*Content reviewed by HotPause Health Medical Advisor & Board-Certified OB/GYN, Dr. Beverly Joyce
Night Sweats In Menopause
Night sweats are common during perimenopause and menopause. They often accompany hot flashes, which affect 80% of women during menopause. Holy smokes! These severe episodes of sweating can occur during sleep, frequently soaking through pajamas and bedding. Night sweats are NOT simply due to an overheated sleeping environment but are a specific symptom of the menopausal transition linked to the same hormonal changes that cause hot flashes.
Why Do Night Sweats Happen in Menopause?
Like hot flashes, night sweats involve an exaggerated response by the body’s temperature regulation system, primarily governed by the hypothalamus. When hormonal fluctuations disrupt the hypothalamus’s ability to accurately gauge body temperature, it may mistakenly trigger the body’s cooling mechanisms, resulting in excessive sweating. Night sweats can significantly disrupt sleep, impacting overall quality of life and well-being during menopause.
What Can You Do About Night Sweats in Menopause?
Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Refrain from smoking
- Engage in regular physical activity
- Aim for a healthy weight
- Steer clear of triggers like spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol before bed
- Sleep in a cooler environment
- Consider a cooling mattress
- Wear loose-fitting pajamas made of breathable, natural fibers like cotton, linen, or microfiber
Explore Natural Remedies: Research to date has been inconclusive as to whether these vitamins and supplements create a significant impact on hot flashes, but many women share their benefits anecdotally. We always recommend you research your options and discuss your options with your doctor.
- Maca root
- Black cohosh
- Ginseng
- Vitamin E
- Soy
- Red clover
- Flaxseed
- St. John’s Wort
- Curcumin/Turmeric
Non-Hormonal Medications:
- Antidepressants: A low dose of Brisdelle®, a form of paroxetine, is FDA-approved to treat hot flashes.
- Anticonvulsants (Gabapentin and pregabalin), anti-seizure medications, have been beneficial for some patients in controlling hot flashes.
- Clonidine, a medication used to treat high blood pressure, can also be effective for managing hot flashes.
- VEOZAH® (fezolinetant) a newer medication, works by targeting the brain processes that trigger hot flashes, providing a potential treatment for those experiencing moderate to severe symptoms.
- Oxybutynin: Also used to treat urinary conditions.
Menopause Hormone Therapy:
- Menopause Hormone Therapy stands out as a highly effective treatment for alleviating symptoms of menopause, particularly beneficial for those experiencing a wide range of issues such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood fluctuations, and memory problems. The primary hormone utilized in this therapy is estrogen. Women who have undergone a hysterectomy can use estrogen alone without additional hormones. However, for those with a uterus, estrogen is typically prescribed alongside progesterone (or its synthetic counterpart, progestin) to mitigate the risk of uterine cancer associated with estrogen-only therapy.
- An innovative treatment option includes a combination of estrogen and a medication named bazedoxifene, which not only addresses menopausal symptoms but also aids in osteoporosis prevention.
- Progesterone or progestin is available in oral form or through an intrauterine device (IUD) that releases progestin over several years. The choice between oral progesterone and an IUD depends on personal preference, considering factors like the possible discomfort of IUD insertion versus the side effects of oral progesterone, which may include weight gain and mood alterations.
The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website.
