Hot Flashes and Breast Cancer Treatment
Why they happen, how they affect your life, and what you can do about them
Hot flashes can be one of the most frustrating and disruptive menopause-type symptoms people experience during and after breast cancer treatment. They can strike at any time - disrupting your sleep, your comfort, and your day-to-day life.
And yet, many patients believe that due to their breast cancer history, there are no safe options and they just have to "deal with it."
At Corla Health, we believe you deserve better. There are safe, effective options — and we’re here to guide you through them with care that’s tailored to your body and your history.
Why Do Hot Flashes Happen After Breast Cancer Treatment?
Hot flashes are most often caused by drops in estrogen. This can happen due to:
Natural hormonal changes during perimenopause or menopause
Hormone-blocking medications like tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors
Surgical or medical menopause, such as having your ovaries removed or chemotherapy-induced ovarian suppression
These changes confuse the body’s internal thermostat — suddenly causing intense heat, sweating, flushing, and sometimes a pounding heart or dizziness. They can happen during the day, at night (night sweats), or both.
How Hot Flashes Impact Daily Life
Hot flashes are more than annoying, they can:
Interrupt sleep, leading to fatigue or brain fog
Cause embarrassment or social discomfort
Affect your mood and emotional wellbeing
Undermine confidence in your body and your sense of normalcy
For some, they’re mild. For others, they’re severe and constant. Either way, they deserve to be treated seriously — not brushed aside.
But I Had Breast Cancer — Do I Have Options?
Yes.
There are safe, effective treatments for managing hot flashes — even for people who’ve had breast cancer or are currently taking anti-estrogen medications.
At Corla Health, we work with each patient to find options that are evidence-based, personalized, and tailored around your cancer history. That means always keeping your comfort and safety at the center of mind.
What Can Help with Hot Flashes After Breast Cancer?
There are safe, non-hormonal treatments available for people with a history of breast cancer:
Non-Hormonal Medications
SSRIs or SNRIs (such as low-dose venlafaxine or citalopram)
→ Help regulate your brain’s temperature control centerGabapentin
→ Often used at night to reduce both hot flashes and improve sleepClonidine (in some cases)
→ A blood pressure medication that may help reduce hot flash frequency
The right choice will be different for everyone and every care plan should be tailored to your specific needs.
Lifestyle & Supportive Tools
Wearing lightweight, breathable fabrics
Layering clothing so you can adjust quickly
Using cooling towels, fans, or personal coolers
Whether used on their own or alongside medication, we’ll help you build a toolkit that actually works for your lifestyle.
You Deserve Relief
Hot flashes have real physical and emotional impacts — and they deserve real attention. If you’re struggling with hot flashes after breast cancer treatment, there are options.
You don’t have to wait it out.
You don’t have to tough it out.
You deserve to feel better.
At Corla Health, we’re here to help you feel at home in your body again — with care that’s safe, evidence-based, and never dismissive.
You don’t have to wait it out.
You don’t have to tough it out.
You just have to reach out.