Context

Vasomotor symptoms (VMS – hot flashes, night sweats) are considered the hallmark of the menopausal transition and early postmenopausal years; these symptoms affect 60–90% of women during this time period and quite often result in significant discomfort and impaired quality of life (QOL). Mechanistically, the occurrence of VMS is attributed to a malfunction or disruption within complex temperature circuits in charge of thermoregulation. Existing evidence suggests that these circuits are at least in part modulated by oestrogen and monoamine systems – that is, serotonin, norepinephrine. In the aftermath of the Women's Health Initiative Study, physicians and patients became more reluctant to pursue or remain adherent to hormone-based therapies, and a growing interest has been observed in the development …