Chemotherapy and Hot Flashes: What to Expect and How to Cope

Chemotherapy can cause hot flashes and night sweats for some people, often by affecting hormone levels or inducing temporary or permanent menopause in women. ^[1] Hot flashes may also continue after treatment ends in some cases. ^[2] People treated for breast or prostate cancer are particularly likely to experience hot flashes during or after therapy. ^[3]

Why Chemotherapy Can Cause Hot Flashes

• Chemotherapy can disrupt ovarian function and trigger menopause-like symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats. ^[1] Menopause symptoms may occur during or shortly after treatment, especially with regimens that impact reproductive hormones. ^[4]
• Other cancer treatments radiation, hormone therapy, and certain surgeries can also lead to hot flashes by reducing estrogen or testosterone. ^[5] Hot flashes and night sweats are common features of menopause, whether natural or treatment-induced. ^[6]

Common Triggers During Cancer Care

• Hormone therapies such as aromatase inhibitors and tamoxifen can cause hot flashes. ^[7]
• Opioid pain medicines and some antidepressants (tricyclics) are also associated with sweating and temperature dysregulation. ^[7]

Nonhormonal Treatments That Can Help

For many people with a history of hormone-sensitive cancers, hormone replacement therapy is not recommended, so nonhormonal options are prioritized. ^[8]

• Antidepressants (such as venlafaxine or paroxetine) can reduce hot flashes for those who cannot use estrogen. ^{[9] [10]}
• Gabapentin or pregabalin (anti-seizure medicines) can lessen frequency and intensity, and may be particularly helpful for nighttime symptoms. ^{[11] [12]}
• Clonidine (a blood pressure medication) may provide relief in some cases. ^{[12] [10]}
• Oxybutynin (used for overactive bladder) has been reported to help some people with hot flashes. ^[12]

Always discuss medication choices with your oncology team to ensure they are safe with your cancer type and treatment plan. ^[13]

Practical Lifestyle Strategies

Simple, consistent habits can make hot flashes more manageable:

• Keep air flowing with fans and open windows; use breathable, loose cotton layers you can remove as needed. ^{[14] [15]}
• Practice slow, deep breathing or relaxation techniques to reduce stress-related triggers. ^[12]
• Identify and limit common triggers such as hot rooms, spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine; stay well hydrated. ^[16]
• For night sweats, consider moisture-wicking pajamas and bedding, and keep a cool room temperature. ^[14]
• Some people explore acupuncture; results are mixed, so discuss it with your clinician to see if it’s appropriate. ^[17]

What About Herbal Remedies?

Herbal supplements like evening primrose oil, black cohosh, and red clover are not proven to help and may act like estrogen, which could be unsafe for hormone-sensitive breast cancers. ^{[18] [19]} It’s best to avoid these and check with your doctor before trying any over-the-counter remedies. ^[18]

When Symptoms Need Attention

If hot flashes or night sweats interfere with sleep, daily activities, or mood, let your care team know; changing medicines, adjusting doses, or adding a nonhormonal therapy may help. ^[20] Discuss options carefully, especially if you have (or had) breast cancer, since estrogen therapy is generally avoided in that setting. ^[13]

Summary

• Chemotherapy can cause hot flashes by affecting hormone levels or inducing menopause-like changes, and this is especially common in breast and prostate cancer care. ^{[1] [3]}
• Effective nonhormonal options include certain antidepressants, gabapentin/pregabalin, clonidine, and oxybutynin. ^{[12] [10] [9] [11]}
• Lifestyle measures cool environments, breathable clothing, hydration, and relaxation techniques can meaningfully reduce symptoms. ^{[14] [15] [12]}
• Avoid estrogen-like herbal products unless your oncology team approves them. ^{[18] [19]}

Would you like help tailoring these options to your specific treatment plan and symptom pattern?