Problems related to postmenopausal women.

The most consistently troublesome symptom of the menopause is the hot flush. It can occur without warning or may be triggered off by emotion, exercise or change of environment or temperature. It is estimated that about 50% of women suffer from hot flushes, but only 5-10% of these seek medical advice. The cause is ascribed to excessive production of follicle-stimulating hormone. There is an increased sensitivity to the effect of locally released dilator substances in the peripheral vasculature.