Hot Flashes / Excessive Sweating
Managing Hot Flashes and Excessive Sweating
Hot flashes are common during menopause—but for people with breast cancer, they may also be triggered by treatment. Chemotherapy can bring on early menopause, and medications like tamoxifen often cause hot flashes even in those who still have their periods. These sudden waves of heat—often felt in the head, neck, or chest—can come with excessive sweating, skin redness, or a racing heartbeat. Though usually brief (about 4 minutes), they can feel intense and disruptive. The good news? There are simple ways to manage them.
Hot flashes and night sweats are two common side effects of breast cancer treatment, especially for those undergoing endocrine (hormone) therapy. In this video, an oncology nurse navigator, discusses strategies to reduce these symptoms.
Identify and Avoid Triggers
Everyone’s body is different, but the following are common triggers for hot flashes. Take note of your own patterns and try to avoid what affects you most.
- Spicy foods
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Diet pills
- Smoking
- Hot showers, hot tubs, or saunas
- Hot weather
- Stress
Stay Cool and Comfortable
Choose Breathable Fabrics
- Wear loose-fitting clothes in layers so you can adjust as needed.
- Opt for clothing made from natural fibers (like cotton or linen), which help absorb moisture from the skin and dry quickly.
- Sleep on cotton sheets for better airflow.
Use Cooling Tools
- Keep a water bottle and hand fan with you throughout the day.
- Place a small fan near your workspace or bedside.
- Use air conditioning or a ceiling fan to keep rooms cool.
- Take a cool shower before bedtime.
- Try sleeping with one foot out from under the covers to regulate body heat.
Respond to Hot Flashes Quickly
At the first sign of discomfort:
- Splash your face with cold water
- Run cold water over your hands
- Press a cold, wet washcloth against your neck
Explore Symptom Relief Options
Practice Mind-Body Techniques
Relaxation methods may reduce hot flash severity. You can try:
- Yoga
- Meditation (read more here)
- Deep breathing exercises
- Biofeedback therapy
- Acupuncture (read more here)
Talk to Your Care Team About Medications
If lifestyle changes don’t help, there are medications that may offer relief. Options might include:
- Gabapentin (Neurontin)
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Oxybutynin (Ditropan)
- Fezolinetant (Veozah)
Ask your doctor which option might be right for you. Be sure to discuss any vitamin or supplement use with your doctor first.
Support Your Body from Within
Stay Active: Regular physical activity supports overall health and has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes. See more on the Exercise and Activity page.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can intensify symptoms, so a balanced approach to eating and movement may help reduce discomfort. See more in the Nutrition page.
