Male
hot flashes, are very similar to that of a woman's, in that the sensations like
intense heat waves on the face, upper body and neck, ending in an uncomfortable
sensation of clammy, cold sweat, are the same. When men experience hot flashes,
they feel these heat sensations along with the other symptoms, that last up to
a few minutes to an hour. Men who've been castrated, also experience hot
flashes, as well as a decrease in testosterone levels. We look into why and how
these hot flashes come about, what causes them, along with treatment measures.
Causes Hot flashes in men take place due to different evidential reasons, that
prove that the following can be linked to this problem. Andropause Andropause
is a situation in which testosterone levels when low, confuse the thermal
control center within the brain, that is the hypothalamus, that the body is
being overheated. The hypothalamus then reacts by sending signals to the blood
vessels, to widen in order to expel excess heat from the body. So when a man
experiences hot flashes, it is due to the body's attempt to keep its insides
cool, and not hot. This is known as severe testosterone deficiency. Men between
the age group of 40 to 55 even as late as 60 years of age, experience hot
flashes, due to male menopause. When testosterone and androgen (hormone present
in the testes, that govern male sexual characteristics) levels are
significantly low, what takes place is called a partial androgen deficiency of
the aging male or PADAM in short. Reaction to Medication Certain food additives
showcase side effects that are similar to that of hot flashes. These medicines
are nifedipine, calcitonin, cephalexin, niacin, nitroglycerin and vancomycin.
Even treatments for hormone deprivation therapy, can cause hot flashes.
Tumors/Cancer
There may be a reason why hot Mandro RX flashes occur, besides the aforementioned ones,
like a case of testicular cancer or prostate cancer. This can affect a man's
hormonal levels, causing hot flashes and night sweats, including pain in the
groin. Additional symptoms caused by hot flashes are due to the presence of
tumors, located either in the hypothalamus, or the pituitary glands. Diet
Related The presence of food additives like MSG, can lead to hot flashes.
Certain foods can contain this additive, and must be avoided in order to cancel
out its effects. To keep a track of which foods cause the effect, make a mental
note of what you've eaten 48 hours prior to the signs. Symptoms Men who
experience hot flashes, but aren't aware that what they go through is a result
of the same, can look into these hot flash symptoms. Flushed face, with puffy,
red skin, even on the chest and neck area. Heart rate increases. Pressure felt
in the head, during the onset of a hot flash Fatigue Chills (as the hot flash
starts to die down) Feeling weak. Extreme warmth rushing to the facial area.
Perspiration Dizziness Feeling faint. Teary-eyed. Difficulty sleeping due to
night sweats. Difficulty in concentrating on work/activities. Itchy skin
sensation. Mood swings. Clammy hands. Depression Hair starts to thin/fall.
Weight gain. Tensed muscles. Aching muscles/joints. Body odor is different.
Osteoporosis Bleeding gums Burning sensation in the mouth. Tinnitus (ringing in
one's ears) Brittle/soft nails. Treatment Many hot flash treatments, end up
with men either having high blood pressure, or dealing with side effects that
come up when taking those medications.
Therefore, you'll find herbal remedies
for hot flashes here, that will help you get over them, easing it as it comes.
Wild yam can be used to help cut down on the frequency of mood swings,
depression, lethargy and night sweats. Saw palmetto lowers levels of
dihydrotestosterone, to prevent hair loss and help ease prostate glands from
acting up. Ginseng is known as a Chinese remedy to ease the outcome of hot
flashes. Black cohosh tea can help men reduce hormonal secretions that are
responsible for causing night sweats Red clover can be used to improve
circulation in the arteries as well help keep one's sexual drive from dwindling.
Hot flashes in men are most likely to take place as age falls upon a man. If
the signs and symptoms persist, be sure to get it checked out by a doctor, and
get the recommended medication that you need. Healthy hair not only enhance
one's beauty, but also indicate good health. Nutritional deficiencies, stress,
or hormonal imbalance are some of the common contributing factors for hair
loss. The treatment would vary, depending on the underlying cause, and might
involve the use of prescription drugs, nutritional supplements, or medicated
hair care products. Spironolactone, also known as aldactone, is a drug that is
used for treating pattern hair loss and growth of excessive facial hair caused
due to increased production of androgens. Due to its anti-androgenic effects,
it is also used to treat acne. How Does it Work Aldactone is basically a
potassium-sparing water pill that is used for the removal of excess fluid from
the blood and tissues. It also inhibits aldosterone (corticosteroid hormone
that is secreted by the cortex of the adrenal gland), which is why it is used
for the treatment of high blood pressure and hypertension. It is used for
treating female pattern hair loss due to its anti-androgenic properties.
Testosterone is essentially a male hormone, but it is also present in women in
small amounts. When the levels of hormones fluctuate due to menopause or any
other reasons, the levels of estrogen declines. Estrogen is mainly responsible
for blocking the androgens and preventing them from binding to the receptors in
hair follicles. When there is a dip in the levels of estrogen, the testosterone
levels increase. This causes an increase in the levels of dihydrotestosterone
(DHT). Once testosterone is converted into DHT, it binds together with the
androgen receptors and causes pattern hair loss or androgenetic alopecia in
women. Being an anti-androgen, it competes with DHT and blocks it from binding
to the androgen receptors in hair follicles. Thus, when applied topically or
consumed in the form of tablets, it prevents the receptors in the hair
follicles from interacting with androgens. Safety Concerns When doctors feel
that hair loss is caused due to effects of androgens, they might recommend the
use of hormone replacement therapy or prescribe anti-androgens such as
aldactone for preventing hair loss. If they do, make sure that you tell your
doctor regarding any other medicines that you might be using. Doctors generally
don't recommend it for the treatment of hair loss in men. It is believed that
the use of this drug might lead to a decreased sex drive, breast enlargement,
or even impotence. Though this drug may be recommended for treating hair loss
in women, it could cause certain side effects. If you experience any side
effects such as abdominal cramps, rash on the scalp, kidney problems, allergic
reactions, inflamed stomach, bleeding from the stomach and duodenum, menstrual
irregularities, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea or hives, discontinue its use and
consult your doctor immediately. Being a diuretic, it could minimize the loss
of potassium, thereby causing a fluctuation in the levels of potassium. Too
much potassium in the body could cause a medical condition called hyperkalemia.
High levels of potassium could cause symptoms such as dry mouth, excessive
thirst, weak or irregular heartbeat, muscle pain, or cramps. Since this drug
could cause certain side effects, it must be used under medical supervision
only. Do inform the doctor about any other drugs that you are taking currently,
so as to avoid adverse drug interactions. If you are not too keen on using this
anti-androgen drug, you can consider other treatment options. Women affected by
pattern hair loss can wear wigs or get hair transplants. The adrenal cortex is
a part of adrenal gland that is connected to the medulla. This portion of the
adrenal gland is responsible for the production of androgens,
mineralocorticoids, and glucocorticoids. The glucocorticoids are responsible
for increasing the glucose levels in the blood. Androgens are similar to the
hormone testosterone produced by the testicles. This group of adrenal cortex
hormones is known for their masculinizing effect. Maintaining the levels of
electrolyte in extracellular fluids is the job of mineralocorticoids. The
hormones of adrenal cortex can be grouped into three categories or groups,
viz., glucocorticoids, androgens, and mineralocorticoids. The different
hormones which come under these categories are presented below.
Glucocorticoids: The name glucocorticoid is formed of three words i.e. glucose,
cortex, and steroid. Cortisol: This adrenal cortex hormone is released by the
adrenal gland in response to a feeling of stress. To increase the glucose level
in blood, carrying out the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, and
suppressing the immune system are important functions of cortisol.
Corticosterone: It is produced in zona fasciculata region of adrenal cortex.
The corticosterone hormone is produced as an intermediate element in the
conversion process of pregnenolone to aldosterone.
Cortisone: It is a steroid
hormone produced in the adrenal cortex. It plays the role of suppressing the
immune system. The attendant pain and inflammation experienced at sites of
injury is thus, reduced due to cortisone. Mineralocorticoids: The information
about different types of mineralocorticoids is provided below. Aldosterone:
This adrenal cortex hormone is released as the sodium concentration in blood
drops down or if the potassium concentration increases. Increase in blood
pressure also causes the adrenal gland to secrete aldosterone. Progesterone:
The progesterone is a C-21 steroid hormone. The processes in which progesterone
plays an important role are embryogenesis, pregnancy, and menstrual cycle.
Deoxycorticosterone: It is a steroid hormone produced in the adrenal gland and
is a precursor to aldosterone. Androgens: The word androgen is an umbrella term
used for different hormones responsible for the development of male
characteristics. The different androgen hormones are described below.
Dehydroepiandrosterone: The dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a prohormone for
sex steroids. Excess adrenal activity observed in cases of hyperplasia and
adrenal cancer is detected with the help of DHEA blood measurements.
Androstenediol: There are two forms of androstenediols i.e. the
4-androstenediol and 5-androstenediol. A metabolite of DHEA, 5-androstenediol
is produced abundantly.
This hormone does the work of stimulating the immune
system. The 4-androstenediol is a form of androstenediol which gets converted
into 5-androstenediol. Androstenedione: This hormone is produced as an
intermediate chemical in the process that yields testosterone. It is a
19-carbon steroid hormone. Dihydrotestosterone: Reduction of 4,5 double bond of
testosterone hormone leads to the production of dihydrotestosterone. The
hormone though is produced in males and females, it is mainly responsible for
the development of secondary characteristics in males. Hyper Secretion of
Adrenal Cortex Hormones The effects of hyper secretion of thses hormones are quite
a few. If cortisol is produced in excess, the result is that of decrease in
glucose utilization by tissues. Breakdown of proteins is increased and the
plasma protein levels are also increased.
