Who Is at Risk of Postpartum Psychosis—and Is It Treatable?

Sep 1, 2026 | Featured, Psychiatry, Your Health

A photo of a new mother holding her baby.

Having a baby can turn your world upside down.

Many new mothers experience a feeling of sadness that may last for a few weeks and go away on its own. And about one in eight women reported signs of a more significant postpartum depression, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

A much smaller group of women, about one in a thousand, have a far more severe concern called postpartum psychosis. For years, there has been little awareness of postpartum psychosis. Lately, the condition has been in the news. When caught early, postpartum psychosis can be treated successfully.

In this Q&A, Veerle Bergink, MD, PhD, a psychiatrist and Director of Mount Sinai’s Women’s Mental Health Center, explains some of the key symptoms of postpartum psychosis, its likely causes, and some possible treatments.

A photo of Veerle Bergink, MD, PhD

Veerle Bergink, MD, PhD

“The most important thing to know is that postpartum psychosis is very treatable,” Dr. Bergink says. “If you detect and treat it, the woman will be fine. In our study, 98 percent of women got better, sometimes within days or weeks.” Under her leadership, Mount Sinai is researching the diagnosis and treatment of postpartum psychosis and has played a major role in attempting to shed light on this often-ignored condition.

How do you diagnose postpartum psychosis?

Postpartum psychosis is a severe mental illness that shows up during the first three months after childbirth. Women with this condition can display mania, psychosis, or depression with psychotic features. They may have these symptoms: 

  • Mania: When someone has a manic episode, thoughts race through their heads. They may behave in ways that are excessive. Sometimes people buy a lot, or they have grand plans. Their moods can be really over the top. They’re not happy, they’re over the moon. Or they are very irritable, they’re very, very annoyed by everyone and everything. 
  • Psychosis: This is when someone loses touch with reality. They may hear things that no one else does or see things that are not there. They might have weird ideas or become extremely paranoid or have delusions of grandiosity, religion or guilt. 
  • Depression with psychotic features: This is when someone’s mood is really low, and at the same time, they have lost touch with reality. For example, they don’t think that their child is crying a lot today but that they are the devil. They don’t think they’re responsible for a minor disagreement but that all wars are their fault.

These symptoms can vary, too. A woman might have mania, then dive quickly into a depression. She might have mania and depression at the same time. Or she might have symptoms one day, seem normal the next day, then display symptoms again later.

How does this look to family and friends?

Basically, you have a sense that something is off. You might think, “I know my sister, daughter, wife, and this is not her.”

How serious is postpartum psychosis?

Postpartum psychosis is very serious. If left untreated, there is a high risk of suicide. The  infanticide risk is very low, but if it happens it gets understandably a lot of media attention. Fortunately, it is highly treatable.

What are treatments for postpartum psychosis?

To treat postpartum psychosis, we start women with antipsychotic medication and lithium. Antipsychotics can be tapered after the acute phase (usually a few weeks) and women are advised to take lithium for one  year and then taper. Electroconvulsive therapy works as good as lithium. If a woman who had postpartum psychosis gets pregnant again, we advise to restart treatment the same day after they give birth to prevent another episode. There is no risk of postpartum psychosis during pregnancy, just after delivery. Women with bipolar disorder are at high risk for postpartum psychosis as well. They can prevent it by taking medication immediately after delivery.

It is also vital to make sure women with postpartum psychosis get enough sleep. They need a partner who can provide all the infant care overnight so the woman can sleep. This is especially key during the first few days and weeks after the birth. 

What causes postpartum psychosis?

We are not sure exactly what causes postpartum psychosis, but we do have several ideas. After women give birth, they experience a sudden, sharp decrease in estrogen and progesterone called a “hormone free fall.” We think this is one of the triggers. But when researchers tried to prevent this freefall with hormone replacement therapy, it didn’t protect women from experiencing postpartum psychosis. So, while hormone free fall probably contributes to postpartum psychosis, it isn’t the sole cause.

What else might be involved?

We think the immune system is also part of the problem. While a woman is pregnant, her immune system adapts to avoid rejecting the fetus the way it might reject a donated liver or kidney. But after she gives birth, the immune system goes back to the way it had been. Most autoimmune diseases have a flare-up after delivery. We know, for instance, that women with rheumatoid arthritis usually feel better during pregnancy. But after they give birth, the rheumatoid arthritis symptoms come back. Given that all disorders with postpartum onset in general medicine are immune related, we think that immune dysfunction plays a major role in postpartum psychosis as well. We have done small studies and urgently need funding for larger studies.

Who is most likely to develop postpartum psychosis?

It is just bad luck. Postpartum psychosis happens in women of all backgrounds and educational levels all over the world. But there are two groups of women who have a very high risk of postpartum psychosis:

  • Women who have bipolar disorder: Their risk goes from 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 6 for postpartum psychosis and 1 in 6 for postpartum depression. So that means women with bipolar disorder have a 1 in 3 risk for becoming mentally ill after childbirth.
  • Women who have already had postpartum psychosis: Their risk also rises from 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 3 to get seriously ill after delivery (both postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis)

How do I reduce my risk of postpartum psychosis?

If you are at high risk of postpartum psychosis, you should begin treatment right after you give birth to prevent it.

What does scientific research say about postpartum psychosis?

Recent studies have underlined the link between the condition and bipolar disorder. Researchers are working hard to spread the word about postpartum psychosis and have it recognized as an official diagnosis.

 

Learn more about Mount Sinai's Women’s Mental Health Center

GLP-1 Medications Explained: What You Should Know

Updated on Sep 1, 2026 | Diabetes, Endocrinology, Featured, Heart Health, Popular, Vascular Health, Your Health

GLP-1 medications are now a major topic in health care and the news. These drugs can help people manage type 2 diabetes and lose weight. Researchers are also studying how they may help with other health problems.

What are GLP-1 medications? How do they work? What should you know about their benefits, side effects, and risks?

Reshmi Srinath, MD, Director of the Mount Sinai Weight and Metabolism Management Program, explains the basics of GLP-1 medications.

What are GLP-1 medications?

GLP-1 medications act like a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1.

The small intestine releases GLP-1. This hormone helps control blood sugar. It also helps people feel full after eating.

Researchers began studying gut hormones many years ago. They found that natural GLP-1 breaks down fast in the body. They later made forms that last longer and can be used as drugs.

Most GLP-1 drugs are peptides. Peptides are made from the same building blocks as proteins. Some newer drugs are not peptides. They can still target the same GLP-1 receptor in the body.

Reshmi Srinath, MD, Director of the Mount Sinai Weight and Metabolism Management Program

How do GLP-1 medications work?

GLP-1 medications affect several parts of the body. They can help:

  • Manage blood sugar: GLP-1 affects the pancreas and liver. Both help control blood sugar.
  • Help you feel full: The drugs can help people feel full after eating.
  • Slow digestion: The drugs slow the speed at which food moves through the digestive system.
  • Support weight loss: Feeling full longer can help people eat less and lose weight.

The first GLP-1 drugs were mainly used for type 2 diabetes. Doctors then noticed that with improvement in diabetes that many patients also lost weight.

Researchers are now studying other ways these drugs may help with other chronic health conditions, says Dr. Srinath.

What are the approved uses of GLP-1 medications?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved GLP-1 medications for these uses:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Obesity and weight management
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Heart disease
  • Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a form of liver disease
  • Reducing certain heart and kidney risks in people with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease

Some GLP-1 drugs are shots, and some are pills. Not every drug is approved for every use. The table below lists approved drugs, key brand names, and uses*.

Active ingredient Key brand names FDA-approved uses
Semaglutide Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus Type 2 diabetes; weight management; heart and kidney risk reduction; MASH
Tirzepatide Mounjaro, Zepbound Type 2 diabetes; weight management; obstructive sleep apnea; heart risk reduction
Liraglutide Victoza, Saxenda Type 2 diabetes; weight management; heart risk reduction
Dulaglutide Trulicity Type 2 diabetes; heart risk reduction
Orforglipron Foundayo Weight management

*Information accurate as of September 1, 2026.

What other uses are being studied?

Scientists are studying whether GLP-1 drugs may help with other health problems. Research includes:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Autoimmune diseases, including some skin conditions
  • Cancer
  • Brain conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia

Why might one type of drug affect so many parts of the body? “There may not be one simple answer,” says Dr. Srinath.

Weight loss can improve some long-term health problems. Researchers are also studying how GLP-1 drugs may affect inflammation. Inflammation plays a role in many long-term diseases.

Scientists may find more ways these drugs can help. But more research is needed. We do not yet know if they are safe and effective for these other uses.

What are the most common GLP-1 side effects?

The most common side effects affect the digestive system. They include:

  • Nausea
  • Acid reflux
  • Constipation

Side effects may start soon after treatment begins. They often get better as the body gets used to the drug.

Side effects may come back when the dose goes up, says Dr. Srinath. Talk to your health care provider if they do not go away or worry you.

Are GLP-1 medications safe long term?

“GLP-1 medications are not brand-new drugs,” says Dr. Srinath.

These drugs have been used for diabetes for many years. Thousands of patients have also taken part in studies. Doctors have a large amount of information about their safety and side effects.

Still, newer GLP-1 drugs do not have decades of safety data. Researchers continue to study their long-term effects as more people use them.

Dr. Srinath says more long-term safety data is still needed. For now, she says the evidence is reassuring and the benefits outweigh any risks.

What are common concerns about GLP-1 medications?

As these drugs have become more popular, people have asked more questions about their effects. Here is what we know about some common concerns.

Are GLP-1 medications a “magic” weight-loss drug?

No. GLP-1 drugs can be strong tools, but a healthy lifestyle is also important, says Dr. Srinath.

Healthy eating and exercise still matter. Dr. Srinath recommends enough protein, fiber, and water each day. Limiting highly processed foods, sugary drinks, and alcohol can also help.

The drugs also do not work the same for everyone. Some people in clinical trials did not get the same results as others. GLP-1 drugs are not a guaranteed solution, says Dr. Srinath.

Do GLP-1 medications cause muscle loss?

Muscle loss is a common concern, especially when these drugs are used for weight loss.

“The bottom line is this: You are going to lose muscle no matter how you lose weight,” says Dr. Srinath.

About one-quarter of the weight a person loses may be muscle, while most of the rest is fat, says Dr. Srinath. She notes that muscle loss can happen with any type of weight loss, not just with GLP-1 medications.

Researchers are still studying what this muscle loss may mean. They do not yet know if it affects strength or how well a person can move.

For now, Dr. Srinath recommends staying active. She also recommends exercises that build and keep muscle. Getting enough protein is important too.

Can GLP-1 medications damage the heart?

Current data does not show that GLP-1 drugs damage heart muscle. In fact, some GLP-1 drugs have shown benefits for the heart, says Dr. Srinath.

Research is still underway. But current evidence does not suggest that muscle loss from these drugs weakens the heart.

Can GLP-1 medications affect your eyes?

Some studies have found a possible link to a rare eye problem. This problem affects blood flow to the optic nerve.

“That is an area of ongoing research, and while it is such a low risk, it is something I do tell patients about,” says Dr. Srinath. “I do think the benefits here outweigh any eye risks, though.”

Talk to your health care provider if you notice changes in your vision. You may also need to see an eye doctor.

Do not ignore new vision problems. Do not stop a prescribed drug before you talk to your health care provider.

What are compounded GLP-1 medications?

Some people use compounded GLP-1 drugs. These drugs may cost less and may be easier to get. They are often sold through compounding pharmacies and online health services.

Compounding pharmacies make drugs for individual patients. They do not supply the finished drug made by the original drug maker.

Compounded GLP-1 drugs are not the same as FDA-approved brand-name drugs, says Dr. Srinath. They do not go through the same FDA review for safety, quality, and how well they work.

Concerns about compounded GLP-1 drugs include:

  • The amount of active drug in a dose
  • The strength of the drug
  • Added ingredients, such as preservatives, vitamins, or supplements
  • Differences in quality between pharmacies

Dr. Srinath says some patients have received doses that were too strong or not strong enough. She says it can be hard to know how safe or effective a specific compounded drug may be.

Dr. Srinath recommends FDA-approved brand-name drugs when possible.

Cost and insurance coverage can make these drugs hard to get. This can lead some people to seek compounded drugs instead.

If you use a compounded GLP-1 drug, Dr. Srinath recommends care from a health care provider. This may be an endocrinologist, a weight management specialist, or a primary care provider.

Questions about GLP-1 medication? Schedule an appointment with a doctor

What You Should Know About Chronic Cough and Throat Clearing

Updated on Sep 1, 2026 | Your Health

A photo of a man coughing.

An occasional cough or throat clear usually is not a concern. But a cough that lasts eight weeks or longer is considered a long-lasting (chronic) cough. Chronic cough and throat clearing are common, affecting between 10 and 20 percent of the population.

In this Q&A, Benjamin Laitman, MD, PhD, a laryngologist with the Mount Sinai Health System, explains how a chronic cough differs from occasional throat clearing, and when you should see a doctor for that chronic cough.

“Often these two are intertwined because when people feel something in the back of their throat, some people will do it with a cough, some people will do it with a gentle throat clear,” says Dr. Laitman, who is also an Assistant Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and a member of the Grabscheid Voice and Swallowing Center of Mount Sinai.

What causes chronic cough and throat clearing?

The three most common causes are:

  • Lung problems, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and infections
  • Reflux disease. Severe heartburn, a painful burning feeling in the chest or throat, can happen when stomach contents move upward into the esophagus and throat. This can lead to chronic cough
  • Postnasal drip and sinus disease

If these causes are ruled out, you may have irritable larynx syndrome, also called throat or laryngeal hypersensitivity. With this condition, the nerves in your throat can sense irritation more easily and send signals more often. You may feel as though something is in your throat and needs to be cleared, even when nothing is there.

What doctor should I see for a chronic cough?

The right doctor depends on what may be causing your cough. Start with your primary care doctor, who can refer you to the right specialist.

  1. Allergies and sinus problems: Your doctor can check for a sinus infection or recommend an allergy and immune system specialist (allergist or immunologist). Conditions such as chronic rhinosinusitis or allergic rhinitis can cause postnasal drip and cough. If the problem keeps coming back or becomes chronic, your doctor may recommend an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
  2. Lung problems: Your primary care doctor may refer you to a pulmonologist, a doctor who specializes in lung diseases. This doctor may order lung testing. Pulmonary function tests or chest X-rays can help rule out or identify common causes, such as asthma or other lung disease.
  3. Heartburn: If you have heartburn or notice that your cough is related to meals, your doctor may recommend a gastroenterologist, a doctor who specializes in the digestive system, to look for reflux. Reflux happens when food or acid from the stomach moves up into the esophagus. Laryngopharyngeal reflux is a type of reflux in which food or acid rises as far as the throat. This can cause irritation, extra mucus, hoarseness, chronic cough, and throat clearing.

A photo of Benjamin Laitman, MD, PhD

Benjamin Laitman, MD, PhD

What should I do if my chronic cough does not have an obvious cause?

If these possible causes have been evaluated and no cause is found, you may be referred to an ENT doctor with additional training focused on the throat (laryngologist). This doctor can evaluate you for laryngeal hypersensitivity, sometimes called irritable larynx syndrome. Doctors diagnose this condition only after other causes have been ruled out.

With laryngeal hypersensitivity, nerves in the throat send signals to the brain that make you feel as though you need to cough or clear your throat, even when nothing is there. Coughing can then irritate the throat further, creating a cycle that can be difficult to break.

Treatment for this cycle is different from treatment for lung disease, reflux, or sinus problems. The source describes two approaches: behavioral cough therapy and treatment to reduce nerve firing.

In behavioral cough therapy, speech-language pathologists work with the laryngology team to help you respond differently when you feel the urge to cough and break the cycle. Another approach is to reduce nerve firing with a localized injection or longer-term medications such as gabapentin and amitriptyline. The source states that these medications have been shown to reduce this hypersensitivity.

What doctor should I see if throat clearing is my main symptom?

Throat clearing and chronic cough can be two signs of the same underlying problem, so doctors generally look for the same causes. If throat clearing is your main symptom, it is still important to rule out postnasal drip, sinus disease, and reflux. An ENT specialist can check for postnasal drip and irritation in the back of the throat. If you have heartburn symptoms, a gastroenterologist can evaluate you for reflux.

If those causes are ruled out, throat clearing can also be a sign of laryngeal hypersensitivity. The same evaluation and treatment approach may apply.

Throat clearing can also be related to a swallowing problem. If you feel as though food is getting stuck in your throat, an ENT specialist can check for a blockage or another problem. You may also see a laryngologist and a speech-language pathologist.

If you have swallowing problems or feel that food is getting stuck along with throat clearing, your care team may perform swallowing tests. In one type of test, you eat or drink while a camera is used to view your throat. Imaging tests can also show how food moves from your throat toward your stomach.

If food is not moving normally, your care team may need to make sure it is not entering your lungs. This is called aspiration, which can lead to pneumonia.

Why is it important to get treatment for chronic cough and throat clearing?

Chronic cough and throat clearing may seem like minor annoyances, but they can disrupt sleep and make everyday activities, such as going to a movie or having dinner with friends, uncomfortable. In severe cases, repeated coughing or throat clearing can strain the voice and lead to a vocal cord injury.

There is often an identifiable cause. Once your care team knows whether the cause is a lung problem, reflux, sinus disease, or laryngeal hypersensitivity, they can identify an appropriate treatment path. If you have a chronic cough or ongoing throat clearing, start with your primary care doctor, who can help guide you to the right specialist.

Find a Primary Care doctor who can help you with your cough

What Are Peptide Supplements, and Are They Safe?

Updated on Aug 27, 2026 | Featured, Your Health

A photo of a woman a the pharmacy counter.

You may be hearing a lot about peptides—supplements that can help with muscle repair and boost your immune system. But many man-made (synthetic) peptides haven’t been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and there are questions about whether they are safe.

In this Q&A, endocrinologist Reshmi Srinath, MD, Director of the Mount Sinai Weight and Metabolism Management Program, explains what peptide supplements do and whether they are safe and effective.

What are peptides?

Peptides are natural substances that your body makes. They are chains of amino acids, which are molecules that combine to form proteins. Proteins help your body grow, repair itself, and stay healthy.

What are the most common types of peptides that doctors prescribe?

The three peptides that doctors safely prescribe are insulin, oxytocin, and GLP-1s.

  • Insulin helps your body turn food into energy. It also keeps your blood sugar at a healthy level. People with diabetes may need insulin if their bodies don’t make enough insulin or can’t use it correctly.
  • Oxytocin helps during labor and breastfeeding. It also helps us feel calm, trusting, and emotionally stable. Doctors may use oxytocin when women are giving birth to help start or strengthen labor contractions.
  • GLP–1s regulate blood sugar and tell your brain when you’ve had enough to eat. Doctors might prescribe a GLP-1 (such as Wegovy® or Zepbound®) to suppress your appetite, slow digestion, and help you lose weight.

Your body makes all of these peptides naturally. Peptides prescribed by doctors are made in scientific laboratories under careful supervision.

A photo of Reshmi Srinath, MD

Reshmi Srinath, MD

Why are people talking about peptides on social media?

Thanks to social media “wellness” influencers, who often are not medical professionals, there is growing interest in synthetic peptides. These influencers often talk about how synthetic peptides can affect healthy aging, healing, muscle repair, and our immune system.

The peptides they recommend often come in the form of pills or shots. They are usually made in compounding pharmacies, which are not as well-regulated as scientific labs. Given the unknowns, you should speak with your doctor to understand any potential risks.

Are synthetic peptides safe and effective?

We don’t know. These peptides are not FDA approved. Not enough studies have been done to know if synthetic peptides are safe. And most of the studies that have been done are on animals, not humans. In addition, scientists have not studied what doses are appropriate and whether these peptides are safe in the long term.

Another concern is that most synthetic peptides are made in compounding pharmacies. These facilities don’t have the same level of FDA monitoring and oversight as scientific labs. This may increase the risk of contamination.

It is also important to know who is prescribing these peptides and whether they are licensed.

Why are peptides so popular?

People are always interested in how to improve their health, live longer, and help our bodies heal. The recent success of GLP-1 medications for weight management has also fueled interest in peptides, but the safety of GLP-1s is backed by significant research.

When it comes to peptide supplements, there is still not much that is understood. I do not support use of synthetic peptides that have not been FDA approved. I recommend caution—you are using them at your own risk. We hope these peptides will be studied more vigorously under FDA guidance.

Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you have questions about peptides or other supplements

Should You Be Screened for Low Testosterone?

Aug 18, 2026 | Endocrinology, Your Health

Close up of a middle- aged Asian man looking away with his chin in his hand

Low testosterone happens when men cannot make normal amount of testosterone. While low testosterone happens gradually with age, certain conditions can cause it to happen earlier.

Men with low testosterone may benefit from testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) available through injections, gels, creams, and pills (which are not always covered by insurance).

Headshot of Michael Via, MD

Michael Via, MD

“For men who truly have low testosterone, TRT is generally a safe and effective treatment when prescribed and monitored appropriately,” says Michael Via, MD, a Mount Sinai endocrinologist.

In this Q&A, Dr. Via discusses who should be screened for low testosterone and the potential risks and benefits of TRT.

When should men be screened for low testosterone?

Testosterone levels naturally decrease as men get older, but the rate of decline varies from person to person. Because of this, routine screening for low testosterone is not recommended. It does not need to be part of your regular annual blood work.

However, if you are experiencing symptoms that could be related to low testosterone, talk with your doctor about whether testing is appropriate.

What are the symptoms of low testosterone?

The symptoms of low testosterone can be similar to many other common health concerns, so they are not always caused by low testosterone alone.

Common symptoms include:

  • Feeling more tired than usual
  • Muscle weakness or loss of strength
  • Low energy
  • Lower sex drive
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Less facial or body hair growth

Some people also notice:

  • Trouble concentrating
  • Increased anxiety

These symptoms can have many different causes. If you are experiencing several of them, your doctor may recommend checking your testosterone level to see whether it could be contributing.

What can cause low testosterone besides aging?

Besides aging, several health conditions can lead to low testosterone.

  • Genetic conditions that affect testosterone production
  • Serious head injuries that damage the pituitary gland, a small gland in the brain that helps control hormone production. In many cases, testosterone levels return to normal within about a year without treatment
  • Metabolic syndrome: Conditions including excess weight around the waist; high blood pressure; high blood sugar; high triglycerides (a type of blood fat); and low HDL (“good”) cholesterol
  • Pituitary disorders, including pituitary tumors that produce excess prolactin, or large pituitary tumors that may need surgery can cause testosterone levels to be low. Both of these are uncommon, and your doctor can help guide evaluation

For many men, improving overall health may help restore the body’s natural testosterone production without testosterone replacement therapy. This would include:

  • losing weight
  • exercising regularly
  • eating a healthier diet
  • taking medications such as GLP-1 medicines when appropriate
  • having bariatric surgery

What are the benefits and risks of testosterone replacement therapy?

For men who have confirmed low testosterone and bothersome symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy may be appropriate.

In the right patients, TRT can improve symptoms, including better muscle strength, bone health, sexual function, and quality of life, but symptom improvement varies from person to person. Some men feel much better, while others notice little improvement.

The potential risks of testosterone replacement therapy include:

  • A reduction in your body’s own testosterone production
  • An enlarged prostate (benign prostate enlargement), which can worsen urinary symptoms in some men
  • An increase in red blood cells, which can make the blood thicker and may increase the risk of blood clots if blood counts become too high

Researchers have also studied whether testosterone therapy increases the risk of heart disease or prostate cancer. Current evidence has not shown an increased risk of major heart problems from testosterone therapy. The relationship between testosterone therapy and prostate cancer remains less certain, though current evidence suggests the risk may not be increased.

How long does testosterone replacement therapy treatment last?

Treatment is often a long-term commitment. In some cases, your doctor may recommend trying treatment for a few months and then stopping it to see whether it made a meaningful difference. Men already on TRT should continue regular follow-up with their doctor so they can monitor prostate health and blood counts.

Can testosterone replacement therapy improve my libido, energy, and mood?

Many men believe testosterone therapy will completely restore their energy, improve their mood, and solve every symptom they are experiencing. In reality, testosterone is not a cure-all. While it can be very helpful for men with confirmed low testosterone, it does not improve every symptom for every person.

Schedule an appointment with a Mount Sinai endocrinologist

Hot Flashes in the Summer: How to Cool Down and Optimize Your Summer Lifestyle

Updated on Jul 31, 2026 | Women's Health, Your Health

Photo of a woman with her arms outstretched

For women navigating perimenopause and menopause, hot flashes rarely wait for a convenient moment. In the heat of a New York summer, they can feel relentless: the sudden warmth on a subway platform, the flush in the middle of a meeting, the wave that arrives out of nowhere. 

“During this natural stage of life, declining estrogen levels make the body’s temperature-regulating center—the hypothalamus—more sensitive to even small changes in temperature. As outdoor temperatures rise, the hypothalamus can overreact, leading to more frequent and severe hot flashes,” says Rachel Kassenoff, MD, Assistant Professor, Raquel and Jaime Gilinski Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and a leading expert in perimenopause and menopause at the Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness at Mount Sinai.  

The encouraging news: relief is real, and it starts with strategies you can use today. Every woman’s hot flashes have their own pattern, so the first step is learning yours. 

“At the Rowan Women’s Health Center, we understand the frustration of hot flashes especially during the hotter months,” says Rachel Kassenoff, MD. “Take proactive steps to find cool, calm relief, and enjoy your summer.” 

Learn Your Triggers and Take a Proactive Approach 

Caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods are among the most common culprits. Alcohol and spicy foods can widen blood vessels and create a quick burst of internal heat, and many women find caffeine sets off hot flashes too. Stress is another powerful trigger, and women who smoke tend to have more frequent and more severe hot flashes.  

Try keeping a simple symptom journal for two weeks. Note what you ate and drank, your stress level, and what you were doing when a hot flash hit. Many women spot a pattern within those two weeks, and once you can see it, you can plan around it. 

Dress for the Season 

Choose lightweight, loose clothing in breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, or bamboo to allow air to circulate and moisture to evaporate. This prevents overheating and sweating. Dress in layers so you can remove a layer when a hot flash kicks in. 

Hydrate! 

Sipping ice water throughout the day helps you stay cool and can take the edge off a hot flash in progress. But when you sweat heavily, water alone does not replace the sodium and other minerals you lose. On hot days, coconut water, a low-sugar electrolyte drink, or water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, and celery help you stay ahead of dehydration. 

Beat the Heat  

Avoid afternoon sun. If you’re outdoors, stay in the shade and use sunscreen. Limit your exposure to the direct sun to prevent overheating and hot flashes. Keep your home cool with air conditioning or fans and close blinds during peak sunlight hours. 

Protect Your Sleep 

Night sweats can turn summer nights into a struggle. Keep your bedroom cool, choose lightweight, breathable bedding, and skip alcohol and caffeine in the hours before bed. A consistent bedtime and a genuine wind-down, even ten quiet minutes with a book or some deep breathing, help your body recover when sleep is interrupted. 

You Don’t Have to “Just Live With It” 

“At the Rowan Women’s Health Center, we understand the frustration of hot flashes especially during the hotter months,” Dr. Kassenoff says. “Take proactive steps to find cool, calm relief, and enjoy your summer.” 

And if hot flashes are disrupting your days or your sleep, lifestyle strategies are only one layer of relief. Menopausal hormone therapy and non-hormonal agents can be very effective in battling these disruptive symptoms. At the Carolyn Rowan Center for Women’s Health and Wellness at Mount Sinai, you will find care that sees the whole you, personalized for every stage of midlife. 

To schedule an appointment, call 212-731-3609 or click here