Does exercise help with hot flashes?

There is some evidence that exercise can help reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes. For example, this study of a 16-week exercise program undertaken by previously sedentary women found that exercise training reduces the frequency of menopausal hot flashes by improving thermoregulatory controls. That said, the gold standard treatment for hot flashes and night sweats is menopause hormone therapy (MHT), also called hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Hormone therapy is an individual decision, and it carries the potential for health benefits as well as risks. We encourage you to speak with your medical provider about how the known risks and benefits interplay with your personal health history so you can make an informed decision.