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Hot flushes are usually associated with women, but did you know men can get them too? Find out why and how to manage them
Summary
1Are men really affected by hot flushes?
It’s rarer for men to experience them, but when it does occur it can coincide with other symptoms...
2What causes a male hot flush?
Most commonly it’s due to androgen deprivation therapy, a treatment for prostate cancer...
3Preventing hot flushes in men
Cutting down on alcohol, quitting smoking and more may help...
A hot flush (or hot flash) is a sudden feeling of being very hot, which doesn’t result from your physical surroundings. Tell-tale signs include sweating for no reason, your skin turning red and sweating profusely. These sensations are usually felt most strongly in the head and face.1
Common among menopausal women, it’s less well known that men can also experience hot flushes. By discussing hot flushes in men, we’re not taking away from menopausal women’s experience – there's room for everyone in the health world!
So, are the symptoms similar in men? And what can they do to relieve them? We take a closer look.
Are men really affected by hot flushes?
Yes, hot flushes and night sweats do occur in men. It’s rarer for men to experience them, but when it does occur it can coincide with symptoms like erectile dysfunction, mood swings and loss of libido.2
Each hot flush will usually last between two and 30 minutes at a time. If you’re sweating at night, it might interrupt your sleep too.1
Testosterone levels very gradually decrease for men in their 30s or 40s (not like the sharp drop in hormones during menopause).3 The decrease is minimal – about 1% a year from 30 to 40 – so it’s not usually noticeable. But, for a small portion of men, this is where hot flushes come in.
What causes a male hot flush?
Most commonly it’s due to androgen deprivation therapy, a treatment for prostate cancer.1,4 This treatment affects the production of testosterone.
If you're experiencing hot flashes and are not undergoing treatment where you've been told this may be a side effect, the underlying causes may be something else. Some attribute hot flushes in men to stress, depression and anxiety – but, if you’re not sure what the cause might be, it’s worth arranging a GP visit.
How can I help prevent hot flushes?
There are some things you can do to prevent how often you experience a male hot flush. These include:1
- cutting down on your alcohol intake
- quitting smoking
- avoiding coffee and spicy food
- wearing looser clothing to keep yourself cool and comfortable
How can I make hot flushes easier to deal with?
- Keep your room cool and well-ventilated – maybe invest in a fan
- Try to sit closer to the window and away from radiators
- Avoid synthetic fabrics and opt for cotton instead. These will not only keep you cooler but allow sweat to evaporate quickly
- Take lukewarm showers, rather than very hot ones
- Try to stay calm where you can. Male hot flushes often come with a big side helping of anxiety, which makes them even worse. Combat this by taking slow, deep breaths
The final say
Hot flushes can be uncomfortable and annoying, but you shouldn’t have to feel embarrassed about them. Making a few lifestyle changes could be the answer – or, if not, your doctor may be able to help.
Got more questions about your health? We bust the myths on ‘male menopause’.
The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies.
Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Before taking any supplements or minerals, it’s best to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients through your diet first.
Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
- Cancer Research UK. Hot flushes in men [Internet]. Cancer Research UK [reviewed 2022 Oct 6; cited 2024 Nov 6]. Available from: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer/practical-emotional-support/hormone-symptoms/sex-hormones-hot-flushes
- NHS. The ‘male menopause’ [Internet]. NHS [reviewed 2022 Oct 13; cited 2024 Nov 6]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/male-menopause/
- NHS People First. Andropause Fact Sheet [Internet]. NHS People First [cited 2024 Nov 6]. Available from: https://peoplefirst.nhsbt.nhs.uk/NHSBT-DOCUMENT-LIBRARY/HSW/Andropause-fact-sheet.pdf
- NHS University Hospital of North Staffordshire. Hot flushes [Internet]. NHS University Hospital of North Staffordshire [cited 2024 Nov 6]. Available from: https://www.uhnm.nhs.uk/media/kkcaomsh/hot-flushes.pdf
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