What’s in a name: are menopausal “hot flashes” a symptom of menopause or a manifestation of neurovascular dysregulation? 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?
This article examines the concept of menopausal hot flashes and night sweats, proposing that they should not simply be viewed as “symptoms of menopause” but rather as manifestations of underlying pathophysiological processes, particularly autonomic neurovascular dysregulation. The authors review evidence linking these vasomotor disturbances to broader health concerns, such as cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and sleep disturbances, suggesting that hot flashes may reflect deeper issues related to autonomic regulation and vascular health.
Who was studied?
The review focuses on studies of women in the menopausal transition, specifically those experiencing hot flashes and night sweats across different geographical regions, including Australia, Great Britain, and the United States. The article highlights the variation in hot flash patterns based on factors like timing, severity, and duration, and discusses how these symptoms are linked to the risk of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and cognitive decline. The review also notes genetic factors and hormonal changes that may influence the presence and severity of these symptoms.
Most important findings
The article identifies four distinct patterns of vasomotor disturbances observed globally, suggesting that these patterns are not solely attributable to cultural or socioeconomic factors. It emphasizes the link between the severity and timing of hot flashes and the risk of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and mood disorders. The authors argue that hot flashes should be considered a manifestation of neurovascular dysregulation, potentially driven by hormonal changes during menopause. Genetic factors related to estrogen metabolism also appear to influence the severity and onset of these symptoms, underscoring the need for personalized treatment approaches.
Key implications
This review calls for a shift in how menopausal hot flashes are perceived and treated. By reframing hot flashes as manifestations of underlying autonomic neurovascular dysregulation, the article suggests that they should not merely be seen as symptoms to be tolerated but as early indicators of potential chronic health conditions. The authors advocate for further investigation into the pathophysiological mechanisms behind these symptoms, particularly concerning autonomic function and vascular health, to develop more effective, targeted treatments. This research could lead to personalized hormone therapy (MHT) regimens based on genetic profiles, improving outcomes for women in menopause.
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.
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.