Conditions and symptoms
What Are Vasomotor Symptoms? Hot Flushes Explained
Vasomotor symptoms · say it: vay-zoh-MOH-ter SIMP-tumzAlso written: VMS, hot flashes, hot flushes, night sweats
Short answer
Vasomotor symptoms are hot flushes and night sweats, most often linked to menopause, caused by changes in how blood vessels widen.
What it means
Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are sudden feelings of heat, usually in the face, neck and chest, often with flushing, sweating and a fast heartbeat. When they happen at night they are called night sweats. They are most common around menopause, when falling estrogen levels affect the part of the brain that controls body temperature.
The term appears on labels for hormone therapy and some non-hormonal medicines, under 'Indications', because these are approved to reduce moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms. Hormone therapy labels also carry warnings about blood clots, stroke, some cancers and dementia, so they advise using the lowest effective dose for the shortest time that suits the person, reviewed with a doctor.
Hot flushes can also have other causes, such as some medicines, thyroid problems and infections. 'Vasomotor' describes nerves and muscles that control the widening and narrowing of blood vessels.
Where you may see it
- The 'Indications and Usage' section of menopausal hormone therapy labels
- Labels for non-hormonal menopause medicines
- Menopause and gynaecology clinic letters
📄 How it looks on a report
Indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause.
🙅 What it does not mean
- Vasomotor symptoms are not a sign of illness in themselves; they are a common part of menopause for many people.
- Hot flushes are not always from menopause. Other causes can be checked if they do not fit.
- A treatment label listing serious risks does not mean those risks apply equally to everyone; they depend on age and health.
🗒️ Questions to ask your doctor
💊 Medicines whose labels mention “Vasomotor symptoms”
Plain-English explanations of each medicine, from its official FDA label.
🔗 Read more from trusted sources
- “Vasomotor symptoms” on MedlinePlus ↗
US National Library of Medicine
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