Night sweats

What are night sweats?

Night sweats refer to severe hot flashes and sweating that occurs during sleep. They are a common symptom of menopause and perimenopause in middle-aged women as hormone levels change. However, night sweats may also be caused by medical conditions like cancers, infections, hormone disorders, and medications.

Some key things to know about night sweats:

• They cause drenching sweats where your sleep clothes and bedding become soaked, even though the room temperature is cool.


• Night sweats typically occur in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women due to changing estrogen levels. However, they may happen in men and younger women too.


• While hot flashes and sweating are normal during the menopause transition, extremely severe or frequent night sweats that disrupt your sleep warrant medical attention.

What causes night sweats?

The most common causes of night sweats include:

• Perimenopause and menopause - Decreasing estrogen is often to blame.


• Medications like antidepressants and certain pain relievers


• Hormone disorders - thyroid, pituitary gland, etc.


• Infections like TB, endocarditis, osteomyelitis


• Cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma

When to see a doctor about night sweats

Consult your physician promptly if you have drenching night sweats along with unexplained weight loss and fever. Get screened for infections and cancers to rule out serious conditions. As we age, it's vital to get regular checkups and recommended health screens.

The expert physicians at Vitality Renewal Clinic specialize in complex hormone imbalances and menopausal symptoms. With customized bioidentical hormone therapy and lifestyle changes, most women find relief. Contact us today to regain your vitality!

How to reduce night sweats

Here are some helpful tips:

• Stay cool with breathable pajamas, lightweight bedding, bedroom fan, etc.


• Avoid spicy foods, hot drinks, stress, and alcohol before bedtime


• Establish consistent sleep routine and wind down with yoga/meditation


• Consider hormone therapy, medications, or supplements on doctor’s advice

I hope this overview on night sweats helps identify the potential causes and solutions for this bothersome symptom. Let me know if you have any other questions!