Managing hot flushes during cancer treatment

Hot flushes and sweating are common symptoms of natural menopause. They are also a common side effect of cancer treatments that change hormone levels.

This can happen with:

• hormone therapy, often used to treat breast  and prostate cancer, and sometimes used for womb and ovarian  cancer
• Other cancer treatments that affect the ovaries and testes and cause menopausal symptoms such as, chemotherapy  or pelvic radiotherapy
• surgery that has removed both the ovaries or testes

Hot flushes or sweating may also be due to:

• a symptom of a health condition or illness – for example, a sign of an infection
• a symptom of certain types of cancer – for example, night sweats are sometimes a symptom of lymphoma

Talk to your doctor or nurse if you have hot flushes or sweating.

What does a hot flush feel like?

You might feel a sudden warmth in your face, neck, or chest. This can affect your whole body, sometimes with redness, sweating or a faster heartbeat (palpitations). The intensity of a hot flush can vary and for some they can be worse at night and cause a heavy night sweat. These can last for minutes or longer and may happen many times a day or night.

Hot flushes are not just uncomfortable. They can disturb your sleep, affect your mood and relationships. Sometimes, they can even make it harder to stay on treatment.

If you’re struggling, please remember you don’t have to put up with this alone. Support is available.

Learn more about hot flushes and sweating during cancer treatment.

There are ways to feel more comfortable and in control even if hot flushes are happening often. You might need to try a few things to find what works best for you.

Ways to cool down

Simple cooling techniques can make a big difference.

• Keep a handheld fan or cooling spray with you
• Use a chill pillow or cooling gel pad in bed.
• Wear light, breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo.
• Keep your bedroom cool with a fan or open window.
• Have a cold drink and keep a bottle of water with you.

Complementary therapies may help

Some people find relief through different therapies, including:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which may help reduce flushes and improve sleep.
• Acupuncture  reflexology or hypnotherapy.

Always talk to your cancer team before trying complementary therapies.

Learn more about managing menopausal symptoms caused by cancer treatment. 

Create a better sleep environment

Hot flushes at night can make it hard to rest. These tips might help:

• Avoid spicy food, alcohol, and caffeine in the evening.
• Use layered bedding you can adjust easily.
• Try a cool shower before bed to lower your body temperature.
• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques may help you feel calmer and more in control, including controlled breathing or yoga techniques
• Read other people’s experiences - Coping with sleep problems - Online Community discussion

We have more information about what can help if you have problems with sleep.

Talk to your cancer team

If hot flushes are affecting your daily life, tell your nurse or doctor. They may be able to:

• suggest non-hormonal medicines if hot flushes are caused by hormonal therapy.
• connect you with supportive therapies.
• refer you to a local menopause clinic.

You don’t have to manage this alone, your healthcare team is there to help.

Research into new medicines

Researchers are looking into new non-hormonal treatments for people on hormone therapies. Talk to your healthcare team about if there are any newer treatments available or clinical trials.

Learn more about what you can do if a treatment is not available.

How we can help

• Contact the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00, if you have any questions.
• Use our Online Chat
• Visit our Online Community to connect with others who have been affected by cancer. Share your experiences, and read articles on topics such as about hot flushes

This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan's Digital Content Editor team. Learn more about our Digital Content Editors and how we produce our cancer information. 

Accurate information helps you make informed choices. Rely on expert sources such as Macmillan Cancer Support, the NHS and your own healthcare team. 

We have more information on how to find reliable health information online.