Hot flashes are a well-known staple of menopause, but did you know that men have to deal with hot flashes too? It’s true. Like women, men rely on a delicate balance of hormones. These hormones make up the language that cells use to communicate with one another. These chemical messengers are responsible for carrying out the function of some 60 trillion cells through the human body. As women age, these hormone levels begin to shift. This transitional period is known as menopause.

In men, a similar shift takes place, only in men, the change is more gradual, and so men will often ignore and dismiss symptoms or simply attribute them to getting older. This change is referred to as andropause or “male menopause.” Symptoms of andropause include muscle loss, weight gain, fatigue, irritability, depression, erectile dysfunction, low libido and yes, hot flashes.

Here are some natural ways that men can avoid hot flashes:

Lose the spare tire – Weight gain, estrogen and hot flashes are all very closely related. Hot flashes are typically caused by elevated estrogen levels. Men who have high estrogen levels are more prone to weight gain. Conversely, men who are overweight or obese are more likely to experience elevated estrogen levels. While relationship between weight and hormonal imbalance is still not entirely understood, many studies suggest that men who exercise regularly can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes.

Avoid these trigger foods – Hot flashes can also be caused by diet. For instance, spicy foods, such as peppers, curry and chili, can overstimulate nerve endings and cause blood vessels to dilate, resulting in a hot flash. Simple sugars and carbohydrates are also well-known triggers. Sugars and carbs trigger hot flashes by elevating blood sugar, which causes a spike in body temperature. In an effort to cool itself down, the body attempts to “flush” out the heat. Alcohol is another big one. A drink here and there is fine. But excessive alcohol consumption actually raises levels of estrogen within the blood over time, making you more susceptible to symptoms of hormonal imbalance, such as estrogen.

Balance hormones naturally – While exercise and diet play a critical role in the management of andropausal symptoms, sometimes lifestyle changes aren’t enough. If you’ve tried hitting the gym and you’ve made it a point to eat the right foods and you’re still not feeling your best, your hormones may require a little extra push to get you back to 100 percent. Restoring hormone balance is easier than you might think and many men notice significant results within the first few weeks of treatment. Men who think that they might require hormone replacement therapy are urged to consult speak with their physician about finding a treatment option that’s right for them.

This post was written by Dr. Bruce Thomas, Sterling Bioidentical Hormones expert. Dr. Thomas is part of BodyLogicMD, a network of physicians across the country who focus on bioidentical hormones to help with symptoms of menopause, andropause (the male menopause), adrenal fatigue, and more negative effects of aging.

For more information, please visit BodyLogicMD

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