Which hormone is associated with decreased ovarian function in the etiology of hot flashes?

Estradiol, a form of estrogen, plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including the reproductive system. During menopause, ovarian function declines, leading to decreased production of estradiol. This reduction is significant as lower levels of estradiol are directly linked to the development of menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes.

Hot flashes are thought to arise from a change in the hypothalamic set point, which regulates body temperature. As estradiol levels decrease, the hypothalamus becomes more sensitive to changes in body temperature, triggering the body's cooling mechanisms, such as sweating and vasodilation, resulting in the sensation of heat and flushing characteristic of hot flashes.

While other hormones like progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol have their roles in the body, they are not primarily responsible for the development of hot flashes in the context of decreased ovarian function. The key relationship is between the decline in estradiol and the onset of these vasomotor symptoms, making estradiol the hormone directly associated with the etiology of hot flashes during menopause.