Radiation Therapy, Night Sweats, and Practical Coping Strategies

Yes, radiation therapy can be associated with night sweats in some people, often through its effects on hormones or when combined with other cancer treatments. ^[1] Hot flashes (sudden heat with or without sweating) and night sweats are recognized side effects after various cancer treatments, and they may persist in some individuals. ^[2]

Why night sweats happen with cancer treatment

Night sweats commonly occur alongside hot flashes and can arise during or after cancer treatment. ^[2] Women and men can both experience these symptoms, though they are more common in women. ^[2] Certain treatments can trigger or worsen hot flashes and night sweats, including radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapies, and surgeries that affect reproductive organs. ^[3] In women, some treatments can bring on early menopause, and hot flashes and night sweats are hallmark symptoms of menopause. ^[4]

How radiation therapy contributes

Radiation can contribute to night sweats, particularly when it impacts hormone-producing organs (for example, pelvic radiation near the ovaries) or when given alongside hormone‑affecting treatments. ^[3] People treated for breast or prostate cancer are particularly likely to have hot flashes and night sweats during or after treatment because those care plans often include hormone-modulating therapies. ^[4]

Other causes to consider

Beyond radiation, several medications used in cancer care can cause or worsen hot flashes and night sweats, such as aromatase inhibitors, tamoxifen, opioids, some tricyclic antidepressants, steroids, gabapentin/pregabalin, clonidine, and oxybutynin. ^{[5] [6] [7]} Some people continue to have night sweats even after cancer treatment ends, which can be part of a longer recovery phase. ^[2]

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Who is more at risk

Women receiving treatments that lower estrogen (for example, certain breast cancer therapies) and men undergoing prostate cancer treatments that alter testosterone are particularly prone to hot flashes and night sweats. ^[4] Early menopause induced by treatment makes night sweats more likely due to abrupt hormonal changes. ^[8]

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When to seek medical advice

Tell your care team if night sweats are frequent, severe, or come with other symptoms like fever, weight loss, or persistent fatigue, so they can rule out infection, medication effects, or other causes. ^[9] Your team can review your treatment plan and medicines to identify triggers and tailor management options. ^[10]

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Coping strategies: non‑drug options

Simple home strategies can help reduce night sweats and improve comfort. ^[11]

• Keep the bedroom cool with fans or open windows, and use breathable bedding and loose cotton sleepwear. ^[11]
• Practice slow, deep breathing or relaxation techniques to lower stress, which can reduce hot flash frequency and intensity. ^[7]
• Stay active during the day and build a pre‑sleep wind‑down routine to improve nighttime rest. ^[12]
• Acupuncture may help some people, though results vary; discuss with your clinician if it’s appropriate for you. ^[11]

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Medical treatments: with and without hormones

There are medications that can ease hot flashes and night sweats; the choice depends on your cancer type, treatment history, and overall health. ^[13] Hormone therapy (estrogen or progesterone) can be effective for symptoms caused by low estrogen, but it isn’t appropriate for everyone, especially those with a history of breast cancer. ^[14] Men may use estrogen or progesterone after prostate cancer treatments in specific cases under medical guidance. ^[14]

Non‑hormonal options include certain antidepressants (notably paroxetine), clonidine (a blood pressure medicine), gabapentin or pregabalin (nerve and seizure medicines), and oxybutynin (for overactive bladder). ^[7] If one medicine doesn’t help or causes side effects, your provider may suggest trying another; individualized adjustment is common. ^[14]

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Practical sleep and lifestyle tips

Layer bedding so you can quickly adjust if a sweat episode occurs, and keep a cool pack or damp cloth bedside to lower skin temperature. ^[11] Limit alcohol, spicy foods, and hot beverages near bedtime, as they can trigger hot flashes in some people. ^[11] Regular, moderate exercise and stress‑reduction practices (like yoga or guided breathing) can decrease symptom frequency over time. ^{[12] [7]}

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Bottom line

Radiation therapy can be linked to night sweats, often through hormonal effects or when combined with other treatments that influence hormones. ^[3] A mix of practical cooling strategies, lifestyle changes, and carefully selected medications hormonal or non‑hormonal can meaningfully reduce symptoms and improve sleep and quality of life. ^{[11] [7] [14]} Work closely with your care team to rule out other causes, review triggers, and tailor a safe, effective plan that fits your cancer history and personal needs. ^{[9] [13]}