Managing Menopause Hot Flashes After Ovarian Cancer Treatment

Menopause hot flashes after ovarian cancer treatment can feel like your body’s betraying you all over again. Just when you’ve battled cancer, here comes the intense heat rising through your chest and face, the sudden sweats, and those dreaded nighttime episodes that leave you drenched and exhausted. 

For ovarian cancer survivors experiencing surgical or treatment-induced menopause, these symptoms aren’t just uncomfortable — they can be debilitating.

It’s important to remember you’re not alone, and you don’t have to just “deal with it.” We’ve gathered some practical, honest information about managing these symptoms so you can focus on what matters — living your life beyond cancer.

What’s Happening During Menopause Hot Flashes?

Ever wonder why your body suddenly feels like it’s on fire? Let’s break down what’s really happening.

Menopause hot flashes are sudden waves of intense heat that spread across your upper body, especially your face, neck, and chest. For many women, these episodes last between 1 to 5 minutes and can happen several times a day (or night). About 75% of women experience hot flashes as they move through menopause, according to Yale Medicine research.

For ovarian cancer survivors, these symptoms can hit differently. If you’ve undergone surgery to remove your ovaries (oophorectomy surgery), your body experiences surgery-induced menopause. Unlike natural menopause, which happens gradually over years, surgical menopause occurs suddenly — your estrogen levels plummet immediately after your ovaries are removed.

The result: hot flashes that may be more intense, more frequent, and more disruptive than what women experience during natural menopause.

Why Ovarian Cancer Treatment Makes Hot Flashes Worse

When you undergo ovarian cancer treatment, several factors can trigger or intensify menopause hot flashes:

• Surgical removal of ovaries: This causes an immediate drop in estrogen and other hormones, leading to the abrupt onset of menopause symptoms.
• Chemotherapy: Certain chemotherapy drugs can damage the ovaries, reducing hormone production and triggering premature menopause.
• Radiation therapy: If radiation is directed near the pelvic area, it may affect ovarian function.
• Hormone therapy: Some treatments used for ovarian cancer can block hormone production or action.

The Night Sweats Nightmare

Night sweats deserve special attention because they’re particularly disruptive for many cancer survivors. These are essentially menopause hot flashes that occur while you’re sleeping, causing intense sweating that can soak through your pajamas and bedding.

For ovarian cancer survivors, night sweats can be especially problematic because:

• They interrupt sleep when your body needs rest
• They can lead to chronic sleep deprivation, affecting your mood and recovery
• The constant cycle of overheating and then feeling chilled can be physically exhausting

According to research, more than half of epithelial ovarian cancer survivors had vasomotor symptoms (including hot flashes and night sweats) even three years after treatment ended. This is significantly higher than rates in women experiencing natural menopause at the same age.

Practical Strategies for Taming the Heat

What can you actually do about these symptoms? Here are some practical strategies that have helped other ovarian cancer survivors manage their menopause hot flashes:

Immediate Relief Techniques

When a hot flash strikes, try these in-the-moment strategies:

• Cool water on pulse points: Keep a spray bottle of water in the refrigerator and mist your wrists, neck, and temples when a hot flash begins.
• Portable fans: Small, battery-operated fans can be lifesavers. Some survivors keep one in their purse, on their desk, and by their bed.
• Paced breathing: When you feel a hot flash coming on, take slow, deep breaths — in through your nose for 5 seconds, out through your mouth for 5 seconds. This can sometimes reduce the intensity.
• Cold drinks: Sipping ice water can help cool your core temperature during a hot flash.

Lifestyle Modifications That Work

Making some changes to your daily habits can significantly reduce both the frequency and intensity of hot flashes:

• Layer your clothing: Wear light layers that you can remove quickly when a hot flash strikes. Natural fibers like cotton and linen breathe better than synthetics.
• Identify your triggers: Many women find that certain foods or situations trigger their hot flashes. Common culprits include alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, and stress. Keep a journal to identify your personal triggers.
• Bedroom environment: For night sweats, try cooling pillows, moisture-wicking sheets, and keeping your bedroom temperature between 65 to 68°F (the ideal range for sleep, according to sleep specialists).
• Stay hydrated: Dehydration can worsen hot flashes, so aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily.
• Movement matters: Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce hot flash frequency for some women. Even a 20-minute daily walk can make a difference.

When to Consider Medical Interventions

If lifestyle changes aren’t cutting it, it might be time to talk to your healthcare provider about medical options. Here’s what’s available specifically for ovarian cancer survivors:

Non-Hormonal Medications

Since some hormonal treatments may be contraindicated for cancer survivors, these non-hormonal options may be worth discussing:

• Veozah (fezolinetant): This is the first and only FDA-approved medication specifically designed to treat moderate to severe hot flashes. It’s relatively new to the market but has shown impressive results for many women. Unlike hormone therapies, Veozah works by targeting brain receptors involved in temperature regulation.
• Certain antidepressants: Low doses of some antidepressants like venlafaxine (Effexor) or escitalopram (Lexapro) can reduce hot flashes.  
• Gabapentin: Originally developed for seizures, this medication has shown effectiveness for hot flashes, especially for women who experience them at night.
• Clonidine: This blood pressure medication can reduce hot flash frequency and intensity for some women.
• Oxybutynin: Originally for bladder issues, this medication has shown promising results for hot flash management.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Is It an Option?

This is probably your biggest question. For years, many doctors advised against HRT for any cancer survivors. However, current research suggests a more nuanced approach.

For women with certain types of ovarian cancer (particularly, high-grade serous ovarian cancer), short-term HRT may be considered safe. 

But there’s an important caveat: women with hormone-sensitive tumors (like low-grade serous ovarian cancer or endometrioid subtypes) may need to explore non-hormonal options instead.

This is a conversation you need to have with your ovarian cancer doctor, as the decision should be tailored to your specific cancer type, stage, and personal risk factors.

Mind-Body Approaches Worth Trying

Sometimes, the most effective strategies combine physical and psychological approaches:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This therapeutic approach has been shown in clinical trials to help women cope with hot flashes by changing how they perceive and respond to them.
• Mindfulness practices: Regular meditation and mindfulness can reduce stress, which is a common hot flash trigger.
• Acupuncture: Some studies show that acupuncture may help reduce hot flash frequency and intensity, though results vary.
• Hypnotherapy: Clinical hypnosis focused on cooling suggestions has shown promising results for hot flash management in some studies.

Advocating for Yourself

It’s important to recognize that what you’re experiencing isn’t just “normal aging” or something you should quietly endure. Treatment-induced menopause is a significant side effect of life-saving cancer treatment, and addressing these symptoms is an integral part of your recovery and quality of life.

Surgical menopause, especially before age 45, is tied to potential long-term health concerns, including heart disease, mood issues, and bone loss. (Learn more about menopause and osteoporosis.) That’s why proactive management of these symptoms isn’t just about comfort — it’s about your long-term health.

Unfortunately, too many women report that their menopause hot flashes and other symptoms aren’t taken seriously by healthcare providers. Here’s how to advocate for yourself:

• Document your symptoms: Keep a journal of when hot flashes occur, how long they last, and their intensity. This objective data helps your doctor understand your experience.
• Be specific about impact: Instead of just saying, “I have hot flashes,” explain how they’re affecting your daily life, work, relationships, and sleep.
• Request a referral: Consider asking for a referral to a menopause specialist who has experience working with cancer survivors.
• Bring research: Don’t be afraid to bring information about treatment options to discuss with your healthcare provider.

Finding Strength in Community

Remember that you’re not facing these challenges alone. Thousands of other ovarian cancer survivors understand what you’re going through. Connecting with support groups can provide both emotional support and practical tips from women with similar experiences.

Action and understanding will save lives. Understanding your body’s changes after cancer treatment and taking action to manage your symptoms aren’t just about comfort — they’re essential steps in reclaiming your life and health after ovarian cancer.