Do men experience hot flushes?

A hot flush (also called a hot flash) is a sudden wave of intense heat that isn't caused by the temperature around you. It can come on without warning and is often accompanied by sweating, flushed skin and a feeling of warmth that's most noticeable on the face, neck and head.¹ Hot flushes are widely recognised as a hallmark of menopause... but they're not exclusive to women. So, what causes hot flushes in men and what can help? Here's what the research says.

Yes, hot flushes and night sweats do occur in men. It’s rarer for men to experience them, but when they happen they can coincide with symptoms like erectile dysfunction, mood swings and loss of libido.² Each hot flush will usually last between a few seconds to 10 minutes at a time. If you’re sweating at night, it might interrupt your sleep too.³

Most commonly it’s due to androgen deprivation therapy, a treatment for prostate cancer, which affects the production of testosterone.^6,7 If you're experiencing hot flashes and aren’t undergoing treatment where you've been told this may be a side effect, the underlying causes might be something else. For example, there's late-onset hypogonadism, which is an uncommon medical condition, rather than being a normal part of ageing.⁵ Some other causes that may worsen hot flushes in men are stress, depression and anxiety⁸ – but if you’re not sure what the cause might be, it’s worth arranging a GP visit.

Yes, they can be. Research suggests that men who experience hot flushes are more likely to report symptoms linked to low testosterone, such as low energy, reduced muscle strength and low mood.⁹ However, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship.⁹

There are some things you can do to help manage how often you experience a male hot flush. These include:³

There are several tips that may help you manage hot flushes, like:

Hot flushes can be unsettling, especially if you weren't expecting them. While they're often linked to hormonal changes, they can also have other underlying causes, so it's worth paying attention if they become frequent, severe or start affecting your daily life. Speaking to your GP can help identify what's behind your symptoms.

Disclaimer – This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Working with experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.