Effects of menopause on temperature regulation

Area of Science:

• Neuroendocrinology
• Thermoregulation
• Reproductive Biology

Background:

• Menopause transition involves hormonal changes impacting thermoregulation, leading to hot flashes (50-80% prevalence).
• Hot flashes significantly reduce quality of life, necessitating a deeper understanding of their mechanisms.
• The interplay between reproductive hormones and the thermoregulatory system is central to menopausal symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review endocrine changes during menopause and their effect on thermoregulation.
• To elucidate the neural mechanisms underlying hot flashes and their interaction with reproductive systems.
• To discuss current and emerging treatments for hot flashes.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on menopause, thermoregulation, and neuroendocrine signaling.
• Focus on the kisspeptin-neurokinin B-dynorphin (KNDy) neuron complex and its role in the hypothalamus.
• Analysis of factors influencing hot flash occurrence, including sleep, environment, and body mass index.

Main Results:

• Decreased estradiol levels lead to hyperactivity in KNDy neurons, projecting to the hypothalamus and triggering heat loss mechanisms (vasodilation, sweating).
• Hot flashes are characterized by physiological changes in thermoregulation, with varied research findings on sweating thresholds.
• Surgical menopause and cancer therapies are associated with more severe hot flashes.

Conclusions:

• The KNDy neuron complex is a key mediator of hot flashes during menopause.
• Understanding the neuroendocrine control of thermoregulation offers targets for novel treatments like neurokinin B antagonists.
• Further research is needed to fully address knowledge gaps in menopausal thermoregulation and hot flash management.