Hot flashes cause an abrupt sensation of intense heat experienced in the upper portion of the body, particularly the face and neck. After this hot flushing, you break out in an uncomfortable, cold, clammy sweat. Everyone knows that women often experience hot flashes during menopause, but do men have hot flashes?

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The short answer to this question is yes; men can and do have hot flashes. However, hot flashes in men have a different cause. The frequency of male hot flashes ranges from six to ten times a day. The hot flash can pass within a few minutes or an hour. Hot flashes can cause irritability, increased heart rate, nausea, and anxiety.

What Causes Hot Flashes in Men?

Although hot flashes in women are pretty standard, hot flashes in men are not unusual. What causes hot flashes in men is simple. Male hot flashes occur when a male has a severe testosterone deficiency. The most common causes of low testosterone are male menopause (andropause) and the treatment used for prostate cancer (androgen deprivation therapy).

Another reason for male hot flashes is late-onset hypogonadism. This condition occurs when the testes do not produce enough hormones. Typically, hypogonadism occurs in men who are obese or those who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Male Hormone Quiz

Low testosterone levels may not cause hot flashes in men. Stress, anxiety, and depression are more likely cases. When a man becomes stressed, anxious, or depressed, systemic inflammation may occur. In addition to this, sleep interruptions are common. When you do not sleep enough, the body cannot produce the hormones it needs for optimal health.

Male Hormone Quiz

Click here to take a quick 5-minute male hormone quiz.

Can Men Have Hot Flashes?

When a male has low testosterone levels, the hypothalamus can become confused that the body has overheated. The hypothalamus sends signals to the circulatory system for the blood vessels to widen. When blood vessels dilate, it forces excess heat from the body. During a male hot flash, your blood vessels become wider to cool the body. After a hot flash, you may feel chilly or even cold.

Several other symptoms often accompany hot flashes. You may blush deeply, your heart rate may become rapid, and you may sweat profusely. As your heart rate increases and your temperature rises, you may become stressed and experience anxiety.

Symptoms of Male Menopause

Male menopause typically occurs in men in their mid to late 40s to early 50s. During this phase of a man’s life, he may experience erectile dysfunction, hot flashes, loss of sex drive, anxiety, and depression. Male menopause and its symptoms can impact a man’s sense of self-esteem, his well-being, and his overall health.

How to Relieve Hot Flashes in Men

One can do several things to reduce the frequency and severity of male hot flashes. If you are experiencing hot flashes, try the following tips for relief.

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  • Avoid Spicy Foods—Spicy foods heat things, including your internal temperature.
  • Choose Cotton—Choose cotton clothing rather than synthetic fibers. Cotton is not only more fabulous but also allows sweat to evaporate fast.
  • Decrease Alcohol Consumption—Consuming too much alcohol can trigger male hot flashes. If you are experiencing hot flashes, try cutting down on your alcohol intake.
  • Exercise—Daily exercise can help reduce or eliminate hot flashes. At least 150 minutes of weekly exercise lets you control your weight and regulate your hormones.
  • Healthy Diet—A healthy diet gives your body the nutrients it needs to produce testosterone. Increasing your consumption of healthy fats and proteins, including oysters, beef, beans, and tuna, is best.
  • Limit Caffeine. The caffeine in tea, coffee, soda, and chocolate can speed up your heart rate and increase your internal temperature.
  • Remain Calm – Practicing stress relief techniques and deep breathing when you feel stressed can help prevent and relieve men’s hot flashes.
Daily Exercise
  • Shower—Take a lukewarm shower. Avoid taking a cold or hot shower, which can cause a significant temperature swing.
  • Turn Down the Thermostat—Keeping your home a few degrees cooler and using fans is a great way to alleviate uncomfortable hot flashes.
  • Vitamin D—Vitamin D deficiencies can lead to low testosterone levels. Taking a vitamin D supplement and spending time in the sun can increase your vitamin D levels and improve your testosterone levels.
  • Wear It Loosely—Tight-fitting clothing can trap body heat and cause overheating; therefore, we recommend wearing loose-fitting clothing.

Holistic Treatment for Male Hot Flashes

Low testosterone levels typically cause hot flashes in men. One of the most effective therapies for andropause is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). BHRT uses artificial hormones derived from plant sources, which are chemically identical to our hormones. BHRT is available as injections, topical creams, patches, insertable pellets, pills, or gels.

BHRT provides men with small doses of testosterone to help relieve the symptoms of male menopause. Bioidentical hormones are safe and effective at increasing and regulating hormones that have decreased due to aging, disease, medications, or chronic stress. When a man’s hormone levels are balanced, hot flashes, anxiety, and other symptoms decrease, and he can regain his youthful vigor and lead a healthier lifestyle.

Male Hot Flashes Treatment

As you can see, the answer to the question, ” Can men have hot flashes?” is a resounding yes. Hot flashes occur when the body becomes confused when testosterone levels become so low that the hypothalamus believes the body has overheated. The hypothalamus then opens the blood vessels to help the body cool down quickly.

If you have been experiencing the symptoms of male menopause, including short-term temperature deregulation, night sweats, and hot flashes with anxiety, a functional medicine doctor specializing in men’s health can help.