Vasomotor symptoms are characterized by a sudden sensation of heat, typically starting in the chest and moving upward to the neck and face, followed by sweating and flushing of the skin. Vasomotor symptoms are a common and distinctive feature of menopause caused by hormonal fluctuations, particularly a decrease in estrogen levels.
These symptoms can vary in intensity and frequency among menopausal women. Their duration can vary from a few seconds to several minutes. Some women may experience hot flashes for a relatively short time during the menopausal transition, while others may have them for years.
Understanding and identifying potential triggers can help manage the frequency and intensity of hot flashes.