Abstract : Abstract Hot flashes and perspiration are common problems during androgen deprivation therapy for    more

Abstract : Abstract Hot flashes and perspiration are common problems during androgen deprivation therapy for prostate carcinoma, and greatly contribute to an impaired quality of life of patients. Different hypotheses have been proposed to explain the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, all of them highly complex, basically because of the multiple causal factors involved. The purpose of this review is to provide a pondered and updated perspective of the origin of hot flashes and perspiration in such patients. Negative feedback of plasma sex hormones on hypothalamic norepinephrine and serotonin secretion appears to be the main cause. Direct action of these mechanisms upon the LHRHproducing hypothalamic center located close to the thermoregulatory center, together with shortening of the thermoneutral range, would also play a role. An improved understanding of the causative mechanism may help improve the treatment of such symptoms. Keywords: Prostate carcinoma, hot flashes, hormone deprivation.- Slides    less