What is the Origin of Vasomotor Symptom?

The term is clinical and descriptive, combining 'vaso' (referring to blood vessels) and 'motor' (referring to movement or control), highlighting the involuntary control of peripheral blood vessel dilation and constriction. These symptoms are a universally recognized clinical hallmark of the estrogen-deficient state.

What is the Mechanism of Vasomotor Symptom?

The core mechanism involves the destabilization of the thermoregulatory setpoint within the median preoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus, which is normally stabilized by circulating estrogen. The narrowed thermoneutral zone causes the brain to inappropriately interpret even minor increases in core body temperature as overheating. This misinterpretation triggers a rapid heat dissipation cascade, involving peripheral vasodilation and sudorific activity (sweating), which are the visible and uncomfortable physiological responses.

Vasomotor Symptom ∞ Area

Vasomotor Symptom

Meaning

A Vasomotor Symptom (VMS) is a transient, recurring episode of intense heat sensation, flushing of the skin, and often profuse sweating, most commonly experienced by women during the menopausal transition, clinically known as hot flashes or night sweats. These symptoms are a direct physical manifestation of the hypothalamic dysfunction in thermoregulation, triggered by the profound withdrawal of ovarian estrogen. VMS is the most frequent and often significantly disruptive complaint of menopause, negatively impacting sleep and quality of life.