Hot flashes are uncomfortable and unpleasant for those who experience them. Most of the time, hot flashes are associated with women because they are a symptom of menopause.
However, men can experience hot flashes too. Knowing the circumstances under which a man might experience hot flashes, how to identify them, and what to do about them can help you if you ever experience one yourself. Here’s what you need to know.
What Are Hot Flashes?
Hot flashes are feelings of intense, uncomfortable warmth that spread throughout the chest, neck, and face. Sometimes people who experience hot flashes will blush deeply. When hot flashes end, the person may feel chilly. Sweating and rapid heart rate are common. Male hot flashes and anxiety often occur together, as men who experience hot flashes also tend to feel anxious.
Can Men Have Hot Flashes?
Yes, men can have hot flashes, though they are typically linked to low testosterone rather than menopause. As men age, testosterone levels naturally decline, sometimes leading to symptoms such as sudden warmth, sweating, and flushing. Although all men experience a slow and steady decline in testosterone starting at around age 30, it is usually a sharp decline in testosterone that causes hot flashes.
Hot flashes are also common in men undergoing hormone therapy for prostate cancer, as certain treatments significantly reduce testosterone levels.
Men experience low testosterone for a variety of reasons.
Sometimes low testosterone is caused by lifestyle factors, like poor eating habits and alcohol consumption. Other times, low testosterone is caused by an infection or a disease like type 2 diabetes. Low testosterone can also occur because of genetic factors.
How to Get Rid of Hot Flashes in Men
What your doctor does to treat hot flashes will depend on the central cause of the problem. If you’re taking a medication that is causing the hot flashes to occur, inform your doctor about the symptoms you’re experiencing.
If you’re experiencing hot flashes and you’re not taking a medication that could be causing your hot flashes, talk to your doctor. Your doctor will need to test your testosterone levels and diagnose the cause of the problem.
Treatment options include:
Lifestyle Changes
Sometimes making a simple lifestyle change can improve testosterone levels in the body. Your doctor can help determine whether your lifestyle is contributing to your hot flashes. If so, your doctor may recommend:
- Exercise. Getting regular exercise can help you control your weight and regulate hormones.
- Good nutrition. Your doctor may recommend eating more foods known to boost testosterone production, including beef, oysters, tuna, and beans.
- Take a vitamin D supplement. Nearly half the population is deficient in vitamin D, which in turn can lead to low testosterone.
Hormone Replacement
If your doctor determines that your hot flashes are caused by low testosterone levels, they may recommend bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). This form of therapy must be monitored and controlled by an experienced medical professional.
Hormones can be administered via pill, pellet, topical ointment, or injection. Your doctor can help you decide what kind of hormone replacement is right for you.
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Are there any natural ways to stop hot flashes besides lifestyle changes?
Yes, some natural approaches may help reduce hot flashes beyond lifestyle changes. Herbal supplements like black cohosh and red clover have been explored for their potential benefits, though research on their effectiveness is mixed.
Acupuncture may also help some individuals by supporting the body’s ability to regulate temperature. In men, balancing testosterone levels could play a role in reducing hot flashes, particularly for those experiencing low testosterone. Since responses to these methods vary, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider before trying any new approach.
Can certain foods or drinks make hot flashes worse?
Yes, certain foods and beverages may act as triggers for hot flashes. Spicy foods, such as chili peppers, can raise body temperature and lead to excessive sweating. Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks, may contribute to hot flashes by increasing heart rate and affecting circulation. Alcohol may also be a factor, as it can cause blood vessels to expand, sometimes leading to a sudden sense of warmth.
Night sweats, which are common in men and women, may also be influenced by food choices. Identifying and avoiding specific triggers could help manage symptoms more effectively.
Can hot flashes be a sign of a serious health problem?
Hot flashes are often linked to hormonal changes, but in some cases, they may indicate an underlying health concern. An overactive thyroid, also known as hyperthyroidism, can cause symptoms similar to hot flashes, including excessive sweating and sudden warmth.
For men, low testosterone levels may contribute to hot flashes, particularly when caused by aging or medical conditions. Prostate cancer treatments, such as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), can significantly lower testosterone levels, leading to hot flashes as a side effect. If hot flashes occur frequently, are severe, or happen outside of expected hormonal shifts, consulting with your doctor is recommended.
Do hot flashes happen more during the day or at night?
Hot flashes can occur at any time, but many people experience them more frequently at night. These episodes, known as night sweats, may cause excessive sweating and sleep disturbances. Factors such as warm room temperatures, heavy bedding, stress, and certain medications may increase nighttime hot flashes. Adjusting sleep conditions—such as using breathable fabrics, keeping the bedroom cool, and avoiding caffeine or alcohol before bed—may help reduce discomfort.
Do hot flashes ever go away on their own?
For many individuals, hot flashes become less frequent over time, but the duration varies. Some people experience them for only a few months, while others may have them for years. While hot flashes often improve naturally, those that significantly impact daily life may benefit from medical treatment or alternative management strategies.
How long does a hot flash usually last?
A single hot flash typically lasts between one to five minutes, though the duration may vary. It usually begins with a sudden sensation of heat, followed by sweating and sometimes an increased heart rate. As the episode passes, some people experience a cooling effect as their body temperature is regulated.
For men experiencing hot flashes due to male menopause, duration and intensity may depend on individual testosterone levels. While hot flashes can be uncomfortable, tracking their frequency and identifying possible triggers may help with management.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hot-flashes/symptoms-causes/syc-20352790
https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health/hot-flashes-men#potential-causes
https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/low-testosterone-guide/low-testosterone-younger-than-50/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-ways-to-boost-testosterone#section2
https://www.healthline.com/health/low-testosterone/boosting-food#oysters