OUTLINE: This is a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, multicenter study. Patients are stratified according to tamoxifen use (yes vs no), number of hot flashes per week (5-34 vs 35-63 vs more than 63), and duration of hot flashes (6 months or less vs longer than 6 months). Patients are randomized to one of three treatment arms. Arm I: Patients receive oral placebo daily. Arm II: Patients receive lower dose oral megestrol daily. Arm III: Patients receive higher dose oral megestrol daily. Patients who do not respond after 3 months of treatment receive an additional dose of oral megestrol daily. Treatment continues for a total of 6 months in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients are followed at 3 months.