VMS stands for Vasomotor Symptoms, which are often considered the cardinal symptoms of menopause. VMS are episodes of profuse heat accompanied by sweating and are a form of temperature dysfunction that occurs due to changes in gonadal hormones. Normally, core body temperature remains within a specific range, but during menopause, fluctuating and declining hormones can impact multiple components involved in maintaining temperature homeostasis. VMS are the most common symptoms of menopause, and about 80% of people who go through menopause experience them. Hot flashes and night sweats are the most common VMS.

Hormone therapy (HT) was once the treatment of choice for VMS but has since fallen out of favor due to its negative impact on cardiovascular health and breast cancer. Many women are now seeking alternatives for the management of VMS, such as exercise, a diet built around vegetables and whole grains, and certain foods like soybeans, chickpeas, and lentils. Losing weight and staying at a healthy weight can also help manage VMS better.

In summary, VMS stands for Vasomotor Symptoms, which are episodes of profuse heat accompanied by sweating that occur due to changes in gonadal hormones during menopause. Hot flashes and night sweats are the most common VMS. Hormone therapy was once the treatment of choice for VMS but has since fallen out of favor, and many women are now seeking alternatives such as exercise and a healthy diet.