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VMS greatly impact quality of life

The burden of hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause

VMS associated with menopause are the most bothersome symptoms.1

A growing number of women can expect VMS to diminish their quality of life for years to come.1,2

Women experience VMS for a median duration of 7.4 years. However, some women may experience symptoms for 10 or more years.1-3

Woman wiping sweat from brow

Not an actual patient.

VMS in her words

“What really gets me about menopause is the hot flashes. Suddenly I'm turning red, and there's nothing I can do about it.”

The impact of menopause-related symptoms on quality of life

Women reported the following severe impacts on their quality of life:4-6 

72% - feeling tired/worn out†

67% - lack of energy†

57% - sleep disturbances‡

55% - night sweats‡

62% - hot flashes‡

41% - negative effect on relationship with spouse or partner‡

37% - low libido‡

50% - work disruptions‡
It’s estimated that 10% of women will leave the workforce‡

39% - negative effect on mood‡

Woman having hot flash

Not an actual patient.

VMS in her words

“I never know when they're coming. I just have to suffer through them when they happen.”

Learn more about the burden of VMS

Get the latest updates related to VMS

VMS: vasomotor symptoms.
†Results from a multinational study (Brazil, Canada, Mexico and 4 Nordic European countries) including prevalence results of moderate to severe VMS (N=12,268 postmenopausal women) and secondary analysis of how VMS affect quality of life (N=2176 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women).4
‡Survey results of 1023 Canadian women aged 40-60.5,6

References

  1. Monteleone P, Mascagni G, Giannini A, Genazzani AR, Simoncini T. Symptoms of menopause - global prevalence, physiology and implications. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2018;14(4):199-215.
  2. Avis NE, Crawford SL, Greendale G, et al. Duration of menopausal vasomotor symptoms over the menopause transition. JAMA Intern Med. 2015;175(4):531-9.
  3. Yuksel N, Evaniuk D, Huang L, et al. Guideline No. 422a: Menopause: vasomotor symptoms, prescription therapeutic agents, complementary and alternative medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2021 Oct;43(10):1188-1204.e1.
  4. Todorova L, Bonassi R, Guerrero C, et al. Prevalence and impact of vasomotor symptoms due to menopause among women in Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and Nordic Europe: a cross-sectional survey. Menopause. 2023;30(12):1179-1189. 
  5. Menopause Foundation of Canada. The Silence and the Stigma: Menopause in Canada. 2022; 1-21. Accessed February 7, 2024. https://menopausefoundationcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/MFC_The-Silence-and-the-Stigma_Menopause-in-Canada_Oct22_v2.pdf
  6. Menopause Foundation of Canada. Menopause and Work in Canada. Accessed February 7, 2024. https://menopausefoundationcanada.ca/pdf_files/Menopause_Work_Canada_2023EN.pdf