Medically induced menopause: hot flashes and night sweats after cancer treatment

Some cancer treatments can bring on menopause suddenly. Cleveland Clinic calls menopause caused by surgery or medical treatment “induced menopause.” A Nov 8, 2026 BBC report shared the stories of breast cancer patients who say they were not prepared for it. This page explains the causes, the hot flashes and night sweats that can follow, and where support is available.

What can cause it Read the sources

Key facts

NCI says hot flashes and night sweats are common in people receiving cancer treatment, and some people continue to have them after treatment (NCI).
A 2025 survey by the non-profit Menopause and Cancer, reported by the BBC, found that of 1,300 respondents, fewer than half knew their cancer treatment could induce menopause (BBC).

Patient stories

“There is no gradual shift”

In the BBC report, Claire Hurst describes medication that rapidly put her into a medically induced menopause: “There is no gradual shift. There's no time to adjust.” Jo Menneer says her symptoms, including hot flushes, “came back with a vengeance almost immediately” after she had to stop HRT (BBC).

Support

Ask your care team early

The patients and advocates in the BBC report call for information about treatment-induced menopause to be offered from the start of treatment. The UK Department of Health and Social Care told the BBC its National Cancer Plan will give every patient a personalised plan that recognises long-term effects, including menopause.

FAQ

Medically induced menopause: quick answers

What is medically induced menopause?

Cleveland Clinic says that when menopause happens due to surgery or medical treatment, it is called induced menopause. It can happen suddenly rather than gradually.

Which cancer treatments can cause it?

The BBC report lists chemotherapy, pelvic radiotherapy, stem cell transplantation and surgery as possible triggers, on a temporary or permanent basis. NCI adds removal of both ovaries, and hormone therapy such as tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors, among causes of hot flashes and night sweats.

Can men get hot flashes from cancer treatment?

Yes. NCI says surgery to remove one or both testicles for prostate cancer, and certain hormone therapies, can trigger hot flashes and night sweats in men.

How are hot flashes treated after breast cancer?

NCI says estrogen replacement can control hot flashes, but many women who have or had breast cancer cannot take it and may need a non-estrogen drug. Treatment should be planned with your cancer care team.

Can antiperspirant stop night sweats or hot flashes?

No. Antiperspirant does not treat hot flashes, night sweats, or menopause. Talk with your care team about symptom relief.

Cancer treatments that can trigger menopause

According to the BBC report, chemotherapy, pelvic radiotherapy, stem cell transplantation and surgery can all trigger menopause, on a temporary or permanent basis (BBC).

NCI explains that early menopause can occur when both ovaries are removed by surgery, and lists chemotherapy, hormone therapy such as tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors, radiation therapy, and some other drugs (such as opioids, tricyclic antidepressants and steroids) as treatments that can cause hot flashes and night sweats (NCI).

Hot flashes and night sweats after cancer

NCI describes a hot flash as a sudden warm feeling over the face, neck and chest that may cause sweating and redness. Hot flashes with sweating during sleep are often called night sweats or hot flushes.

NCI notes that in people with breast cancer, severe hot flashes have been linked with sleeping problems, a lot of pain and poor mental health.

Relief options to discuss with your care team

NCI says hot flashes can be controlled with estrogen replacement therapy, but many women who have or had breast cancer cannot take estrogen. Non-estrogen drugs that NCI lists include certain antidepressants, anticonvulsants and clonidine, each with possible side effects.

Non-drug options NCI describes include cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques and hypnosis, plus comfort measures such as loose cotton clothing and fans or open windows. NCI advises using herbs and dietary supplements with caution and telling your providers about everything you take.

Night sweats are not underarm sweating

Hot flashes and night sweats are whole-body temperature responses, which is different from heavy sweating focused in one area such as the underarms. An underarm antiperspirant does not treat menopause symptoms.

For more on the difference, see menopause night sweats vs underarm sweating and menopause hot flashes and night sweats guidance.

Sources

Educational information, not a diagnosis or medical advice. Sources were opened and read on Nov 9, 2026. Research summaries are based on the published abstract or full text as noted; they are not evidence for any Maxim product.

You don't have to manage this alone

Ask your oncology team about menopause symptoms before, during and after treatment, and about support services.

What can cause it Read the sources

Educational information only, not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This page does not promote any product for menopause, hot flashes or night sweats.