symptom

Night Sweats

Night sweats are defined as having several, frequent episodes of heavy sweating while sleeping. This type of sweating would be severe enough to be able to soak through clothes and even bedding.

Hormone changes associated with reproductive hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone can disrupt our bodies’ homeostasis, which can affect body temperature. These sudden spikes in body temperature result in “flashes”, as an effort to cool the body down. These flashes are seen in both hot flashes and night sweats. 

During the perimenopause phase, ovaries are producing less estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, which directly affects the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus can be considered as the body’s internal thermometer – it signals the body to cool off through perspiration when body temperature suddenly rises. 

Some home remedies that can help with combating night sweats include:
  • Drinking cold water consistently throughout the night
  • Wearing loose-fitting, lightweight clothing
  • Implementing daily exercise
  • Using a fan/leaving windows open throughout the night to prevent sudden high body temperature
  • Avoiding: alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine, cigarettes, or exercising right before bed

Night sweats can often persist for a couple years for people, but tend to improve or become more manageable over time. There are clinical ways to handle the symptoms if they become too unbearable.

It is often treated with hormone (estrogen or progestin) therapy, which can also help with other perimenopausal/menopausal symptoms, such as bone loss and vaginal dryness.  

Non-hormone therapies/medications used to treat night sweats are:

  • Anticonvulsants: also used for preventing/controlling seizures
  • Antidepressants: low dosages of Brisdelle has been FDA-approved to treat hot flashes
  • Clonidine: also used for high blood pressure, ADHD, and anxiety
  • Megestrol: also used to treat breast and uterine cancers
  • Oxybutynin: also used for urinary conditions

-Written by Kaila An MPH

LIFESTYLE TIPS

Exercise daily.
Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine at night. 

HOLISTIC APPROACH 

Environmental Changes 

If you're unsure that you're going through perimenopause, we recommend reaching out to you health care provider for further testing. Your doctor may suggest blood tests to check if you're in transition to menopause (aka perimenopause). 

for additional support join the perimenopause community here.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, hot flashes interfere with your sleep. Environmental changes to your space can improve sleep quality: Keep your bedroom cool, avoid heavy bedding, look for light and airy materials like cotton and linen. 

sign up today!

Join the Perimenopause Community

Already a Member? Sign In

Conversations you won't hear anywhere else.