How to Deal With Male Hormone Therapy & Hot Flashes

Andropause is male menopause, a condition which affects many men worldwide. It can cause sleep disorders, night sweats or hot flashes, depression and low levels of sexual appetite. Andropause usually affects men in their late 50s, but can also appear in men as early as in their 30s or as late as in their 60s. Testosterone hormone therapy is often prescribed for this condition, although there are risks involved, including prostate growth, fluid retention, liver toxicity, a decrease in sperm production, and a heightened risk for strokes and heart attacks. Extensive testing should be done before beginning male hormone therapy.

Instructions

• 1

  Have a cancer screening and a prostate and testicular exam before beginning any hormonal replacement program. A limited study published in the Journal of Urology, August 2005, showed the development of prostate cancer in 55 percent of the men involved in the study within two years of testosterone initiation.

• 2

  Schedule regular blood tests to monitor your testosterone levels. According to an article published in the Endocrine Reviews in 2005 by Dr. Jean M. Kaufman and Alex Vermeulen of Ghent University Hospital, morning levels of testosterone in healthy adult males vary between 315 and 1000 ng/dl. Higher levels in this range are ideal; however, levels that are outside the range can interfere with your body's normal hormone production and increase your health risks.

• 3

  Avoid alcohol and spicy foods, which can promote night sweats. Some antidepressants may also promote hot flashes, so talk to your doctor about any medications you are using.

• 4

  Take a cold shower before bed to prevent night sweats, and keep your sleeping area cool, with low humidity levels. Open windows at night or turn down the thermostat on your air conditioning before going to sleep.

• 5

  Change your bedding when night sweats cause you to wake up to a damp bed. Drink cold water, milk or fruit juices during or after an attack to help bring down your body temperature.