Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026
08:21
Intradermal Microdialysis: An Approach to Investigating Novel Mechanisms of Microvascular Dysfunction in Humans
Published on: July 21, 2023
Mechanism of hot flashes
Santiago Vilar-González1, Alberto Pérez-Rozos, Ruben Cabanillas-Farpón
1Radiation Oncology, IMOMA, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain. santiagov06@gmail.com
Summary
Hot flashes, a common side effect of cancer hormonal therapy, have poorly understood causes. This review critically examines theories on hot flash pathophysiology to guide new treatment development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Hot flashes are a frequent and distressing adverse effect associated with hormonal therapy used in cancer treatment.
- The precise physiological mechanisms underlying hot flash generation remain largely unclear.
- Current leading hypotheses suggest a link between hormone deprivation and altered hypothalamic regulation of noradrenaline synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review existing theories explaining the pathophysiology of hot flashes.
- To consolidate current understanding and identify gaps in knowledge regarding hot flash mechanisms.
- To provide a foundation for developing improved therapeutic strategies for managing hot flashes.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies investigating hot flash pathophysiology.
- Critical analysis of proposed mechanistic hypotheses, including neuroendocrine and thermoregulatory models.
- Synthesis of evidence supporting or refuting different theoretical explanations.
Main Results:
- The review critically evaluates the prevailing hypothesis involving hypothalamic noradrenaline dysregulation due to hormone withdrawal.
- Alternative or complementary theories contributing to the understanding of hot flash generation are discussed.
- Identified are areas where current evidence is limited, highlighting the need for further research.
Conclusions:
- A deeper understanding of hot flash pathophysiology is essential for advancing treatment options.
- Further research into the neurobiological underpinnings of hot flashes is warranted.
- Improved mechanistic insights may lead to more targeted and effective interventions for patients experiencing hot flashes.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Mechanism of heat transfer
Understanding heat transfer mechanisms is essential for understanding how our bodies maintain balance in different environmental conditions. When the environment is thermoneutral, the body is in a state of balance, neither using nor releasing energy to maintain its core temperature. However, when the environment is not thermoneutral, the body employs four heat transfer mechanisms to maintain homeostasis: conduction, convection, evaporation, and radiation. These mechanisms facilitate heat...
01:28Menopause
Menopause, a natural biological process marking the end of a woman's fertility, typically occurs between the fifth and sixth decade of life. This phase is characterized by the exhaustion of the ovarian follicle pool, leading to less responsive ovaries despite the high levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). The consequential decrease in estrogen production results in symptoms like hot flashes, heavy sweating, headaches, hair loss, muscle pains, vaginal...
01:14Mechanisms of Heat Transfer
Heat transfer between the human body and its environment occurs through four main mechanisms: conduction, convection, radiation, and evaporation.
Conduction, accounting for approximately 3% of body heat loss at rest, is the process of exchanging heat between molecules of two materials in direct contact. This can result in both heat loss and gain. For instance, when the body is submerged in water, which conducts heat 20 times more effectively than air, it can either lose or gain significant heat.
Conduction, accounting for approximately 3% of body heat loss at rest, is the process of exchanging heat between molecules of two materials in direct contact. This can result in both heat loss and gain. For instance, when the body is submerged in water, which conducts heat 20 times more effectively than air, it can either lose or gain significant heat.
01:26Thermoregulation
The human body has a sophisticated thermoregulation system that employs negative feedback mechanisms to maintain an optimal core temperature. When the core temperature drops, peripheral and central thermoreceptors send signals to the hypothalamus, activating the heat-promoting center. This center triggers several responses aimed at increasing the core temperature. First, vasoconstriction reduces the flow of warm blood from internal organs to the skin so that the heat is not lost from the skin,...
01:14Mechanisms of Heat Transfer I
Just as interesting as the effects of heat transfer on a system are the methods by which the heat transfer occur. Whenever there is a temperature difference, heat transfer occurs. It may occur rapidly, such as through a cooking pan, or slowly, such as through the walls of a picnic ice box. So many processes involve heat transfer that it is hard to imagine a situation where no heat transfer occurs. Yet, every heat transfer takes place by only three methods: conduction, convection, and radiation.
01:20Mechanisms of Heat Transfer II
In convection, thermal energy is carried by the large-scale flow of matter. Ocean currents and large-scale atmospheric circulation, which result from the buoyancy of warm air and water, transfer hot air from the tropics toward the poles and cold air from the poles toward the tropics. The Earth’s rotation interacts with those flows, causing the observed eastward flow of air in the temperate zones. Convection dominates heat transfer by air, and the amount of available space for the airflow...