When you think of hot flashes, middle-aged women likely come to mind. However, men’s hot flashes are surprisingly common and often overlooked. Let’s dive into what causes male hot flashes, how they affect daily life, and what can be done to manage them.
Male hot flashes are very similar to those experienced by women. During a hot flash, the skin may turn red, accompanied by sweating and an intense feeling of warmth or even heat, particularly in the head and abdominal areas. These episodes can sometimes cause palpitations and often last around four minutes. They’re typically followed by a cold sweat, leaving men feeling chilled.
Have you ever felt a sudden wave of heat, started sweating profusely, and then quickly felt freezing? If you don’t have the flu, hormones may be to blame.
The primary cause of male hot flashes is hormonal changes, specifically fluctuations in testosterone levels. Men experience a significant increase in testosterone during their teenage years, which stabilizes until middle age. After that, testosterone levels gradually decline.
However, certain medical treatments can significantly lower testosterone levels. For instance, men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer often experience hot flashes. This treatment blocks or reduces testosterone to help manage the cancer, with 70%-80% of men undergoing ADT reporting hot flashes.
The hypothalamus, a gland in the brain that acts as the body’s thermostat, also plays a role. While scientists don’t fully understand why reduced testosterone affects thermal regulation, there’s a clear connection.
Hot flashes in men can range from mild and infrequent to severe and disruptive. Some men may experience hot flashes 6-10 times a day, making restful sleep difficult and everyday activities uncomfortable. These episodes can turn office work, social outings, or even a simple dinner into a challenge.
For men undergoing prostate cancer therapy, hot flashes may subside 3-4 months after treatment ends. However, for some, the symptoms persist for years.
You may think testosterone replacement therapy is the obvious solution, but for men with prostate cancer, it’s not an option. Testosterone can stimulate prostate cancer cells, making it unsafe for these patients.
Instead, estrogen replacement therapy has shown promising results. Studies using Estradiol have reported an 80%-90% reduction in hot flashes. Other medications like Megace and Provera are also effective options.
However, these treatments come with side effects:
It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.
If you’re experiencing symptoms that may be hot flashes, don’t ignore them. A proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional is essential. The team at Happy Valley Clinic is here to help. Call us today at (833) ED-NO-FUN to discuss your symptoms and explore treatment options.
Take control of your health and start feeling like yourself again!
