Radiation therapy, a form of cancer treatment used to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells, can be delivered to your body using external radioactive beams or internal placement of radioactive material in the body. It is a powerful form of therapy meant to damage cancerous cells, but undergoing radiation treatment has many adverse effects, including hormonal imbalance leading to fever, sweats and hot flashes. Consult your physician before trying herbal remedies to alleviate symptoms because no clinical evidence substantiates use of herbal products as effective for treating hot flashes related to radiation therapy.
Hot Flashes and Radiation
Men and women undergoing radiation treatment for cancers of the breast or prostate commonly experience hot flashes, the sudden acute onset of flushing, body warmth and sweating. Hormonal imbalance in men whose testicles are removed or unable to produce testosterone combined with radiation increases the risk of hot flashes. Women experiencing radiation while also going through menopause also have a higher risk of hot flashes. Radiation treatment for other forms of cancer like lymphoma or cancers of the endocrine system also can induce hot flashes by causing hormonal imbalance. Medical treatment for hot flashes typically involves hormone replacement medications or off-label prescriptions of antidepressants and hypertension medications.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh, a perennial plant native to North America, is prepared by using the root or rhizome of the plant. The herb is thought to have estrogenic activity supplied by the naturally occurring active compounds of the plant, which includes fukinolic acid, triterpene glycosides, caffeic and isoferulic acids, notes the Office of Dietary Supplements. Black cohosh is sold as a dietary supplement over the counter, with no standardized dose. Clinical evidence is contradictory in supporting black cohosh as an effective herbal remedy for hot flashes, although research is ongoing. Consult your physician before using black cohosh to treat hot flashes because you might experience side effects of gastrointestinal distress or liver damage.
Red Clover
Red clover comes from the branched stems of a perennial flowering plant native to Europe and Asia. It has isoflavones, chemicals with estrogenic-like activity, which is the main constituent in relieving hot flash symptoms. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, red clover can be used as a dried or powdered herb, fluid extract or topical treatment, but the dosing varies. Use of red clover for more than six months is not suggested and side effects from red clover might include nausea, rash and drug interactions. Consult your physician before using red clover to treat hot flashes.
Kudzu and Dong Quai
Kudzu and dong quai are ancient Chinese herbal remedies with isoflavone activity. Kudzu taken orally is rapidly absorbed for immediate hot flash and night sweat relief. Dong quai typically is mixed with other herbs for best effect and can be taken as an oral supplement, fluid extract or tincture. Side effects of kudzu include liver complications and drug interactions. Dong quai side effects include excess diarrhea, gastrointestinal upset, sedation and weakness. Consult your physician before using kudzu or dong quai to treat hot flashes.
