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Glossary

Vasomotor symptoms

Also known as: Hot flashes, night sweats

Reviewed by the Black Health editorial team, 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.