Hot Flashes
Users on Reddit report a variety of experiences related to temperature regulation while on GLP-1 medications, including sensations that resemble hot flashes, such as feeling suddenly hot, sweating, and experiencing temperature fluctuations.
Experiences with Hot Flashes and Feeling Hot:
Another user on Zepbound described night sweats: "abruptly wake up a couple hours later sweating and so hot that I ligit throw the covers off me b/c I'm burning up. "[2]
A user explicitly mentioned, "A hot flash can trigger nausea" while on Mounjaro. [3]
General feelings of being hot and increased sweating are also noted, with one user mentioning "under boob sweat 😂 and the general feeling of being hot all the time. "[4]
Many users report broader temperature dysregulation, which can include feeling excessively hot. For instance, some feel "overwhelmed in the heat/sun and get freezing at night,"[5] or fluctuate between "freezing and then five minutes later I’m burning up and then five minutes later I’m freezing again. "[6] One user on Mounjaro experienced "even worse temperature dysregulation" when starting the medication. [7]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
While specific remedies for hot flashes are not extensively detailed, users discuss managing overall temperature dysregulation and associated symptoms:
Time for Adaptation: Some users find that temperature regulation issues, including feeling hot or dysregulated, may improve over time. A user noted that their "temperature dysregulation" adapted after about 6 weeks on Mounjaro. [7]
Managing Associated Symptoms: When a hot flash triggered nausea, one user recommended to "drink LOTS of water and electrolyte drinks" and "eat a small amount of plain food even if you don’t feel hungry in the slightest. "[3]
Managing Chills (as part of temperature dysregulation): For users experiencing the cold aspect of temperature fluctuations, remedies like a "heated blanket and sometimes took a Tylenol" were mentioned. [10]
Potential Explanations Discussed by Users:
Changes in blood flow due to vasodilation are also discussed as a potential cause for feeling hot: "When your blood vessels dilate they come closer to the surface of your skin, which is the same process your body uses to cool off.
Experiences with Hot Flashes and Feeling Hot:
- Some users describe intense feelings of heat and sweating.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
While specific remedies for hot flashes are not extensively detailed, users discuss managing overall temperature dysregulation and associated symptoms:
- Dose Adjustment: For severe temperature fluctuations including night sweats and feeling hot, one user considered reducing their Zepbound dose: "I hate to go back to the 10mg and slow the weight loss to a trickle b/c I still have 30 lbs to lose, but that may be my only option.
Potential Explanations Discussed by Users:
- Users speculate that GLP-1 medications might affect the brain's temperature control center, the hypothalamus: "From what I understand, it has to do with GLP-1 pathways affecting a neuron that controls the thermal regulation in our brain.