What helps with hot flashes during breast cancer treatment?
Many people have found relief from hot flashes through various approaches. Here are some strategies that have helped:
Medications
- Gabapentin and venlafaxine (Effexor) are commonly prescribed to manage hot flashes
- A MyBCTeam member shared that gabapentin was Show Full Answer
What helps with hot flashes during breast cancer treatment?
Many people have found relief from hot flashes through various approaches. Here are some strategies that have helped:
Medications:
- Gabapentin and venlafaxine (Effexor) are commonly prescribed to manage hot flashes
- A MyBCTeam member shared that gabapentin was the only thing that worked when chemotherapy threw them into immediate menopause
- Another member found that Effexor helped reduce hot flashes while on letrozole
Cooling Techniques:
- Set your thermostat lower at night
- Use lightweight bedding and sleepwear
- Try fans or cooling blankets
- One member called their cooling blanket a "magic blanket" because it's about 10 degrees cooler on one side
Alternative Approaches:
- Acupuncture has shown promise in reducing hot flashes and night sweats
- Hypnosis sessions have helped some people experience fewer hot flashes
- Some members have found relief with evening primrose oil and sage tablets
Lifestyle Changes:
- Limit caffeine and alcohol
- Practice relaxation techniques like breathing exercises or meditation
- Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly
- Dress in removable layers and wear breathable clothing
Talk with your doctor about which options might work best for you, especially regarding prescription medications or supplements that could interact with your breast cancer treatment.
February 18
In my experience, reducing or eliminating sugar really stopped the hot flashed. I realized it was sugar (ie sweets, cookies, etc) a couple years ago. I had eliminated all sweets from my diet, then Christmas came around and, well... cookies and treats at work. Guess what?! My hot flashed came back!!
I am 61 now and have recently finished Taxol. I think since I was tested as HER2+ and Est and Prog - , hormones and therefore hot flashes have not been an issue for me during treatment.
That being said, I also practiced a very strict Keto for Cancer diet (no carbohydrates) along with intermittent fasting, especially before and after my treatments.
I hope this is helpful!
~Cyan
March 6
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