Hot flashes male anxiety

Hot Flushes In Men | Holland & Barrett

A hot flush is a sudden feeling of being very hot, which does not result from your physical surroundings.

Tell-tale signs of a hot flush include sweating for no reason, your skin turning red, and sweating profusely.

These sensations are usually felt most strongly in the head and groin regions.¹

Common amongst menopausal women, it is less well known that men can also experience hot flushes. So are the symptoms similar in men? And what can they do to relieve them? We take a closer look.

Are men really affected by hot flushes?

Yes. Hot flushes, or hot flashes, do occur in men.

Hot flushes are usually experienced by women, especially when going through menopause.

It is rarer for men to experience this condition, but when it does occur it can coincide with symptoms such as erectile dysfunction, mood swings, and loss of libido. ²

Male hot flashes (also called hot flushes in men) are usually short-lived, and a male hot flush will usually last under five minutes.

The male menopause

“Male menopause” (also known as “andropause”) is a commonly used term for a collection of symptoms developed by some men in their late 40s or early 50s.

Some men (although not all) experience symptoms such as anxiety, depression, loss of sex drive, and erectile dysfunction.³

Experiences such as these can really impact overall wellbeing and sense of self, so it is important to recognise male menopause symptoms and attempt to resolve them.

However, it is worth noting that calling such a syndrome “menopause for men” can be a little misleading, as it suggests that symptoms are related to hormonal changes in the body, as they are for women.

But this is not the case, and researchers are not yet sure exactly why male menopause occurs in some men.

If you would like to read more about male menopause, take a look at our articles on What are the symptoms of the male menopause? and What is male menopause?

What are the causes of the male hot flush?

Hot flashes in men can be a result of medical reasons, such as low testosterone levels (also known as “low T”).⁴

Androgen deprivation therapy

But this is not the most common reason for male hot flashes: 80 percent of hot flashes in men occur due to androgen deprivation therapy, which is a treatment for prostate cancer.⁵ This treatment affects the production of testosterone.

Late-onset hypogonadism

Another cause of male hot flashes in men is late-onset hypogonadism.⁶

Hypogonadism is a condition where the testes produce an abnormally low quantity of hormones. If hot flashes are a new symptom, it could be a result of the development of this disease later in life, which sometimes happens in men who are obese, or who have type 2 diabetes.

This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor, but it is worth noting that it is a very unusual disease that is rarely the cause of male hot flashes.

Stress, depression and anxiety

However, if you are experiencing male hot flashes but do not have an unusual testosterone level, the underlying causes may not be medical.

Some attribute hot flashes in men to stress, depression and anxiety, and it is certainly the case that hot flashes can make these problems even worse.

If you are not sure what the cause might be, it is worth arranging a visit to see your GP to discuss your symptoms.

There are some things you can do to prevent how often you experience a male hot flash.

These include:

Cutting down on your alcohol intake. Higher than average alcohol intake is a common trigger in male hot flashes.
Quit smoking. As well as affording a host of health benefits, quitting smoking can reduce hot flashes in men.
Avoid coffee and spicy food.
Try to wear loose rather than tight fitting clothing.

If you are experiencing male hot flashes and fatigue, there are a few things you can do to alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms.

Although it seems obvious, keeping your room cool and well ventilated will help. Invest in a fan, or try to sit closer to the window and away from radiators.
Avoid synthetic fabrics, and opt for cotton instead. These will not only keep you cooler but allow sweat to evaporate quickly.
Daily showers in lukewarm water, rather than very hot, will keep your overall temperature lower.
Try to stay calm. Male hot flashes often come with a big side helping of anxiety, which makes them even worse. Combat this by taking slow, deep breaths.

Last updated: 11 February 2021

Sources

https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/Hot-flashes-in-men-An-update
https://www. healthline.com/health/mens-health/hot-flashes-men#potential-causes
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/male-menopause/
https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/l/low-testosterone

https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/Hot-flashes-in-men-An-update
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/male-menopause/

Author: Bhupesh Panchal, Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate

Joined Holland & Barrett: Apr 2019

Masters Degree in Toxicology and BSc Hons in Medical Biochemistry

Bhupesh started his career as a Clinical Toxicologist for Public Health England, advising healthcare professionals all around the country on how to manage clinical cases of adverse exposure to supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, industrial chemicals and agricultural products.

After 7 years in this role and a further year working as a drug safety officer in the pharmaceutical industry, Bhupesh joined Holland & Barrett as a Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate in 2019.

Are Hot Flashes in Men Anxiety-Related?

You’re a generally healthy man. But then one day, all of a sudden, you feel as if your skin is on fire. You’re sweating as if it’s 100 degrees, and you can feel your skin reddening. Your first thought might be that you’re experiencing hot flashes, commonly associated with women going through menopause. But is it possible for men to have hot flashes? Being that hot flashes resemble some of the symptoms of panic attacks, some men may assume they are caused by anxiety. Are they right?

What Is a Hot Flash?

A hot flash is a sudden, intense feeling of heat, not caused by any external environmental changes. Hot flashes are a direct result of internal processes that trigger a reaction in the body.

Symptoms of a hot flash can include:

A sudden, intense feeling of warmth that spreads through your chest, neck, and face
Blotchy reddening of the skin
Increase in heart rate
Sweating, sometimes profusely, especially on the upper body
Chills as the intensity subsides
Anxiety

Women most often experience hot flashes as a result of the significant hormonal fluctuations related to the menopausal process. ^[1] Men, on the other hand, don’t experience hormonal fluctuations in the same way women do.

During midlife, men experience what’s known as “androgen decline in the aging male” or ADAM. It’s a gradual reduction of hormones, but it does not result in the types of hormone-related symptoms (like hot flashes) seen in women. In fact, testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, only drops about 1-2% per year after age 30 in healthy men. That slow decline is considered normal and generally not the source of their hot flashes.^[2]

Why Do Men Experience Hot Flashes?

What does happen during male midlife is a cluster of changes that, when considered as a whole, seem to predispose menopausal-like symptoms. When men experience hot flashes, it is likely due to very specific circumstances or lifestyle issues.

It is around this time that men tend to experience what is commonly referred to as a “midlife crisis.” Essentially, they recognize that they’ve reached midlife and have begun to intensely evaluate their lives on a personal and professional level. Midlife is a time of dealing with things like relationship issues, career changes or retirement, caring for aging parents, and other stressors. Altogether, these physical and psychological factors can create feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress.

It is well known that anxiety, and stress in particular, have been linked to a number of physical symptoms that strongly resemble hot flashes:

Sweating
Rapid heart rate
Flushing
Chills
Tingling sensations

It is very possible that men who feel the “hot flash” may be experiencing physical symptoms of anxiety or high stress associated with this time of life. In fact, there is a specific condition known as midlife anxiety. This type of anxiety is not due to hormonal fluctuations but rather a result of dealing with the issues that surface during midlife.^[3]

Other possible factors that have been linked to these menopausal-like symptoms in men include:

Poor sleep
Poor diet
Not exercising regularly
Over-consumption of alcohol
Smoking

So, while a lot is happening in a man’s life at midlife, significant hormonal fluctuations do not appear to be one of them. Rather, it appears that how male midlife is managed has a significant impact on how it is experienced.^[4]

What Can Be Done to Treat Male Hot Flashes?

The short answer is a lot! Many of the factors associated with male midlife and those thought to contribute to the experience of hot flashes are manageable.

Manage Your Lifestyle

Focus on the “Big 3”—diet, exercise, and sleep. These factors are key to maintaining good health. Each of them is also positively correlated with stress/anxiety reduction and improved mood.

Manage Your Emotional Well-Being

Make time to take care of yourself and relax and recharge. Allocate time for friends and family. If you’re struggling with a problem, talk it out with a trusted friend. If you find that your problems are overwhelming or keeping you from enjoying life in the way you want to, reach out for professional help.

Sometimes, talking to someone who can be objective helps you see things in a whole new way. A therapist can teach you skills to cope with your anxiety and depression. Reducing your levels of anxiety and depression may help alleviate your experience of hot flashes. If you prefer to avoid the expense and time commitment often involved in working with a therapist, you may be an excellent candidate for online therapy, which is more affordable, discrete, and efficient.

Consult With Your Doctor

If you find that your symptoms are increasingly bothersome, even with your lifestyle changes, reach out to your healthcare provider or doctor. Even though you may not be dealing with hormonal issues, your symptoms are real. There are effective treatments for reducing your symptoms as well as for treating the anxiety and depression that may underlie those symptoms.

Other Midlife Changes

There are some other bodily changes men tend to face during midlife that could potentially be associated with hot flashes, though far less common. And these are:

Androgen Deprivation Therapy
Lifestyle factors

Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT)

ADT is a common treatment for men with prostate cancer. Among its most common side effects are hot flashes. Approximately 80% of men who undergo ADT report experiencing hot flashes.^[5]

In the absence of ADT therapy, the cause of hot flashes can be related to lifestyle factors, if not from anxiety or stress, rather than hormones.

Lifestyle Factors

Men tend to experience a number of other changes during midlife:

Mood swings and irritability
Decreased muscle mass
Reduced ability to exercise as strenuously as they once did
Fat redistribution, such as developing a large belly or breasts (gynecomastia)
Cardiovascular issues such as high cholesterol or heart disease
Diabetes
Lower energy
Sleep disturbances
Poor concentration and short-term memory

These changes are not necessarily linked to hot flashes but can be the root cause of some midlife anxiety and always worth mentioning to your doctor.

Final Thoughts

One of the hardest things to do is ask for help, but you’re not alone. While you’re unlikely to get a diagnosis of “male menopause,” you will find that your doctor understands what you mean and will be able to offer you options to reduce those bothersome symptoms. You don’t have to sweat it alone.

References

Hot flashes – Symptoms and causes. (2020, April 24). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hot-flashes/symptoms-causes/syc-20352790
Wu, F. C., Tajar, A., Pye, S. R., Silman, A. J., Finn, J. D., O’Neill, T. W., Bartfai, G., Casanueva, F., Forti, G., Giwercman, A., Huhtaniemi, I. T., Kula, K., Punab, M., Boonen, S., Vanderschueren, D., & European Male Aging Study Group (2008). Hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis disruptions in older men are differentially linked to age and modifiable risk factors: the European Male Aging Study. The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 93(7), 2737–2745. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2007-1972
Beutel, M. E., Glaesmer, H., Wiltink, J., Marian, H., & Brähler, E. (2010). Life satisfaction, anxiety, depression and resilience across the life span of men. The aging male : the official journal of the International Society for the Study of the Aging Male, 13(1), 32–39. https://doi.org/10.3109/13685530903296698
Watkins, E. S. (2007). The Medicalisation of Male Menopause in America. Social History of Medicine, 20(2), 369–388. https://doi.org/10.1093/shm/hkm039
Casey, R. G., Corcoran, N. M., & Goldenberg, S. L. (2012). Quality of life issues in men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy: a review. Asian journal of andrology, 14(2), 226–231. https://doi.org/10.1038/aja.2011.108

Dawn Ferrara, LPC, PsyD

Dawn Ferrara is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a doctor of Psychology with additional certification in the telemental health field. She is passionate about helping people find solutions that work and believes that every person has the power to be successful. Her practice is in South Louisiana.

90,000 symptoms, age manifestations and treatments | Clinic MEDEL

Couples who refer to themselves as "we" live much more peacefully and happily than everyone else, and feel the most satisfied marriage.

Men experience a phenomenon, as women do, called andropause, which may be accompanied by symptoms similar to those experienced by women, such as:

Decreased sex drive;
mood swings;
Irritability;
Fatigue and flushes.

Andropause is marked by a decrease in the production of the male sex hormone testosterone.

At what age does menopause appear in men?

If you are in your 40s and are experiencing erectile dysfunction and loss of sex drive, coupled with depression, you may be experiencing andropause. A midlife crisis is a constant state of anxiety, a psychological crisis, while andropause or androgen deficiency is actually quite a serious hormonal disorder that can exacerbate problems due to disruptions in the body.
Because there is no understanding of the andropause, men are less likely to seek help when they begin to lose interest in the female sex.
While women go to the doctor at the onset of menopause in order to help their body, men suffer silently and attribute this to the aging process.

Male menopause symptoms

Loss of body hair;
Decreased libido;
Mood swings;
Feeling irritable;
Decreased muscle mass;
Loss of self-esteem;
Feeling sluggish;
Insomnia;
Problems with concentration;
Poor short-term memory;
Increased body fat;
Breast augmentation.

Why is low testosterone dangerous in older men?

Medical experts say that age-related symptoms have nothing to do with falling testosterone levels, and that testosterone treatment is not necessary. Moreover, without testing and examination, it is possibly dangerous.
A gradual decline in testosterone levels is a normal part of aging and is not the same as a sudden and dramatic decline in female sex hormones in women.

Men with unnaturally low hormone levels are at greater risk for the following:

Diabetes mellitus;
Metabolic syndrome;
Cardiovascular diseases;
Obesity;
Osteoporosis;
Alzheimer's disease;
Excessive physical or psychological stress;
Reduced life expectancy.

Can andropause be prevented?

Lifestyle, nutrition, abuse of habits, overstrain, lack of rest directly affect the level of not only the general health of a man, but also his erectile functions. Therefore, try to stick to the right diet and stressful situations in order to prevent the above symptoms.

Instead of worrying about testosterone levels, men are advised to exercise, stop smoking and drinking too much alcohol, and see a doctor to determine if they have any underlying condition that needs to be treated.

Menopause treatment for men

Andropause in men is not a disease, but is used to describe the age-related symptoms listed above. It often happens that the symptoms are caused by physical, life or psychological problems.

Stressful situations at work, financial problems - all this reduces libido and causes problems with sleep;
Excessive drinking and lack of exercise can make you lethargic and reduce muscle mass;
Misunderstanding and quarrels in the family provoke depression.

What treatments for menopause do doctors use?

If you are experiencing several of the symptoms described above, make an appointment with your doctor so that he can find out the reason why the violations may be caused.
Discuss the symptoms with your doctor, tell when the possible signs of menopause began, in addition, the doctor will prescribe an examination in the form of tests for hormones and a complete blood count.
Based on their findings, the doctor will be able to recommend a number of different treatments.

One of the methods of therapy would be to change your lifestyle by eating better, exercising, not drinking and smoking, or prescribing cognitive behavioral therapy or medication.

Treatment will depend on what symptoms you have and what is causing them. In any case, treatment should be preceded by a thorough diagnosis, taking into account the results of relevant blood tests, symptoms, medical history, lifestyle and physical examination, as well as screening for prostate cancer.

Ask a question. Make an appointment by phone 8 (843) 207-18-00

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What men are silent about: male menopause in Novosibirsk

As men age, changes in the functioning of the gonads occur due to a decrease in the level of sex hormones (androgens). Some experts call this process male menopause, others - andropause. And although andropause is not a disease, a man should still take care of his health, especially today there are modern effective ways to maintain male strength and stay young and healthy longer.

Andropause, hypogonadism, menopause…

Climax (translated from Greek means “step, ladder”) is directly related to hormonal changes. According to the definition of the World Health Organization, male menopause is late-onset hypogonadism, i.e. insufficiency of the function of the male gonads.

The climacteric period, during which age-related physiological restructuring of the body takes place, is a natural stage in the life of every person, both men and women. The only difference is that in men this restructuring is usually milder and begins later than in women. Most often in 50-60 years.

During this period, due to a decrease in the level of the main male hormone testosterone, there is a gradual transition from puberty to the extinction of sexual function. In the body of a man, natural changes begin to occur in the hypothalamus, which regulates the activity of the main endocrine gland - the pituitary gland.

As a result, the production of hormones by the pituitary gland that stimulates the activity of the male gonads and testicles is disrupted. At the same time, age-related changes occur in the testicles themselves: their tissue is gradually replaced by connective and adipose tissue. All this leads to a decrease in testosterone production.

How to know the beginning of menopause?

The development of male menopause is affected not only by the number of years lived, but also by the degree of deterioration of the body, the presence of diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, etc. Some men continue to be fertile into old age, and there are many examples of this.

In all men, regardless of the presence or absence of complaints, it is necessary to evaluate the state of erectile function, since an erection is a barometer of vascular health. Erectile dysfunction occurs 3-7 years before disasters such as heart attack and stroke.

Aging Males Symptoms Inventory

Aging Males Symptoms (AMS) questionnaire is used to assess health and virility. Each question characterizes one of the signs of androgen deficiency. By filling out the questionnaire and calculating the amount of points, a man can, even before a visit to the doctor, discover possible somatic and sexual problems caused by a lack of testosterone.

Read the questions and rate the severity of symptoms on a scale of 1 (none), 2 (mild), 3 (moderate), 4 (severe), 5 (very severe).

Deterioration of health and general condition.
Depression (feelings of depression, sadness, tearfulness, lack of stimuli, mood swings, feelings of worthlessness).
Irritability (aggressiveness, feeling irritated over trifles, despondency).
Excessive sweating (unexpected/sudden periods of increased sweating regardless of the degree of exertion).
Emptiness, feeling "reached the handle."
Decreased frequency and ability to have sexual intercourse.
Anxiety (anxiety attacks, panic attacks).
Reducing the growth of beard and body hair.
Sleep problems (difficulty falling asleep, early awakening, poor sleep, insomnia).
Nervousness (internal tension, fussiness, restlessness).
Feeling that the peak of life has been passed.
Decreased sexual desire/libido (lack of pleasure from sex, lack of desire for sexual intercourse).
Decreased muscle strength (feeling weak).
Joint and muscle pain (pain in the lower back, in the joints, in the lower back, all over the back).
Physical exhaustion / decline in vitality (general decrease in working capacity, activity, lack of interest in life, decreased self-esteem, dissatisfaction with what has been achieved, the need to force oneself to be active).
Increased need for sleep, frequent feeling of tiredness.
Decreased number of morning erections.

With a total of 17–26 points, the symptoms of androgen deficiency are not pronounced, 27–36 are mild, 37–49 are of moderate severity, and more than 50 are pronounced. However, it must be remembered that only a specialist, a urologist or andrologist, can correctly interpret the results of the questionnaire.

At the appointment with a urologist

Any doctor, be it a therapist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist or other specialist, can determine the general picture of various forms of menopausal conditions in a man. However, the urologist (or andrologist) is engaged in the correction of age-related hypogonadism.

It is this specialist who detects the early signs of male menopause, determines the size and consistency of the testicles, performs a rectal examination of the prostate, prescribes an ultrasound of the prostate and scrotum, and, if necessary, an ultrasound of the vessels of the penis, and analyzes the AMS questionnaire. One of the important points of the examination is laboratory diagnostics: a biochemical blood test and a blood test for hormones.

It has been proven that any inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system (orchitis, prostatitis, epididymitis), bad habits and stress lead to an earlier onset of menopausal disorders.

Without correction of hypogonadism, pathogenetic treatment of age-related diseases, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, cholelithiasis and urolithiasis, arterial hypertension, osteoporosis, depression, erectile dysfunction, etc., is impossible. Today, medicine has a number of effective means to help a man stay beautiful and healthy at any age. But, first of all, self-discipline and the desire of the patient himself to be a healthy and full-fledged man are needed.

Prevention of early menopause

It must be understood that menopause is inevitable with age, but it is possible to delay its onset. To do this, it is important to treat diseases of the male genital organs in time, give up bad habits, avoid stress, get enough sleep, eat right and monitor your weight.

Dosed physical activity increases testosterone levels in men (with the exception of heavy weight lifting, as heavy lifting depresses testosterone production).

It is also necessary to constantly occupy yourself with any activities that are not related to the main work, stimulating the work of the brain: train memory, learn foreign languages, master new skills and knowledge.

Men's Express Check-Up: Men's Outpatient Check-Up

The only reliable way to keep a man's health as long as possible is through regular comprehensive check-ups. All men over the age of 30 are recommended to visit a urologist at least once a year. The special Check-Up program for men allows you to undergo an examination without queues and loss of time.

The program, which takes only 4 hours, includes consultations with a general practitioner and a urologist, comprehensive ultrasound of the prostate and abdominal organs, and laboratory tests. Express examination helps to identify signs of prostatitis, prostate adenoma, liver and kidney diseases in the early stages and prevent their serious consequences.

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