summary Hot flashes are common peri- or post-menopausal symptoms for women. These symptoms may be caused or worsened by the systemic treatment administrered in breast cancer patients. The most effective treatment for these symptoms, hormonal therapy, is (relatively) contra-indicated for (ex-)breast cancer patients. Antidepressants may lower the frequency and severity of the hot flashes.
Antidepressants should be prescribed by a physician experienced in the use of this drug, while the frequency of the hot flashes should be registered adequately.