Hot Flashes in Men Introduction
Hot flashes are generally considered by the majority of people to only effect women. While it may be true that hot flashes are more common in women than in men, a number of males from around the world suffer from them as well. Hot Flashes in Men are not something that should be of great concern. Their symptoms are very similar to those that effect women. Many of the treatments for Hot Flashes in Men are also the same or similar compared to the treatments designed for women. It is important to know that hot flashes are not dangerous. While they may seem scary to you at first, it is important to know that there are treatments available for you to properly manage them.
Cause of Hot Flashes in Men
Hot Flashes that occur in women are thought by many people to occur as a side effect from menopause. While this is one cause for hot flashes in women because of the drastic changes in estrogen levels, it is not the only cause of hot flashes. For this reason, men are also prone to hot flashes. Their main causes are looked at below.
1. Andropause – Many people are not aware that men go through a process very similar to menopause. This process is referred to as Andropause. This is a process that men go through when they are between 40 and 60 years old. One thing that happens during Andropause is a slight lowering of the body’s testosterone levels. While many men do not experience a large drop in their testosterone levels, others will see a more dramatic fall. With this fall in testosterone, the body is sometimes tricked into thinking that its temperature is too high and it needs to cool off. Hot flashes are sometimes the result of the bodies attempt to lower its only temperature.
One way to figure out if your hot flashes are caused by Andropause is to look at other symptoms that you may be experiencing. Some of the more common symptoms of Andropause include the inability to fall or stay asleep and hair loss or slowed growth. If you are experiencing these symptoms in addition to hot flashes, than Andropause may be the main factor.
2. Diet and Food Allergies – People often overlook the fact that you really are what you eat. Many people react differently to certain foods. In today’s world, many foods are loaded with artificial ingredients and preservatives. Food allergies are often only associated with classic symptoms such as a runny nose. It is important that if you are a male and experiencing hot flashes to get an allergy test done by your doctor. Besides preservatives and artificial ingredients, spicey foods have been found to be a major cause in a large number of hot flashes in men and women.
3. Cancerous Infection – Hot Flashes in Men have been shown to be caused by cancer or other tumors. It is recommended that if you experience any pain in your testiculs in addition to your hot flashes to see a doctor. Besides of a possibility of testicular cancer, hot falshes may also come from prostate cancer.
4. HIV and Similar Infection – Hot flashes can be caused by certain infections that may compromise the body’s immune system. Two of the more researched of these infections include tuberculosis and HIV. Since these are both serious infections, it is important to see a doctor immediately if you feel that you are experiencing more of their symptoms besides hot flashes.
5. Stress and Anxiety – Anxiety has been seen to cause hot flashes in many people. When you are going through periods of anxiety and depression, your body takes on a lot of this stress. In turn, your body may exhibit hot flashes. Stress reduction techniques and certain medications have been seen to be helpful in reducing feelings of anxiety and depression.
Hot Flashes in Men Symptoms
As stated before, many of the hot flash symptoms are the same as those experienced by women. As with women, the symptoms that men experience will range from mild to very severe. For more information on these symptoms, please read our What Do Hot Flashes Feel Like article.
Hot Flashes in Men Treatment Options
The treatment plan for Male Hot Flashes may be different for each individual case. We recommend seeing a doctor when your symptoms begin. It is important to rule out certain things such as cancer, HIV, and food allergies. Tests to check testosterone levels is important as well in order to see if replacement therapy is needed.
If none of these are factors in your hot flashes, than you should look into more natural and traditional methods of treatment.
1. Stress Reduction – Since stress and anxiety have been known to cause hot flashes in males, it is recommended that you try to manage your stress levels. Some techniques include exercise, yoga, and relaxation tapes.
2. Loose Clothes – Tight fitting clothes can only make your body feel warmer and cause it to produce more heat. Loose fitting clothing can help reduce the possibility that you will have a hot flash.
3. Stay Hydrated – It is important to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to cool your body down.
Conclusion
While hot flashes in men may be an annoyance, they are probably not something that is of serious concern. We recommend always seeing a doctor if you suspect that you may have something serious wrong with you such as HIV or Cancer.
