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Information for Patients and Caregivers
Cancer and Treatment-Related
Hot Flashes
What are hot flashes?
Definition:
A hot flash is the sensation of increased body temperature
that may be accompanied by sweating, facial flushing,
and an increase in heart rate. Hot flashes are a physical
symptom that results from the withdrawal of hormone
replacement therapy, chemotherapy-induced menopause
and/or Tamoxifen therapy. Hot flashes are mostly caused
from the hormonal changes of menopause, but can also
be affected by lifestyle changes and medications.
How do people describe hot flashes?
People commonly report that their heart pounds and
will experience a feeling of intense warmth throughout
the upper body, with flushing of the neck, face and
chest along with profuse sweating followed by chills,
a feeling that can be very uncomfortable.
What happens to people when they have hot flashes?
The length of a hot flash may last anywhere from
a few seconds to a few minutes. The immediate changes
in hormone levels lead to the hot flash sensation.
Some people also may experience many hot flashes per
day, 10 or more with many occurring during the night
and interrupting adequate sleep patterns. Night sweats
are hot flashes that happen occur during sleep that
can cause a woman to wake drenched in sweat, sometimes
several times a night.
What causes hot flashes?
Changes in hormone levels signal changes in the brain
to make the hypothalamus read "too hot".
A lower level of estrogen has a direct effect on the
hypothalamus, the part of your brain responsible for
controlling appetite, sleep cycles, sex hormones and
body temperature. Your heart pumps faster, the blood
vessels in your skin dilate to radiate off more heat
and sweat glands release sweat to cool you off even
more. There are many things that can trigger a hot
flash.
Here are some Hot Flash "Triggers":
Stress
Alcohol
Hot and spicy food
Saunas
Hot weather
Hot tubs and showers
Caffeine
Smoking
Hot drinks, particularly coffee and tea
How do people cope with hot flashes?
Dress in layers of absorbent, cotton clothing.
Use cool wash clothes to soothe a hot flash.
Avoid caffeine and spicy foods, as they may trigger
a hot flash.
Get regular exercise.
Learn some relaxation techniques.
Try identifying "triggers" and avoid them
(see above).
Drink plenty of water daily (8-10 glasses daily).
Tell your healthcare provider about your hot flashes,
there are some medicines that may help.
Try taking a cool shower before bed.
Use cotton sheets on your bed
Eat a balanced diet including fresh fruits and vegetables,
whole grains, lean meat and fish, and milk products.
Keep windows open in your bedroom or use a fan.
What can family members and friends do to help me
with hot flashes?
Your partner can help by listening to your concerns
about hot flashes
Try to describe how hot flashes make you feel.
Ask you family members and friends to offer you
very cold non-caffeinated fluids throughout the day.
Use a family member or friend as a walking partner
to help you get regular exercise many times during
the week.
How can I talk with my family members about hot
flashes?
Be open and honest about how and what you’re feeling.
Ask family members what they think might be causing
your hot flashes.
Talk to your family about how hot flashes are affecting
your daily activities.
Where can I get more information?
References:
- Stearns, V & Hayes, D (2002). Editorial: Cooling
off hot flashes. Journal of Clinical Oncology,
20(6): 1426-38.
- Hall. LL (1999). Taking charge of menopause. FDA
Consumer, 33(6): 6p.
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