Ever wonder how your body knows when to shiver in the cold or sweat in the heat? It’s because of something called “vasomotor functions.” These automatic processes help keep our body’s temperature steady and make sure everything works well. Sometimes, these functions don’t work right, like during menopause, and this can cause problems.
What Is Vasomotor Function?
“Vasomotor” refers to how the nervous system controls the size of blood vessels. This control is important for regulating blood flow and body temperature. Vasomotor functions are part of the autonomic nervous system, which includes the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. These systems help blood vessels tighten or loosen.
How Does Vasomotor Function Work?
Vasomotor functions are controlled by the vasomotor center in the brainstem’s medulla oblongata. This center gets signals from:
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Thermoreceptors (detect changes in body temperature)
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Baroreceptors (monitor blood pressure)
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Chemoreceptors (respond to changes in blood chemistry)
When the body detects a temperature change, the vasomotor center sends signals to the muscles in blood vessels to either tighten or loosen them.
Vasoconstriction
In cold places, blood vessels tighten to reduce blood flow to the skin and extremities, conserving heat for vital organs.
Vasodilation
In warm places, blood vessels loosen, increasing blood flow to the skin to release heat and cool the body.
What Are Vasomotor Symptoms?
Vasomotor symptoms are sudden feelings of heat, often with sweating and redness, mostly on the face, neck, and chest. These are called “hot flashes” during the day and “night sweats” at night. They are common during menopause and can affect sleep and life quality.
What Triggers Vasomotor Symptoms During Menopause?
These symptoms can happen suddenly and be quite strong. Knowing what triggers them can help manage them. Common triggers include:
Changes In Hormones
During menopause, estrogen levels drop. Estrogen helps control the part of the brain that manages temperature (the hypothalamus). The hypothalamus can become more sensitive and misinterpret small changes in body temperature, causing hot flashes.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress releases hormones like adrenaline that can raise heart rate and body temperature, triggering hot flashes.
Dietary Factors
Certain foods and drinks, like spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol, can raise body temperature and cause symptoms.
Environmental Factors
External temperatures and changes can also trigger symptoms, such as heat, hot showers or baths, warm clothing, and smoking.
Medications
Some medications can trigger or worsen symptoms, including certain antidepressants, hormonal medications, and dietary supplements.
Medical Conditions
Conditions like thyroid disorders and diabetes can mimic or worsen vasomotor symptoms.
Why Do Vasomotor Symptoms Occur During Menopause?
The exact cause isn’t fully known, but they are believed to be due to:
Hormonal Changes
Estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate and drop during menopause. As we mentioned before, estrogen helps regulate the hypothalamus, and a decline can make it more sensitive to temperature changes. Low levels of progesterone can also cause hot flashes and night sweats.
Neurotransmitter Imbalance
Hormonal changes affect brain chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine. These chemicals are called “neurotransmitters’ and they help regulate temperature and blood vessel dilation.
Changes In Blood Vessel Activity
Changes in how blood vessels respond to hormones during menopause can cause them to widen or narrow suddenly, leading to hot flashes and night sweats.
How Long Do Vasomotor Symptoms of Menopause Last?
These symptoms can last from 6 months to over 4 years. How long they last can depend on a person’s environment and genetics.
How Do You Treat Vasomotor Symptoms?
There are several ways to manage vasomotor symptoms. These include:
Hormone Therapy (HT)
This involves taking estrogen alone or with progesterone and is very effective for many women in relieving symptoms of menopause, including night sweats and hot flashes.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
BHRT is another type of hormone therapy that uses estrogen and progesterone from plants. They are called “bio-identical” because they are exactly the same as those made by the human body. Some people prefer these because they may be better tolerated and because they are from plants, not animals.
Lifestyle Modifications
Changes like wearing light, breathable clothes, avoiding triggers (spicy food, caffeine, alcohol), and managing stress with relaxation techniques can help.
Supportive Therapies
Some find relief from vasomotor symptoms with acupuncture, herbal remedies, and mind-body practices.
Cooling Techniques
Using fans, cool packs, or taking cool showers can provide quick relief for women experiencing a sudden hot flash.
Don’t Suffer From Vasomotor Symptoms
Managing symptoms during menopause involves various approaches based on individual preferences and medical history. Hormone therapy, including bioidentical options, is very effective for many patients. If you are dealing with the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause, please contact Radiance Wellness and Aesthetics. We are a top functional medicine clinic in Kelowna that specializes in balancing hormones with a holistic approach. Book your appointment and start feeling better today!
