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Alpha 2-adrenergic mechanism in menopausal hot flushes
R R Freedman1, S Woodward, S C Sabharwal
1Lafayette Clinic, Detroit, Michigan.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|October 1, 1990
Summary
Hot flushes in menopausal women may be triggered by alpha 2-adrenergic receptors in the hypothalamus. Yohimbine increased hot flushes, while clonidine decreased them, supporting this mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Physiology
Background:
- Hot flushes are a common symptom of menopause, significantly impacting quality of life.
- The hypothalamus is implicated in thermoregulation and potentially hot flush generation.
- Alpha 2-adrenergic receptors on noradrenergic neurons are hypothesized to play a role in hot flush initiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors in the hypothalamus as a trigger for hot flushes.
- To examine the effects of an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist (clonidine) and antagonist (yohimbine) on hot flush occurrence in menopausal women.
Main Methods:
- Nine menopausal women experiencing hot flushes and a control group were administered intravenous clonidine, yohimbine, or placebo.
- Hot flushes were objectively measured using sternal skin conductance responses.
- Peripheral heating, finger temperature, and subjective symptom reports were also assessed.
Main Results:
- Yohimbine administration resulted in a significantly greater number of hot flushes compared to placebo.
- Clonidine significantly increased the time required to provoke a hot flush and reduced the frequency of hot flushes.
- Asymptomatic women did not experience hot flushes under any condition.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the hypothesis that a central alpha 2-adrenergic mechanism within the hypothalamus initiates hot flushes.
- Modulation of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors may offer a therapeutic target for managing menopausal hot flushes.