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persistent hot flushes

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User

Posted 13 Apr 2020 at 16:55

I stopped hormone treatment in 2016 following severe hot flushing . I had taken it for 18 months. Since then it has moderated but is still with me and is quite bad at times . I have spoken to 3 GPs who didn't offer me any remedy at all saying there was nothing they could do . This I find surprising as I would have thought there must be specialist people somewhere who may help me . I'm now wondering if there are others in the same situation and if they had any satisfaction from the medical profession .If there is anybody out there who might suggest some way to get help I would be pleased to hear from them or to know if they are having the same response .

User

Posted 13 Apr 2020 at 22:02

Hot flushes can go on for a long time after hormone therapy finishes, and sometimes never completely go.

Do you have any evidence your testosterone has returned such as other hormone therapy side effects having gone? Have you had a testosterone level test? In a small number of cases, testosterone fails to recover after hormone therapy.

The mechanism causing hot flushes is still not understood as far as I know.

There are some treatments for hot flushes.

Acupuncture is usually the first one to try. It may be available for free from where you has your treatment.

There are also 3 drugs, Medroxyprogesterone, Cyproterone, and Megestrol. They all have side effects, and require monitoring liver function. I generally suggest not using these unless hot flushes are a major problem because of possible side effects including risk of liver toxicity and in some cases cardio issues too. Also, I'm not sure which are safe to use when you aren't on hormone therapy. For example, Cyproterone is also an anti-androgen, so you don't want to take that.

Edited by member 13 Apr 2020 at 22:10 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 13 Apr 2020 at 22:04

John only had HT for 6 months but the hot flushes have been a permanent side effect. The following may help but are not guaranteed:

- ensure bedding and pyjamas are pure cotton rather than polyester cotton

- try sage tablets from a health food shop

- acupuncture can be effective - some hospitals actually offer acupuncture to men on HT

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 13 Apr 2020 at 22:06

I see Andy replied while I was typing

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 14 Apr 2020 at 13:05

Living in a hot climate must help. We visited Australia in January/February and apart from in the air conditioning I hardly noticed them.

Now I'm home they're back with a vengeance.

Mine tend to last a couple of minutes a dozen times a day.

User

Posted 14 Apr 2020 at 13:55

What a great reply Heenan ... this should be a sticky.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 14 Apr 2020 at 18:10

Thank you all for your thoughts and ideas . My problem is night sweats mainly so the wearing of a hat may not work .I have small hand fan that helps . I wear cotton mostly .I must shower every morning to smell better though and that seems to settle it down at the same time.

The testosterone levels have never been tested I will enquire about that possibility . Sage tablets is there any evidence they help? any side affects does anyone know? Are there specialists anywhere who deal with this subject .I don't know what specialism would cover this type of thing .

User

Posted 14 Apr 2020 at 18:39

The specialists in this field are endocrinologists but you are unlikely to get a referral as there is no treatment for HT induced hot flushes. Women who are suffering badly are given HRT but that would be a nonsense for a man with or recovering from prostate cancer. If it becomes very severe or significantly affects your quality of life, you could ask your GP or oncologist about testosterone replacement though.

I believe that women in their thousands (if not millions) use sage tablets as one option to minimise the flushes.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 15 Apr 2020 at 09:44

have you more information on sage tablets strength etc . thanks for your thoughts .

User

Posted 15 Apr 2020 at 10:28

Your GP can get you a testosterone level test. I asked for one with a PSA test once, and it was just an extra checkbox on his screen.

User

Posted 15 Apr 2020 at 19:07

Roach, I swear by sage tablets for my menopausal hot sweats. Try A Vogel available from Boots. I always get them on 3 for 2. Try the drops first - 20 drops in a bit of water 3 times a day. I then moved to the one a day tablets. Some people swear by the drops and some the tablets. Personally I found both as effective. Tablets more convenient. Take care

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