Which hormone primarily influences the increase of VMS symptoms during menopause?

Estrogen is the primary hormone that influences the increase of vasomotor symptoms (VMS) during menopause, which are characterized by hot flashes and night sweats. As women approach menopause, the levels of estrogen fluctuate and eventually decline significantly. This reduction in estrogen is directly related to the onset and intensity of VMS symptoms.

Estrogen plays a crucial role in regulating the body's temperature control center, which is located in the hypothalamus. When estrogen levels drop, this center becomes more sensitive to changes in body temperature, leading to the thermoregulatory disturbances that manifest as hot flashes and night sweats.

While other hormones like testosterone, estradiol (which is a form of estrogen), and progesterone also play roles in women's health, they do not have the same direct impact on VMS as estrogen does. Estradiol is a form of estrogen, so while it is important, the general category of estrogen is more indicative of the hormone's influence on VMS symptoms during menopause. Similarly, testosterone and progesterone are less involved in the management of VMS specifically. Therefore, understanding the significance of estrogen is essential in addressing VMS during menopause.