What are some effective ways to stop hot flashes quickly in men?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Hot flashes in men can be stopped quickly by cooling the body immediately—take a cold shower, apply a cool compress to the neck or wrists, sip ice water, or move to an air-conditioned space. Wearing breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics and practicing slow, deep breathing can also shorten an episode. For recurring or severe hot flashes—often linked to low testosterone, andropause, or hormone therapy for prostate cancer—doctors may prescribe medications such as megestrol acetate, cyproterone acetate, venlafaxine, or gabapentin.

Because hot flashes in men can signal an underlying hormonal or medical condition, identifying the cause matters as much as easing the symptom. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be behind your hot flashes and get personalized guidance on the right next steps to take.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

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When a hot flash hits, there are a few quick steps you can try to ease the burn. First, try to rapidly cool down by moving to a cooler room, using a fan, or splashing cool water on your face and arms. Wearing light clothing and removing extra layers can also help lower your body temperature. For many men, deep, slow breathing can help reduce the sudden rush of heat.

In a clinical setting, some men have been prescribed medications like megestrol acetate, which has shown promise in reducing hot flashes quickly. Some research also looks at physical activity and its role in managing hot flashes, though exercise might be more of a long-term strategy than a quick fix.

It's important to remember that these strategies are only temporary measures, and if hot flashes are frequent or bothersome, speaking with a doctor is useful. To better understand what might be causing your hot flashes and get personalized guidance, try Ubie's free AI symptom checker to help identify next steps and determine whether you need medical attention.

(References)

Loprinzi CL, Michalak JC, Quella SK, O'Fallon JR, Hatfield AK, Nelimark RA, Dose AM, Fischer T, Johnson C, Klatt NE, et al. Megestrol acetate for the prevention of hot flashes. N Engl J Med. 1994 Aug 11;331(6):347-52. doi: 10.1056/NEJM199408113310602. PMID: 8028614.
Mohile SG, Mustian K, Bylow K, Hall W, Dale W. Management of complications of androgen deprivation therapy in the older man. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2009 Jun;70(3):235-55. doi: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2008.09.004. Epub 2008 Oct 25. PMID: 18952456; PMCID: PMC3074615.
Witkowski S, Evard R, Rickson JJ, White Q, Sievert LL. Physical activity and exercise for hot flashes: trigger or treatment? Menopause. 2023 Feb 1;30(2):218-224. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002107. Epub 2022 Nov 7. PMID: 36696647; PMCID: PMC9886316.

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