Latest news with #hotflashes
Reuters
4 days ago
- Health
- Reuters
US FDA extends review of Bayer's menopause relief drug
July 25 (Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has extended its review of Bayer's ( opens new tab experimental menopause relief drug, the German drugmaker said on Friday. The non-hormonal treatment, elinzanetant, is being reviewed for relieving moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms, also known as hot flashes, associated with menopause. The FDA has extended the review by up to 90 days and did not raise any concern regarding the general approvability of the drug, Bayer said. The drug, branded as Lynkuet, is approved in the United Kingdom and Canada.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Hot flashes 101: What triggers them, how long they last and what you can do to cool down fast
It starts innocuously enough — maybe you're in a meeting or standing in line at the grocery store — when suddenly it feels like someone cranked an invisible furnace to hellish proportions. Within seconds, you're sweating, shivering and feeling your heart race. If you're a woman of a certain age, welcome to the world of hot flashes, menopause's most common and notorious symptom. Research in the Journal of Mid-Life Health shows that more than 80% of women experience these unpredictable waves of intense heat during this natural transition. But what exactly causes a hot flash? And aside from taking up permanent residence in your freezer, are there any real hot flash remedies? We turned to the experts to find out. But first, what is a hot flash anyway? Table of contents The science behind hot flashes When do hot flashes start? What do hot flashes feel like? How long do hot flashes last? Lifestyle changes to manage hot flashes Consider medications Cooling products for hot flash relief Meet the experts The science behind hot flashes Hot flashes are all in your head — literally. They start in the hypothalamus, the temperature-control center in your brain. Normally, this area keeps your body temperature in check with the precision of a NASA engineer. But during perimenopause and menopause, your hypothalamus can, well, freak out. "During perimenopause, the hypothalamus becomes overly sensitive due to fluctuating and declining estrogen levels," says Dr. Sherry Ross, ob-gyn and women's health expert at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif. "Even a small shift in temperature can be misinterpreted as overheating, prompting your body to launch a full-on cool-down response: dilated blood vessels, sweating and all." In scientific terms, these temperature swings are known as vasomotor symptoms (VMS) — and they're anything but subtle. When estrogen levels dip, the delicate balance of brain chemicals like norepinephrine and serotonin goes awry, as noted in StatPearls, a peer-reviewed medical reference. These neurotransmitters help regulate your temperature, so when they're thrown off, your hypothalamus hits the panic button and — voila! — a hot flash. This is why medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that target these chemicals have been shown to help cool things down. More on that later. When do hot flashes start? Hot flashes often emerge when estrogen levels start fluctuating in the initial stages of perimenopause, which can start up to a decade before menopause officially begins. That means hot flashes can strike as early as your 30s. A 2025 report in NPJ Women's Health found that more than half of women ages 30 to 35 experience moderate to severe symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes. What do hot flashes feel like? The most recognizable symptom of a hot flash is a sudden, intense sensation of heat throughout your body, usually starting in your chest or face. Red blotches may dot your chest, back and arms. "These episodes tend to last one to five minutes, leaving you flushed, sweaty, clammy or even with heart palpitations," says Ross. Night sweats — aka hot flashes that happen during sleep — are also common. These after-hours symptoms can easily disrupt your slumber, leaving you wide-eyed, drenched and exhausted. And, over time, this pattern can lead to long-term sleep disruption, wreaking havoc on everything from your cardiac health to your mood. The severity of these symptoms varies dramatically from person to person. "While hot flashes may be milder for some, others can experience them as frequent and intense enough to interfere with daily life," says Ross. How long do hot flashes last? "For most women, hot flashes last about three to five years, but for others, they can persist for a decade or more," says Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl, a neurologist for the Comprehensive Menopause Care Program at the University of California, Los Angeles. In fact, some battle the heat for a gobsmacking 14 years, according to research in JAMA Internal Medicine. But before you lose your cool (wink, wink), Voskuhl notes: "Everyone experiences hot flashes differently — some people may have more than 10 hot flashes a day, while others might only deal with them occasionally." While hot flashes are typically a normal part of the menopause journey, in rare cases they can be symptoms of other conditions, such as thyroid disease or certain cancers, or they can be side effects from certain medications, like SSRIs, says Ross. That's why it's important to consult your health care provider, especially if symptoms feel unusual or appear earlier than expected. Lifestyle changes to manage hot flashes There are several lifestyle changes that can go a long way in reducing the intensity and frequency of hot flashes, according to research in the journal Menopause. Here's what experts suggest: Skip spicy foods If you're a fan of heat — in your food, that is — it's a good idea to dial it down right now. Spicy dishes, especially those that contain jalapeño, habanero and serrano peppers can trigger hot flashes and sweating because they contain capsaicin, a chemical compound that produces heat sensations. "Capsaicin makes the blood vessels dilate and fill with blood, which causes a warm sensation — and hot flashes and sweating can occur as a result of this phenomenon," says Ross. Limit alcoholic beverages That nightly glass of wine you used to look forward to? It might be plotting against you. Research in the journal Nutrients suggests that any level of regular drinking increases hot flash risk, with moderate drinkers (one and a half to three drinks a day) showing double the risk and heavy drinkers (more than three drinks a day) showing more than triple the risk compared with women who abstain from alcohol. While any alcohol can bring on the flash, Ross shares that red wine might be the biggest culprit. "Red wine causes the blood vessels to relax, vasodilate and expand, making you feel warm or flushed," she says. "Some experience intense hot flashes while others only feel warmer." Exercise regularly The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends exercising for at least 2.5 hours a week, whether you're hot flashing or not. But sticking to those guidelines is especially important for hot flash relief. Regular exercise that improves cardio fitness appears to retrain your body's temperature control system, making it more efficient at cooling down, potentially reducing both the frequency and severity of hot flashes, according to a small study in the journal Menopause. However, jumping into super-intense workouts might have the opposite effect. A 2024 report from the Menopause Society found that sudden spikes in physical activity — doing way more than your usual routine — can trigger hot flashes in the short term. The key is consistency over intensity: building up your fitness gradually with steady, regular workouts rather than dramatic increases in activity. Try stress-reduction techniques Stress doesn't just mess with your mood — it can boost the intensity and frequency of hot flashes. That's because stress hormones like cortisol can further throw off your already sensitive internal thermostat. Evidence-backed methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and clinical hypnosis can make a real dent. In one randomized controlled trial of more than 180 postmenopausal women, those who received regular hypnosis saw a 74% drop in hot flash frequency and severity compared with a control group. Another proven option? Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) — think meditation, body scans or guided breathing. A 2025 systematic review found that women practicing MBIs reported better sleep, improved mood, reduced anxiety and stress and a general boost in quality of life. Bonus: These practices are safe, accessible and easy to stick with. Consider medications "If hot flashes are severely interfering with daily life, sleep or mood — and lifestyle changes aren't helping — it's time to consider medical intervention," says Dr. Andrea Matsumura, board-certified sleep medicine physician and cofounder of the Portland Menopause Collective in Oregon. "Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most effective option for those who are good candidates." If you're not a candidate for HRT, due to a history of breast cancer, blood clots or heart disease, other options include: Veozah: A newer, FDA-approved medication that helps reduce hot flashes by triggering temperature-regulating neurons in the brain. SSRIs and SNRIs: Low doses of certain antidepressants (like paroxetine or venlafaxine) can lessen hot flashes by calming the part of the brain that controls body temperature. Gabapentin: Originally used to treat seizures and nerve pain, this med has also proved to help with hot flashes — especially at night. Cooling products for hot-flash relief Will the just-right buy from Amazon cure you of hot flashes? If only! But certain cool-down products can help. Ross recommends using breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics — whether in clothes or bedsheets — and investing in a fan for your bedside to combat pesky night sweats. Here are a few more cooling products to consider: Hot flashes can feel like an uncontrollable force taking over your body, but you have more power than you might think. The right mix of lifestyle tweaks, smart cooling strategies and medical backup when you need it can help you regain control. Every woman's experience is different, so work with your healthcare provider to figure out what combination will help you feel like yourself again. Meet the experts Sherry Ross, MD, ob-gyn at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif. Rhonda Voskuhl, MD, a neurologist for the Comprehensive Menopause Care Program at UCLA Andrea Matsumura, MD, board-certified sleep medicine physician and co-founder of the Portland Menopause Collective in Oregon Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
5 best cooling pillows of 2025 to help keep you cool and comfy through the night
If you find yourself struggling with hot flashes, menopause symptoms or night sweats that leave you tossing and turning (especially in the summer heat), you're not the only one. For many Canadians, getting a good night's sleep becomes even more challenging with age, especially when your body temperature fails to cooperate. Whether you're experiencing hormonal changes, age-related sleep disturbances or simply run hot, investing in a high-quality cooling pillow can make a huge difference. Pillows made using breathable materials (like gel-infused memory foam and moisture-wicking fabrics) can help regulate your body temperature, relieve discomfort and keep you cool all night long. So, whether you're in the midst of a summer heat wave or a full-blown hot flash, we've rounded up the very best cooling pillows you can snag right now. If you want to sleep cooler, deeper and more comfortably, keep scrolling. Foam Pillow with Snow Technology Firmness: This standard foam pillow is available in a low loft (flatter) or high loft (great for side sleepers) option. This Casper pillow is designed to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night, thanks to its innovative Snow Technology, which will help provide up to 12 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Whether you're a stomach or side sleeper, the pillow's foam will help you stay properly aligned for maximum comfort. The combination of materials and cooling technology prevents heat from getting trapped, while the cool-to-the-touch outer layer provides a refreshing feel as soon as you lay your head down. The pillow will ensure support for your neck and shoulders throughout the night, available in both Low Loft for stomach sleepers and High Loft for side sleepers. With its active cooling and supportive design, this pillow will help you stay cool and comfortable all night, allowing you to wake up feeling best sports bras for every sweaty summer workout The best dresses to conceal your tummy and how to feel confident in them 22 best walking shoes for women, recommended by a podiatrist Best cooling pillows Coop Home Goods Eden Cool+ Adjustable Pillow Firmness: This pillow has an added gel-infused layer for extra cooling and support. Inside the Coop Eden Cool+ pillow is gel-infused fill and materials that allow for better airflow, which help keep the heat away. On the outside, there's a soft, cool cover and a heat-wicking liner to keep things chill (literally). The memory foam and microfibre work together to prevent the pillow from trapping heat and moisture, making it a great pick if you tend to overheat at night or struggle with temperature regulation. The pillow is also adjustable — just unzip the cover and add or remove filling to get the right firmness for you. Plus, it has two sides to choose from: one soft and cool, and the other firmer with extra cooling support. So, no matter which side you get, you can anticipate a cool and comfortable sleep. Sijo Flexcool Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow Firmness: This pillow comes with a pouch of fill, so you can adjust its height and firmness. If you're looking for the perfect pillow, this one is adjustable, so you can tailor the height and firmness to your liking. How? It comes with a pouch of fill so you can customize it to fit your comfort needs. So, whether you like a soft or firm pillow, you can easily change it up for that just-right feel. Plus, the cooling fabric will help keep your temperature regulated all night, so no more tossing and turning from overheating. The materials consist of a super soft cotton lining and a mix of nylon and spandex on the outside. And the side zip closure makes it easy to add or remove the fill, giving you full control over the height. It's available in Standard/Queen (20' x 28') and King (20' x 36') sizes, too. Customers are loving the difference it makes: "Loved it so much, I bought another one the next day!" If you're seeking a pillow that offers personalized comfort and cooling all in one, this is definitely worth a try. Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow Firmness: This dual-sided cooling pillow has a medium feel and medium profile. If you're on the hunt for a pillow that gives you the perfect balance of comfort and support, this soft TEMPUR-Cloud pillow might just be the one. It's designed for back, side and stomach sleepers, helping you get the restful night's sleep you deserve. Thanks to the pressure-relieving memory foam, the pillow will adjust to your head, neck and shoulders for customized support. It will help you wake up feeling more refreshed and pain-free. The material is also very adaptive, compressing easily for travel — and it will bounce back to its original shape by morning. It also comes with a breathable polyester cover that's super easy to clean — just toss it in the washing machine when needed. Its queen size will fit perfectly on most beds, giving you plenty of space to rest comfortably. SLUMBER CLOUD UltraCool Pillow Firmness: This standard pillow offers soft to medium firmness. Fun fact: this UltraCool Pillow uses NASA-engineered Outlast technology to keep you cool throughout the night. It works to actively regulate body temperature, reducing heat buildup by up to 50 per cent, so you can sleep deeper and more comfortably without being woken up by hot flashes or night sweats. It comes in two firmness levels, allowing you to choose the right support for your neck. This one offers soft/medium support, but there's also a medium/firm option on the Slumber Cloud website. Whether you sleep on your back, side or stomach, it offers the perfect balance of comfort and support. Best cooling pillows under $50 Looking for something more budget-friendly? We've got you covered with these under-$50 picks from Amazon Canada. COZSINOOR Queen Size Bed Pillows (2-Pack) KUCEY Cooling Bed Pillow KUCEY Cooling Side Sleeper Pillow Royal Choice Cooling Memory Foam Neck Pillow KELTARO Queen Size Cooling Pillows (2-Pack)
CBS News
21-07-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Fighting the fire within: How I managed menopausal hot flashes
Sponsored and provided by Astellas. Pam is a real VEOZAH (fezolinetant) patient who has been compensated by Astellas. Please keep reading to see Important Safety Information, including BOXED WARNING. Like many women, Pam is always on the go. At 51 years old, she's a busy director of a rural health clinic, a full-time graduate student, and a mother of four. Recently, Pam's life was further complicated by the onset of menopause, which brought hot flashes and night sweats, causing her to wake ten times a night.* Sleepless nights because of her night sweats occurred along with frequent hot flashes during the day – at work, at school, and while spending time with her family and friends. [1] "It feels like you're burning from the inside out," said Pam. "I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy." [1] After more than a year of discomfort, Pam talked to her healthcare professional about her symptoms and learned that this new challenge she was experiencing was moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS), or hot flashes and night sweats, due to menopause. [1] Nearly half of women in the U.S. going through menopause may experience moderate to severe VMS due to menopause. [2] Hot flashes manifest as sudden and intense sensations of heat in the upper body, sometimes accompanied by sweating, reddening skin, chills, and a rapid heartbeat. [1] Hot flashes classified as moderate in severity are described as a sensation of heat with sweating, while severe hot flashes consist of a sensation of heat with sweating, causing cessation of activity. [1] As Pam knows all too well, these symptoms can impact many aspects of a woman's life, from sleep to work to personal relationships. [3] Despite so many women in the U.S experiencing VMS due to menopause, many don't openly talk about their struggles or seek help in managing symptoms due to shame or embarrassment. [2,4,5] Pam was lucky to have a supportive environment with her colleagues and loved ones to talk openly about her symptoms, and they encouraged her to talk to her healthcare professional about treatment options. After speaking with her healthcare professional about treatment options and doing further research, Pam learned about VEOZAH™, a hormone-free prescription treatment for moderate to severe VMS due to menopause, which is the first FDA-approved treatment designed to block a source of hot flashes directly. [5,6] VEOZAH blocks the binding of neurokinin B, a brain chemical known to trigger hot flashes. [1,7] Encouraged by her family, Pam asked her healthcare professional about VEOZAH to determine if it was the right treatment for her. Her healthcare provider talked to her about the benefits and advised her that VEOZAH can cause serious side effects, including liver problems. [6] Her healthcare professional advised her that she would get a blood test prior to and while taking VEOZAH, and to stop taking VEOZAH right away if she has signs or symptoms of liver problems such as feeling more tired than usual, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, itching, yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), pale feces, dark urine, or pain in the stomach (abdomen). [6] See additional Important Safety Information, including BOXED WARNING, below. [6] Once Pam decided with her healthcare professional to move forward with VEOZAH, her healthcare professional gave her a prescription and sample at no cost. VEOZAH is proven to reduce the number and severity of hot flashes day and night based on clinical studies measuring efficacy at 4 and 12 weeks. [6] While everyone's experience differs, Pam had fewer and less severe hot flashes and night sweats within a few weeks after starting VEOZAH. [8,9] "The impact of having fewer hot flashes and night sweats on my day-to-day life as a student, wife, and working mom has been great," commented Pam. "I also found the VEOZAH Savings Card to be tremendously helpful. Since I am commercially insured and eligible for the Savings Card, it lowered how much I pay out of pocket." Pam is one of many women who have taken VEOZAH since it was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May of 2023. [6,10,11] Dr. Risa Kagan, a board-certified OBGYN, and The Menopause Society-certified practitioner, as well as a clinical professor at UCSF and gynecologist at Sutter Health, is grateful to have another option to offer her patients. [6] "Women have long endured hot flashes and night sweats due to menopause with few treatment options available, so the approval of VEOZAH in 2023 has been an important addition to available treatments," noted Kagan. [6,9] "As a physician, I see firsthand the impact that these symptoms can have on a woman's life – both personally and professionally – and it's rewarding to have this nonhormonal, first-of-its-kind option available that may help appropriate patients." [3,5,6] Dr. Kagan recommends women work closely with their healthcare professional to find the best treatment for them to manage their hot flashes and night sweats due to menopause. [1] It is important that women and their healthcare professional have the ability to choose what's right for them based on their individual medical history and personal choices. However, due to insurance challenges, such as prior authorizations or step therapy with "fail first" requirements, accessing prescribed medications is not always straightforward. Astellas is actively working to educate payers to ensure that their utilization management policies are well-grounded in clinical practice and do not impose unnecessary burdens on patients. Despite its universal impact and the fact that all women who reach midlife will experience menopause, related symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats are often underappreciated and overlooked. [4,12] "It's high time that the U.S. healthcare system acknowledges the burden of hot flashes and night sweats due to menopause on women and prioritize access to medicines that have the potential to help alleviate that burden," said Dr. Kagan. [3] "I strongly encourage women to talk to their healthcare professionals about their experience with hot flashes and night sweats due to menopause that may be affecting their day-to-day lives. [3] Your wellbeing matters, and you are not alone in your menopause journey." [2] Women should consult with their healthcare professional to determine if VEOZAH is the right treatment for them. [6] Patients should also understand the details of their health insurance policy, such as which treatments are covered, coverage restrictions and limits, and exclusions. For instance, a patient's insurance may require prior authorization to cover VEOZAH, which can be provided to their insurance company by their healthcare professional. Women taking VEOZAH with commercial insurance coverage may be eligible for the VEOZAH Savings Card. To learn about the applicable terms and conditions and enroll, patients should visit VEOZAH Support Solutions. What is VEOZAH™ (fezolinetant)? VEOZAH is a prescription medicine used to reduce moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause. VEOZAH is not a hormone. Vasomotor symptoms are the feelings of warmth in the face, neck, and chest, or sudden intense feelings of heat and sweating ("hot flashes" or "hot flushes"). IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about VEOZAH? VEOZAH can cause serious side effects, including: Stop VEOZAH right away and call your healthcare provider if you have the following signs or symptoms of liver problems: Do not use VEOZAH if you: Before you use VEOZAH, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the- counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. VEOZAH may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how VEOZAH works. The most common side effects of VEOZAH include: These are not all the possible side effects of VEOZAH. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit or call 1-800- FDA-1088. Please see full Prescribing Information and Patient Information, including BOXED WARNING. *Individual experiences with moderate to severe VMS (also known as hot flashes and night sweats), due to menopause, may vary. [1] References 1. Thurston RC. Vasomotor symptoms. In: Crandall CJ, Bachman GA, Faubion SS, et al, eds. Menopause Practice: A Clinician's Guide. 6th ed. The North American Menopause Society; 2019:43-55. 2. Freeman EW, Sammel MD, Sanders RJ. Risk of long-term hot flashes after natural menopause: evidence from the Penn Ovarian Aging Study cohort. Menopause. 2014;21(9):924-932. 3. English M, Stoykova B, Slota C, et al. Qualitative study: burden of menopause-associated vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and validation of PROMIS sleep disturbance and sleep-related impairment measures for assessment of VMS impact on sleep. J Patient Rep Outcomes 2021;5(37):1-13. Erratum in: J Patient Rep Outcomes 2021;5:42 4. Nosek M, Kenedy HP, Gudmundsdottir M. Silence, stigma, and shame: a postmodern analysis of distress during menopause. ANS Adv Nurs Sci. 2010;33(3):E24-E36. doi: 10.1097/ANS.0b013e3181eb41e8. 5. The North American Menopause Society. The 2023 nonhormone therapy position statement of the North American Menopause Society. Menopause. 2023;30(6):573-590. 6. Veozah [package insert]. Northbrook, IL: Astellas Pharma US, Inc. 7. Jayasena CN, Comninos AN, Stefanopoulou E, et al. Neurokinin B administration induces hot flushes in women [published online February 16, 2015]. Sci Rep. 2015. 8. Johnson KA, Martin N, Nappi RE, et al. Efficacy and safety of fezolinetant in moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause: a phase 3 RCT. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2023;108(8):1981-1997. 9. Lederman S, Ottery FD, Cano A, et al. Fezolinetant for treatment of moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause (SKYLIGHT 1): a phase 3 randomised controlled study. Lancet. 2023;401(10382):1091-1102. 10. Financial Results (FY2023) 11. Data on file. 2025. 12. Santoro NF. Menopause. In: Crandall CJ, Bachman GA, Faubion SS, et al, eds. Menopause Practice: A Clinician's Guide. 6th ed. The North American Menopause Society; 2019:1-21.
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Katie Thurston Gives Candid Look at Being in ‘Medically Induced Menopause' at 34 Amid Cancer Battle
Former Bachelorette Katie Thurston is opening up about a rarely discussed side effect of her stage IV breast cancer battle. 'What it's like to have hot flashes due to medically induced menopause,' Thurston, 34, wrote via her Instagram Stories on Sunday, July 20, sharing a screenshot of her Apple Health chart. Per a screenshot, Thurston spent eight hours and 54 minutes in bed, but she was only asleep for just over six hours. 'I have the option to add a prescription to the routine of meds I'm on, but tbh I'm just simply scared,' Thurston wrote in her caption. 'Every added pill comes with a new risk for side effects. But, I might be reaching my breaking point when it comes to quality of life.' Katie Thurston Details How Intimacy With Husband Jeff Arcuri Has Changed Since Breast Cancer Battle She continued, 'I'm always tired and uncomfortable.' Thurston was diagnosed with breast cancer in February, later discovering that the malignant tissue had spread to her liver, which elevated her diagnosis to stage IV. In order to adequately treat her specific type of cancer, doctors had to put her body into early menopause. 'Slept like s*** because I'm now in medically induced menopause, which means I get hot flashes,' she said in a social media video posted in May. 'Tonight I have to be social so I figured I would ease into that by being social with you guys during the day. In the meantime, show you kind of what a normal day looks like for me.' She added at the time, 'My lips have been chapped for what feels like two weeks straight. And so it's this game of, like, catch-up and trying to just make sure I get enough water. Which I was already bad at before medication and now it's like a true task every day to force myself to consume water. So, good morning!' Before Thurston went into menopause, she did a round of in vitro fertilization and froze embryos. 'I'm basically putting my ovaries into a temporary menopausal state (I like to say hibernation) to protect them from chemo,' Thurston said in a March Instagram update. 'It will also reduce estrogen production, which is particularly important in hormonereceptor-ER+/PR+ breast cancer as estrogen can fuel cancer growth.' A Timeline of Former Bachelorette Katie Thurston's Breast Cancer Battle: From Diagnosis to Treatment Thurston and her husband, Jeff Arcuri, also plan to use a surrogate to carry any future children down the line. Us Weekly exclusively confirmed earlier in March that the pair tied the knot. 'We were wanting to plan a wedding and there's a lot of emotions that come in with chemo and the impact and the health and we don't know what the next year looks like,' Thurston told Us. 'And one night he said, 'I want to show you that I still love you and that I'm here to stay. I'll get married to you tomorrow.' We flew our parents in from Michigan and Washington State. We got our marriage license and a friend is just gonna marry us.'
