Why Men Have Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are usually associated with menopause, the stage that women go through when the ovaries stop producing hormones. However, hot flashes aren’t exclusively for women – men can also experience them as a result of certain hormonal conditions. While this symptom can be very uncomfortable, it’s also highly treatable with bioidentical hormone therapy in Tampa.

Read on to learn more about hot flashes in men, why they arise, and what you can do to achieve relief. 

What Causes Hot Flashes in Men?

The most common cause of hot flashes in men is low testosterone. When testosterone levels drop below a normal level, it causes the hypothalamus in the brain to mistakenly think the body is overheating. The hypothalamus links the endocrine and nervous systems.  

During a hot flash, you may experience:

• A sensation of warmth over the head, neck, and chest
• Skin redness and blotchiness
• Sweating 
• Rapid heartbeat
• Anxiety 

Testosterone levels slowly decline with the natural aging process, so some men experience hot flashes in older age. However, the following conditions can also trigger low testosterone levels in men:

• Pituitary gland disease
• Genetic conditions, such as Klinefelter syndrome and Turner syndrome
• Chemotherapy or radiation
• Trauma or injury to the testicles

How to Alleviate Hot Flashes

Men can prevent and alleviate hot flashes by:

• Exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet
• Avoiding or limiting spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine
• Managing anxiety with relaxation and breathing techniques
• Keeping your home a bit cooler than usual
• Wearing breathable, loose-fitting clothing

Along with these home remedies, bioidentical hormone therapy can curb hot flashes in men by restoring optimal testosterone levels. Bioidentical hormones are structurally identical to the hormones your body produces, making them more natural than conventional synthetic hormones.

To learn if bioidentical hormone therapy could help you overcome hot flashes, schedule an appointment at Mind Body Spirit Care today!