Hot Flashes in Men; How to Treat them using Natural Remedies Effectively

Updated on January 6th, 2020
hot flashes in men

Hot flashes do not trouble only women during their postmenopausal cycle; in fact, they can impose significant discomfort on men, too. Women get hot flashes mainly when their estrogen levels plummet during menopause; however, in men, the problem pertains to the testosterone levels in their body.

Moreover, it is common knowledge that hormonal treatments for cancer treatment, such as for prostate cancer, are also primarily responsible for the occurrence of hot flashes in men.

Other less common causes include symptoms like erectile dysfunction, mood swings, and loss of libido due to stress, anxiety or depression. A recent study stated that 72% of men(1) claimed that hot flashes interfered with their sleep.

The good part is male hot flashes can be curbed and reduced to nil over time through natural remedies as well. The same applies to females as well.

[Read: Best Foods for Stress and Anxiety]

Foods

1. Soybeans

Soybeans

Soybean is a plant oestrogen and is recommended by doctors to consume regularly to control hot flashes. It works on the body like a weak form of oestrogen and hence proves successful in controlling heatwaves and reducing the sudden sweaty feeling in men.

Why does it work?

Soybean contains phytoestrogens which assist in mimicking natural oestrogen and controlling hormone levels and their fluctuations even in men. Soybean is rich in two compounds, namely daidzein and genistein.

Recent studies reveal that men experience less than 2 per cent drop in testosterone every year after the age of 30. Even then, regular consumption of soy has helped control hot flashes in men.

How to use and how much to use?

Making soy a part of your daily diet can help control the feeling of hot flashes over time. Soy is found in many foods like soy milk, edamame, soy flour, and tofu. Consuming these during any of the meals, in raw or cooked form, can control hot flashes drastically.

[Read: Herbs for Treating Hot Flashes]

2. Chasteberry

Chasteberry, scientifically known as Vitex agnus-castus, or even monk’s pepper, is as big as a peppercorn and is produced by the chaste tree. Chasteberry is a renowned herbal remedy for curing many ailments, including male hot flashes. During the Middle Ages, it was used to decrease men’s libido.

Why does it work?

The chaste berry plant is believed to act upon the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and even increases the secretion of LH and progesterone in men. This, in turn, helps to control hot flashes in men.

How to use and how much to use?

Chasteberry is available as a dietary supplement in liquid, capsule, and tablet form. The fruit is dried and put into these forms to make it easy for consumption. Researchers claim(2) that having 30 to 40 mg of this dried fruit extract, 3 to 6 grams of dried herb or 1 gram of dried fruit of chaste berry tree every day is safe and would show considerable effect in curbing hot flashes in men.

3. Wild Yam

Wild Yam

Wild yam is a plant that contains diosgenin. Its roots and bulb are used as a source to extract this chemical which can be converted into many steroids, such as estrogen and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). It is considered to be a “natural alternative” to estrogen therapy, which is responsible for controlling hot flashes in men.

Why does it work?

Wild yam is believed to be a ‘natural DHEA.’ It consists of diosgenin which influences the production of many hormones in the human body, including estrogen or DHEA. Hormonal imbalances caused due to the deficiency of hormones cause hot flashes in men. Hence, wild yam is supposed to be an excellent natural alternative for curbing the occurrence of it.

How to use and how much to use?

Wild yam is not consumed as a food product due to its bitter taste. Instead, it is available in a variety of formulations like tablet, capsules, cream, tincture, powder or even tea.

The amount of wild yam to be consumed depends upon several factors, such as the person’s health condition, age, and also the formulation of the wild yam.

Did You Know!

Both men and women experience hot flashes due to hormonal imbalance in the body.

[Read: Get rid of Hot Flashes Naturally]

Home Remedies

 1. Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is a herb which the Native Americans have been using for centuries for relieving various hormonal symptoms. Black cohosh supplements are commonly used for treating the problem of hot flashes.

 Why does it work?

Black cohosh is believed to raise the levels of estrogen and even affects levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, both of which are responsible for the occurrence of hot flashes.

 How to use and how much to use?

On a daily basis, 6.5 or 160 mg of black cohosh should be taken for a year to get the desired results for controlling hot flashes in men. Black cohosh supplements are available in various forms like tablets, capsules, and even liquid form. The dosage, however, would vary as per the concentration.

[Read: Home Remedies for Hot Flashes]

2. Vitamin E

Vitamin E
Image:ShutterStock

Vitamin E is considered to be one of the most effective natural supplements for treating hot flashes. However, the dosing, purity, and safety recommendations depends mainly on the product or brand opted for.

Why does it work?

Vitamin E has antioxidant properties which help lower inflammation and even curb hormonal fluctuations. This, in turn, helps control hot flashes in men and women both.

How to use and how much to use?

Vitamin E supplements are available over the counter, which can be taken regularly to control hot flashes. Alternatively, foods rich in Vitamin E like avocados, dark leafy vegetables, fish, nuts, etc., can also be consumed every day to get the desired results.

[ Read: Multivitamin for Men ]

3. Acupuncture

Complementary therapies(3) like cognitive behavioral therapy and acupuncture have been regarded to be quite helpful in managing hot flashes in men.

Why does it work?

Acupuncture is a needling procedure that releases the tension in the nerves and relieves any blockages which may be the cause of hot flashes in men and women both.

How to use and how much to use?

A Danish study reveals that acupuncture taken from a professional acupuncturist for five weeks regularly reduces hot flashes, controls sleep disturbances, and even handles emotional problems.

Did You Know!

Men who’ve gotten their testicles removed to treat cancer may also get hot flashes.

As mentioned above, hot flashes in men can be treated naturally by adapting to certain lifestyle tips, food, and even with the help of some home remedies.

Apart from these, there are some environmental factors too which can control the occurrence and frequency of hot flashes. Remember, getting hot flashes is not a disease, but a condition that can be monitored and kept under control.

[ Read: Treat Puffy Nipples Naturally ]


FAQs

1. Do Men Get Hot Flashes?

Yes, even men experience hot flashes. It can be described as a sudden feeling of intense heat which is not triggered due to the surroundings.

2. What Causes Hot Flashes in Men?

Hot flashes in men are caused mainly due to androgen deprivation and testosterone.

3. Are Hot Flashes a Sign of Cancer?

Hot flashes may be the effect of a tumor, its treatment, and other conditions. Even patients who have been treated for prostate cancer experience hot flashes.

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