Vasomotor Symptoms

Vasomotor Symptoms

“Hot flashes and night sweats, also called
vasomotor symptoms, are feelings of warmth
that can be associated with flushing and sweating”.1

Umbrella

What may the Vasomotor Symptoms (VMS) Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Hot Flashes/Flushes
  • Night Sweats
  • Vasomotor Symptoms (VMS)

Vasomotor Symptoms

What are vasomotor symptoms (VMS)?

DotS the definition of VMS may vary. The (United States) Menopause Society’s (formerly the North American Menopause Society) definition is:

“Vasomotor symptoms. Also known as hot flashes and night sweats, common symptoms during perimenopause and early postmenopause”.2

Common or Not

How common are VMS?

In Hot Flashes: Hot Flashes and Night Sweats the (United States) Menopause Society (formerly the North American Menopause Society) elaborate on:

“Hot flashes and night sweats, also called vasomotor symptoms, are feelings of warmth that can be associated with flushing and sweating. They are quite common during menopause, occurring in up to 80% of women and lasting a mean of 7 to 10 years. They may also contribute to sleep and mood issues that can negatively affect quality of life”.3

Stop

When do VMS stop?

In Hot Flashes: Symptoms and Causes – Overview the (United States) Mayo Clinic explain:

“On average, people who have hot flashes have them for more than seven years. Some people have them for more than 10 years”.4

Healthy Lifestyle

Can a healthy lifestyle lifestyle improve VMS?

On page one in the Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause, first published online 10 June 2022, one of the recommendations is:

  • “Women should be advised that implementing or maintaining a healthy lifestyle can improve menopause symptoms. A healthy diet (one low in saturated fat and salt and rich in calcium and vitamin D), stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake and including regular exercise can be beneficial. Reducing caffeine intake may also improve symptoms.
  • Alternative therapies, including cognitive behavioural therapy, may also improve hot flushes, nights sweats and other menopausal symptoms and can be considered in women who do not wish to take HRT or have contraindications to taking HRT”.5

2025 IMS Recommendations, Hormone Therapy

What do the International Menopause Society (IMS)’s recommendations, published online 23 December 2025, include about menopause hormone therapy (MHT)?

In the International Menopause Society (IMS) Recommendations and Key Messages on Women’s Midlife Health and Menopause: 4A. Vasomotor Symptoms/Hormone Therapy, Recommendation 4A includes these and other recommendations:

  • “HCPs should inform women that VMS, such as hot flushes and night sweats, are hallmark features of the menopause transition and menopause, and can markedly impair quality of life. ⨁⨁⨁⨁ A
  • MHT is the most effective treatment for VMS. Where available, it should therefore be offered to women with bothersome VMS who do not have significant contraindications or are not MHT averse. ⨁⨁⨁⨁ A
  • When used for the treatment of VMS, MHT is typically recommended to women younger than 60 years old or within 10 years of menopause after a full evaluation of benefits and risks. ⨁⨁⨁⨁ A
  • HCPs should be aware that both transdermal and oral estrogen routes are effective in treating VMS, with low to moderate doses of MHT alleviating symptoms in more than 80% of postmenopausal women. ⨁⨁⨁⨁ A…”.6

What is HCP?

HCP can be an abbreviation for Healthcare Professionals.

2025 IMS Recommendations, Non-Hormonal Pharmacological Therapies

What do the IMS’s recommendations include about non-hormonal pharmacological therapies?

In the International Menopause Society (IMS) Recommendations and Key Messages on Women’s Midlife Health and Menopause: 4B. Vasomotor Symptoms: Non-Hormonal Pharmacological, Recommendation 4B includes these and other recommendations:

  • “MHT remains the gold standard treatment for menopausal hot flashes for healthy symptomatic menopausal women when initiated close to menopause. However, for women with health conditions considered strong contraindications to hormone therapy (HT) or those who cannot or choose not to take MHT, non-hormonal pharmacologic therapies are needed. KM
  • A new class of neurokinin-targeted therapies, which are non-hormonal treatments, offers an evidence-based approach for effective treatment. Neurokinin receptor antagonists reduce the frequency and severity of VMS in postmenopausal women by modulating kisspeptin, neurokinin B and dynorphin neurons (KNDy) in the hypothalamus, with effectiveness appearing slightly lower than that of MHT. KM…”.7

2025 IMS Recommendations Video

Is there a new IMS recommendations video?

Yes:

2026 Recommendations Video

Is there a new IMS recommendations video about the Evidence-Based Management of Vasomotor Symptoms?

Yes:

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have VMS?

On page two in Optimising the Menopause Transition: Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause, first published 10 June 2022, Hamoda et al. elaborate on:

“Women should be able to seek advice and evidence-based information on how to optimise their menopausal transition and the years beyond. It is important to look not only at the role of HRT when discussing the menopause with women but also to offer advice regarding lifestyle and diet modifications such as exercise, optimising weight, stopping smoking, reducing alcohol as well as the advantages and disadvantages of their management options including HRT and alternative therapies”.8

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to the Vasomotor Symptoms?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Vasomotor Symptoms?

Your country may have Links similar to:

Links

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New or Updated

  1. ACOG Explains: Managing Menopause Symptoms [American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists]
  2. Ask Early Menopause [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  3. BMS Measurement Tool for Measuring Serum Estradiol Levels
  4. Beyond Hot Flashes: Navigating Vasomotor Symptoms and Cardiovascular Health In Primary Care Settings [Videos: 10 Episodes] [05 May – 02 June 2026]
  5. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  6. Can Hot Flashes Be Managed Through Diet?
  7. Closing the Gap: Elinzanetant Demonstrates Efficacy for Vasomotor Symptoms In African American Women: Episode 1: How African American Patients Are Effected By Vasomotor Symptoms [Videos: 5 Episodes]
  8. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  9. Complementary & Alternative Therapies: Non-Hormonal Treatments for Menopause Symptoms
  10. Complementary Medicines and Therapies for Hot Flushes
  11. Complementary Medicines and Therapies: Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  12. Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy [Video]
  13. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  14. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Menopause
  15. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  16. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  17. Does Having Hot Flashes Mean I’ve Started Menopause?
  18. Evolving Approaches To Vasomotor Symptoms In Menopause: Novel Pathways and Emerging Therapies [Videos: 14 Episodes] [31 October – 16 December 2025]
  19. Evolving Approaches To Vasomotor Symptoms In Menopause: Novel Pathways and Emerging Therapies – Special Report: Impact of Vasomotor Symptoms On Patient Quality of Life [Video: Episode 1/14]
  20. Evolving Approaches To Vasomotor Symptoms In Menopause: Novel Pathways and Emerging Therapies – Unmet Needs In Managing Vasomotor Symptoms In Menopause [Video: Episode 3/14]
  21. Experts Answer Your Menopause Questions In Video
  22. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  23. Find A Practitioner [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  24. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  25. HRT
  26. HRT Questions Answered
  27. Handling Hot Flushes and Night Sweats| Dr Louise Newson
  28. Hormonal and Nonhormonal Therapy for Vasomotor Symptoms of Menopause
  29. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
  30. Hot Flashes
  31. Hot Flashes
  32. Hot Flushes, Night Sweats, Brain Fog? Here’s What We Know About Phytoestrogens for Menopausal Symptoms
  33. How Long Will I Have Hot Flashes and What Causes Them?
  34. How To Find Relief for Hot Flashes At Night
  35. How To Manage Menopausal Symptoms
  36. Impact of Vasomotor Symptoms on Patient Quality of Life [Video Ep 1]
  37. International Menopause Society (IMS) Recommendations and Key Messages on Women’s Midlife Health and Menopause
  38. Is It Too Late To Start HRT?
  39. International Menopause Society (IMS) Recommendations and Key Messages on Women’s Midlife Health and Menopause
  40. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause
  41. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Myths] [Other Languages and Formats]
  42. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Signs and Symptoms of Menopause [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP] [Other Languages and Formats]
  43. Looking After Yourself Around the Time of Menopause [Multiply Languages]
  44. Managing Menopause Symptoms [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  45. Menopause
  46. Menopause
  47. Menopause
    Vasomotor Symptoms
  48. Menopause
    Vasomotor Symptoms
  49. Menopause Definitions
  50. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
  51. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
  52. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  53. Menopause: How To Talk To Your Doctor
  54. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline]
  55. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline]
    Vasomotor Symptoms
  56. Menopause: Your Choice of Language
  57. Monitoring Menopause Symptoms
  58. Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
  59. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  60. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  61. Natural Remedies To Help Manage Perimenopause Symptoms
  62. Navigating Menopause: Honest Answers To All Your Questions [+ Video: What To Expect in Menopause]
  63. Navigating Menopause Care Resource Guide
    Vasomotor Symptoms
  64. Nonhormonal Treatment of Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms
  65. Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  66. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: IMS Partnership Symposia Series – What’s Hot? Options for Treatment of Hot Flushes 2025
  67. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2025: Lifestyle Medicine
  68. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2026: Diagnosis of Menopause (STRAW+10)
  69. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2026: New IMS Recommendations: Evidence-Based Management of Vasomotor Symptoms
  70. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2026: New IMS Recommendations – Midlife Body Changes
  71. Perimenopause
  72. Perimenopause
  73. Perimenopause and Menopause Checklist: Translated Checklists
  74. Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checklist
    Vasomotor Symptoms
  75. Prevalence and Impact of Vasomotor Symptoms Due To Menopause Among Women In Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and Nordic Europe: A Cross-Sectional Survey
  76. Resources: Fact Sheets [Multiply Languages]
    Vasomotor Symptoms
  77. Risk Factors, Management and Consequences of Severe Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms
  78. Shedding Light on the Menopause Experience and Demystifying Treatment [Video]
  79. Special Report: Managing Vasomotor Symptoms In Menopause [Video: Episode1/10]
  80. The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause
  81. The Menopause Society Statement on Misinformation Surrounding Hormone Therapy
  82. Treatments for Menopause
  83. Understanding Vasomotor Symptoms: Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  84. Vasomotor Epidemiology and Challenges In the Workplace
  85. Vasomotor Symptoms Key To Perimenopause Diagnosis
  86. Vasomotor Symptoms In Perimenopause and Menopause: Non Hormonal and Hormonal Treatment Strategies
  87. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  88. What Can I Do To Help With Hot Flashes?
  89. What Does A Hot Flash Feel Like?
  90. What Is the Difference Between Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause?
  91. When Does Perimenopause Start and How Do You Define the Beginning
  92. World Menopause Day 2024: Leaflet for Women – Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy [Multiply Languages]
  93. World Menopause Day 2025 [18 October 2025]
    Vasomotor Symptoms
  94. Your Daily Dose: Let’s Unpack Menopause
  95. Your Daily Dose: Perimenopause, Don’t Suffer In Silence
  96. Your Daily Dose: Perimenopause, Here’s What To Know

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources at:

Sources

  1. Menopause Definitions: V – Vasomotor Symptoms. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/patient-education/menopause-glossary Accessed: 12 June 2026
  2. Menopause Definitions: V – Vasomotor Symptoms. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/patient-education/menopause-glossary Accessed: 12 June 2026
  3. Hot Flashes: Hot Flashes and Night Sweats. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/patient-education/menopause-topics/hot-flashes Accessed: 12 June 2026
  4. Hot Flashes: Symptoms and Causes – Overview. 04 March 2025. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hot-flashes/symptoms-causes/syc-20352790 Accessed: 12 June 2026
  5. Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published Online 10 June 2022:3-4. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 12 June 2026
  6. Panay, N., et al. International Menopause Society (IMS) Recommendations and Key Messages on Women’s Midlife Health and Menopause: 4A. Vasomotor Symptoms/Hormone Therapy. Published Online: 23 December 2025 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13697137.2025.2585487#abstract Accessed: 12 June 2026
  7. Panay, N., et al. International Menopause Society (IMS) Recommendations and Key Messages on Women’s Midlife Health and Menopause: 4B. Vasomotor Symptoms: Non-Hormonal Pharmacological. Published Online: 23 December 2025 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13697137.2025.2585487#abstract Accessed: 12 June 2026
  8. Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. Optimising the Menopause Transition: Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published 10 June 2022:1 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20533691221104882 Accessed: 12 June 2026
Topic Last Updated: 12 June 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 12 June 2026

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