reduce your hot flashes, then there is also vasomotor symptoms treatment in the form of medication There are both hormonal and non-hormonal remedies for hot flashes. An example of a non-hormonal medication to treat hot flashes is paroxetine, which is a drug typically used for depression. In a lower dosage, however, it can also provide relief for hot flashes. 

Hormonal medication can help balance your levels of estrogen and progesterone. They can be taken in the form of pills, patches, rings, implants, or creams. There are however certain side effects which need to be taken into account before starting hormone therapy. Taking hormone medications can increase the risk of heart conditions, breast cancer, gallbladder conditions, and dementia. Your physician can help you decide which therapy is the best fit for you. 3

Vasomotor symptoms of menopause can include hot flashes and night sweats. They usually only last for a few minutes, but they can cause a decrease in the quality of life as they can lead to poor sleep and low mood. Luckily, there are various treatment options that can help you find relief from these symptoms. Your physician can guide you toward the appropriate treatment strategy.

Q: What are vasomotor symptoms? 
A: Vasomotor symptoms is a term to describe hot flashes and night sweats. Many women experience these symptoms during menopause. 

Q: What is the best over-the-counter medicine for hot flashes? 
A: The medication that helps against hot flashes should be prescribed by your physician. This medication can both be hormonal and non-hormonal. Supplements for hot flashes also exist. 

Q: Are hot flashes a sign of pregnancy? 
A: Hot flashes can be a sign of pregnancy and can appear throughout your entire pregnancy. Most women experience them during the third trimester. 

Q: Why are hot flashes worse at night? 
A: Hot flashes can feel worse at night as they disrupt your sleep, which can lead to concentration issues throughout the day, low mood, and fatigue. 

Q: What are hot flashes? 
A: Hot flashes are a sudden sensation of heat in the face, the neck, the upper back, or the chest. They can be experienced together with red skin and sweating.