For many women, hot flushes are like uninvited guests who come to the door without knocking and make you break out in a sweat. Keeping cool in these moments can be a real challenge.

These heat attacks can happen anytime and anywhere - during an important presentation at the office, while shopping in a crowded supermarket, or even in the middle of the night when you are trying to get a good night's sleep. At such times, women often feel powerless and their own well-being is severely compromised.

But not only are the situations in which hot flushes can occur varied, so are the causes. The exact processes that lead to these hot symptoms are not fully understood, but it is clear that they are closely linked to hormonal changes in the body. 

The menopause

In women, hot flushes are often associated with the menopause because oestrogen levels in the body decrease during this time. Oestrogen is a hormone that plays an important role in regulating body temperature. During the menopause, hormone levels fluctuate, particularly the ratio of oestrogen to other hormones such as progesterone. This imbalance can cause the body's thermoregulatory system to become confused. In response, blood vessels dilate to release excess heat. This leads to a sudden feeling of heat and redness in the face, neck and upper body, accompanied by heavy sweating.

Not the menopause, what is it?

As well as the menopause, other factors can contribute to hot flushes. These include stress, anxiety, certain medications or, in rare cases, a family history. 

Antihormone therapy for breast cancer patients

Hot flushes are a common side effect of anti-hormone therapy for breast cancer. This therapy is used to inhibit tumour growth or reduce the risk of breast cancer returning. In certain types of breast cancer, such as hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, hormones such as oestrogen play a key role in tumour growth. Anti-hormone therapy aims to block the effects of these hormones or reduce their levels in the body.

As hormones also play an important role in regulating body temperature, suppressing or reducing them during anti-hormone therapy can lead to hot flushes, sweating and profuse perspiration. 

Breast cancer patients experiencing hot flushes as a result of anti-hormone therapy should always consult their doctor for specific advice and treatment options tailored to their individual situation. 

For those who are actively seeking alternative options to relieve their symptoms, ongoing trials may offer a solution. Please feel free to browse our website for more information. We look forward to your enrolment!

Click here for the trial overview.

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