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Endocrinological basis of hot flushes.
D Bider1, S Mashiach, D M Serr
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey
|July 1, 1989
Summary
Hot flushes during menopause may originate in the hypothalamus. Research suggests luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) agonists trigger hot flushes, implicating the hypothalamus in this common menopausal symptom.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Menopause Research
Background:
- Hot flushes are a common symptom during menopause, affecting women undergoing natural, surgical, or pharmacological menopause.
- The exact cause of hot flushes is not fully understood, but various hormones and neurotransmitters like estrogens, progestins, and luteinizing hormone (LH) are implicated.
- Current leading theories include estrogen withdrawal and pulsatile LH secretion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential origin and regulatory region of hot flushes.
- To explore the role of the hypothalamus in the neurovegetative symptoms of hot flushes.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) agonists to study hot flush development.
- Observing the association between LH-RH agonist administration and hot flushes under conditions of low gonadotropins and normal estrogen levels.
Main Results:
- Administration of LH-RH agonists is associated with the occurrence of hot flushes.
- This association persists even when gonadotropin levels are low and estrogen levels are normal.
- These findings suggest a potential hypothalamic origin for hot flushes.
Conclusions:
- The hypothalamus is a probable origin for the neurovegetative symptoms associated with hot flushes.
- Further research into hypothalamic regulation may elucidate the mechanisms behind menopausal hot flushes.