Menopausal hot flashes: mechanisms, endocrinology, treatment Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Menopause
Menopause
Menopause impacts many aspects of health, including the gut microbiome, weight management, and hormone balance. Diet, probiotics, intermittent fasting, and HRT offer effective management strategies.
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Menopausal Hot Flashes
Menopausal Hot Flashes
Menopausal hot flashes are one of the most common and disruptive symptoms that women experience during the transition to menopause. Characterized by sudden sensations of heat, sweating, and flushing, hot flashes can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life, causing sleep disturbances, mood swings, and even long-term health consequences. Understanding the complex mechanisms behind hot flashes, as well as the role of microbiome-targeted therapies, offers new avenues for improving menopausal health.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
The review examines the physiological mechanisms behind menopausal hot flashes (HFs), which are characterized by rapid and exaggerated heat dissipation responses, such as sweating, peripheral vasodilation, and intense internal heat sensations. The study focuses on how small elevations in core body temperature trigger these responses, particularly within a reduced thermoneutral zone. The review also explores the involvement of estrogen depletion at menopause and its contribution to hot flashes, while addressing how the sympathetic nervous system and norepinephrine play key roles in the process.
Who was studied?
The review encompasses research on women experiencing menopausal hot flashes, particularly those in the climacteric period, as well as women undergoing surgical menopause or those treated with GnRH agonists for conditions like breast cancer. Studies comparing symptomatic and asymptomatic women, as well as cross-cultural studies on the prevalence of hot flashes in different ethnic groups, such as Caucasian, Japanese, and Chinese women, are also discussed. Additionally, the paper explores the effects of androgen depletion on men undergoing treatments for prostate cancer, providing a broader understanding of hot flashes across different populations.
Most important findings
The review identifies key mechanisms underlying the occurrence of hot flashes, including the narrowing of the thermoneutral zone due to elevated sympathetic activation, particularly through α2-adrenergic receptors. While estrogen depletion is essential for the onset of hot flashes, it is not the sole cause, as other factors like norepinephrine play a significant role. The review also highlights the effectiveness of clonidine, an α2-adrenergic agonist, in widening the thermoneutral zone and reducing hot flash frequency. Brain imaging studies reveal that areas such as the insula and anterior cingulate cortex are involved in the phenomenological experience of hot flashes, while circadian rhythms influence the timing of their occurrence.
Key implications
The findings suggest that hot flashes are a complex physiological phenomenon influenced by hormonal, neuroendocrine, and circadian factors. The narrowing of the thermoneutral zone due to elevated norepinephrine, in conjunction with estrogen withdrawal, forms the basis of their occurrence. Personalized treatment approaches, such as adrenergic modulation with clonidine or other therapies targeting norepinephrine, may offer more effective management strategies. Additionally, understanding genetic, cultural, and circadian differences in hot flash experiences can lead to better-tailored interventions, improving the quality of life for women experiencing this common menopausal symptom.
Menopausal Hot Flashes
Menopausal hot flashes are one of the most common and disruptive symptoms that women experience during the transition to menopause. Characterized by sudden sensations of heat, sweating, and flushing, hot flashes can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life, causing sleep disturbances, mood swings, and even long-term health consequences. Understanding the complex mechanisms behind hot flashes, as well as the role of microbiome-targeted therapies, offers new avenues for improving menopausal health.
Estrogen
Estrogen is a steroid hormone primarily found in women, crucial for reproductive health, secondary sexual characteristics, and various physiological processes. It regulates menstrual cycles, supports pregnancy, and influences bone density and cardiovascular health. Dysregulation of estrogen levels can lead to various disorders and health complications.
Breast Cancer
Traditionally linked to genetic predispositions and environmental exposures, emerging evidence highlights the microbiome as a critical and underappreciated factor influencing breast cancer progression, immune response, and treatment outcomes.