The majority of men who undergo hormone therapy (androgen deprivation therapy) for prostate cancer will have at least some hot flashes. Often hot flashes are simply an annoyance, but they can sometimes significantly affect a man's quality of life. Hot flashes are sometimes associated with problems sleeping as well.
It is important to discuss hot flashes with your doctor before starting hormone therapy so that you know what to expect. Unfortunately, there is no consensus on what is the best treatment.
The primary options for treating hot flashes are all pharmaceutical - which has its own side effects. The primary medications are estrogen, megestrol and SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as venlafaxine.
Typically, the SSRIs are used as a first-line treatment, with megestrol and estrogen used in cases where there is no response to the SSRIs.
Sometimes doctors will recommend alternative treatments such as acupuncture.
Sources:
Frisk J. Managing hot flushes in men after prostate cancer--a systematic review. Maturitas. 2010;65(1):15.
Harding C, Harris A, Chadwick D. Auricular acupuncture: a novel treatment for vasomotor symptoms associated with luteinizing-hormone releasing hormone agonist treatment for prostate cancer. BJU Int. 2009;103(2):186.
