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Glossary

Vasomotor symptoms

Also known as: Hot flashes, night sweats

Medically reviewed, last updated

Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are the hot flashes and night sweats associated with the menopausal transition. They reflect estrogen-driven changes in the brain's thermoregulatory center. VMS affect roughly 80 percent of women during perimenopause and the early postmenopausal years.

Avis 2015 (SWAN cohort, n=3,302) showed that Black women had a median duration of frequent VMS of 10.1 years, compared with 7.4 years across the full multi-racial cohort. See our Avis 2015 SWAN cohort explainer.

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Medical Disclaimer

This glossary entry is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about a medical condition.