Hot flushes

Up to 80 per cent of men receiving hormoneA substance produced by a gland in one part of the body and carried by the blood to the organs or tissues where it has an effect. therapy experience hot flushes (or flashes). These are sudden increases in body temperature, leading to sweating and flushing of the skin. Episodes may continue for some time but there are many things you can do to minimize their impact on your life if they happen to you.

Some simple lifestyle measures that can help are: wearing cool, preferably cotton clothing, having lukewarm baths and showers and putting a cotton towel on your bed that you can change easily if you experience symptoms in the night.

There are a number of drugs that can often help suppress hot flushes. A low dose can be given as part of the hormoneA substance produced by a gland in one part of the body and carried by the blood to the organs or tissues where it has an effect. therapy:

• Medroxyprogesterone acetate;
• Oestrogen;
• Venlafaxine.

Complementary treatments such as acupunctureA complementary therapy in which fine sterile needles are inserted into the skin at specific points., homeopathy or evening primrose oil can be helpful.