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About Hot Flashes in Men

While most people think that hot flashes are the sole territory of menopausal and post-menopausal women, in fact anyone with hormonal fluctuations can experience these unpleasant and discomforting temperature fluctuations. However, because it is so often believed that only women can get them, many men with hot flashes suffer secretly and do not get treatment for the condition. Fortunately, if you are a man having hot flashes, you are not alone and there are many ways to deal with these issues.

  1. Why Hot Flashes Happen

    • Hot flashes happen when the body suddenly feels warm and may begin to sweat--even if the temperature in the room has not changed. Hot flashes are directly related to the amount of testosterone in your system, which is why menopausal women often experience hot flashes as their bodies stop producing estrogen and testosterone in response to the cessation of ovulation. The cause is the same in men. If you are experiencing hot flashes, then your body has probably started producing less testosterone for some reason.

    Prostate Cancer and Hormone Fluctuations

    • Male hot flashes can indicate several different conditions. Prostate cancer therapy decreases the amount of testosterone in your system because testosterone can fuel tumors. This may be causing your hot flashes. You may also just be changing with age, and your body may adjust to your new hormone levels by hitting you with hot flashes for a few weeks, or even months.

    Hot Flash Symptoms

    • Hot flashes are typified by a flushed, bright red face. Facial sweating may also occur. This episode is usually followed by severe chills, and finally a return to relative "normal."

    Misconceptions: Male Hot Flash Treatment Options

    • Because menopause gets so much "press," many men do not realize that there are treatments for male hot flashes. In fact, many of the natural treatments used by women may also work for men. Instead of suffering in silence, contact a doctor and get help with your condition.

    Prevention

    • While some hot flashes may have to be a part of your life for a while, particularly if you are undergoing hormone therapy to treat prostate cancer, you can lesson the frequency and severity of the episodes. Many women used soy-based natural products to treat their hot flashes, and men have had some success doing the same. Estrogen replacement can also be effective, but it increases other health risks for heart attack and stroke.

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