A question about hot flashes

[Eadgbe]

I ended my Eligard shots about 2 months ago. I still get hot flashes. Are hot flashes a response to the drug or are they caused by low T? If it is from the low T, if I monitored (recorded) the hot flash frequency, would a decrease indicate a direct increase in testosterone?

[Murk]

I read here in the forum that hot flashes are from Low T. But having been off an ADT drug for 3 months my Testosterone is back to 600 but I still get them occasionally at night. Also a pharmacist told me that having alcohol beverages can exacerbate these flashes.

[ToolBeltZia in reply to Murk]

I can attest to the alcoholic beverage component.............

[Tall_Allen]

Low T, but it isn't a 1-to-1 relationship. They diminish after T returns but many patients still get them occasionally.

[Dont08759]

what is the new drug? It took at least 6 weeks for my hot flashes to disappear after the star of my Lupron vacation….

[Murk in reply to Dont08759]

If that question is directed to me, I was taking Orgovyx.

[Dont08759 in reply to Murk]

you can call the Biologics specialty pharmacist at 800-850-4306 with Orgovyx side effects questions…

[cscmetsfacil]

Testosterone is what we might call the "main" male hormone, responsible for everything from libido, to secondary sex characteristics, muscle mass, bone mass, etc. What I have been told is that the hypothalamus has a hormonal regulatory function, constantly adjusting balances of our hormones depending on what we need for the moment - rest, energy, more of this, less of that, etc. When we take away this extremely important male hormone (or when there are naturally occurring major hormonal changes, as with menopause), the regulatory process gets wacky. It takes time for our very complex system to readjust and create a new normal. That explanation might be all wrong, but it certainly matches my experience. The hot flashes come with changes in emotional and physical contention. Frustrated? Flash. Going from sleep to wake to sleep? Flash. Have a cocktail (introduce alcohol in my system)? Flash. Snuggling with my wife? Flash. There are the occasional "random" flashes where I am not conscious of what the trigger was, but it must have been something.

If someone has a more accurate and scientific explanation, please share it. I don't want to spread any false information. I heard this explanation some years ago and have not deeply researched its veracity. Certainly fits what I experience. Gives me massive respect for what is constantly going on in our bodies and minds just to navigate life moment to moment.

[Tball2]

I m 68 was on eligard for 18months w 25 imrt and brachyboost. It took 2 years for my T to get back to 635. Everyone is different.

[Stellabell]

My last Lupron shot was over 3 years ago. I was on that nasty drug for 2 years. My testosterone went back to pre treatment levels (about 600) about one year after my last 6 month shot. I still get hot flashes at night, averaging 2 or 3 every night.

[j-o-h-n]

From King A and Queen i

Hot flashes are a common side effect experienced by men undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, particularly those receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) or other hormone therapies. Managing hot flashes can significantly improve quality of life. Here are some of the best medications and treatments commonly used to alleviate hot flashes in men with prostate cancer:

1. Medications

Hormonal Treatments

Megestrol Acetate (Megace):

A synthetic progestin that can reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes.

Estrogen:

Low-dose estrogen therapy (such as transdermal patches) can be effective but may come with cardiovascular risks.

Antidepressants

Venlafaxine (Effexor):

An antidepressant that has been shown to reduce hot flashes. It's an effective non-hormonal option.

Paroxetine (Paxil) and Fluoxetine (Prozac):

These selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help manage hot flashes and mood changes.

Anticonvulsants

Gabapentin (Neurontin):

Originally used for seizures and nerve pain, gabapentin has also been found to help reduce hot flashes.

2. Non-Pharmacological Treatments

Lifestyle Modifications

Stay Cool:

Dress in layers, use fans, and keep your environment cool to manage hot flashes.

Exercise:

Regular physical activity can help reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes.

Healthy Diet:

Avoiding triggers such as spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol can help.

Complementary Therapies

Acupuncture:

Some studies suggest acupuncture can reduce hot flashes in men undergoing prostate cancer treatment.

Mind-Body Techniques:

Stress-reducing practices like yoga, meditation, and deep-breathing exercises can help manage symptoms.

3. Alternative Treatments

Herbal Supplements:

Supplements like black cohosh, soy isoflavones, and flaxseed are sometimes used, but their efficacy and safety are less well established and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

4. Combination Therapy

Combining lifestyle changes with medication can often provide the best results. A healthcare provider can tailor a comprehensive approach based on individual needs and medical history.

Consultation with Healthcare Providers

It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment for hot flashes, especially when dealing with prostate cancer. The provider can:

Evaluate the severity of the hot flashes.

Consider any potential interactions with ongoing cancer treatments.

Monitor for side effects and adjust treatments as necessary.

Summary

The best approach to managing hot flashes in men with prostate cancer often involves a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. Options such as megestrol acetate, venlafaxine, and gabapentin are commonly used and have been shown to be effective. Non-pharmacological approaches like acupuncture and stress-reducing techniques can also be beneficial. Always consult with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that takes into account the individual's health status and treatment regimen.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[cscmetsfacil in reply to j-o-h-n]

John - best summary I have found yet! Great job. I am copying and sending to members of my two PCa support groups in the NorCal Bay Area.

[j-o-h-n in reply to cscmetsfacil]

Actually praise belongs to A i. If you wish to use A i (for free) just use "ChaGPT".....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[EaNa]

I had Lupron for 6 mo. and hot flashes every day, sometimes more. A year after no more hot flashes.

[BanjoPicker]

I am your age and had one 4-month Eligard shot. T was 432 before the shot. Hot flashes began 3 weeks after the shot. Five month after the shot, T was undetectable and I was still “enjoying” hot flashes. T returned 7 months after the shot, but has leveled out at 75% of the 432 mark. The good news is the hot flashes are gone and I generally feel normal.

[Eadgbe]

Thanks for the reply. However, being a banjo picker, saying you are feeling normal worries me.

[jazzy53]

I was on Zoladex but assume the side effects are similar. It took several months for my hot flashes to go away after I ended my 2-year course of ADT. I imagine yours will abate too but two months might be too soon to expect this to happen. Hang in there. Hot flashes are a terrific nuisance. I had them day long, several an hour, but they did go away.