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Suggestions for getting rid of hot flashes?

Page last modified on: September 11, 2008
Question from Michelle: I was operated on 2 weeks ago for breast cancer and find it very difficult to get a good night's sleep, let alone deal with all the flashes during the day. What do you suggest to get rid of flashes besides soy milk? I am 70.
Answer —Anne McTiernan, M.D., Ph.D.: As we mentioned before, many women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer may be suffering from menopausal symptoms, either from stopping hormone therapy or from taking medication—often tamoxifen. Since breast cancer patients are usually advised to avoid hormone therapy for menopause symptoms, they need to rely on other means.

There are some medications that you can try, so first talk with your doctor. But there are other things many women have used through the ages— like wearing layered clothing, not being afraid to open a window, avoiding hot or spicy food, and avoiding alcohol. Remember that hot flash triggers vary from woman to woman, so each woman can figure out what triggers flashes for her, and try to avoid those things.

On Wednesday, May 21, 2003, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Taking Care of Yourself. Anne McTiernan, M.D., Ph.D. and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about exercise and nutrition, and other things you can do to nurture your body, along with strategies for finding emotional support, boosting your mood, and feeling good again.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Anne McTiernan, M.D., Ph.D.Anne McTiernan, M.D., Ph.D. is a member of the Cancer Prevention Program at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, where she is director of the prevention center.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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