Menopause can cause uncomfortable hot flashes and night sweats for many women. Excessive sweating during this time is common due to shifting hormone levels, especially drops in estrogen. The good news is that there are several methods you can try to help reduce or manage menopausal sweating:
Lifestyle Changes
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of cool water. Dehydration can trigger hot flashes.
- Dress in layers so you can remove clothes as needed when a hot flash strikes. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton.
- Keep your environment cooler by using fans, opening windows, using lighter bedding, etc.
- Manage stress through yoga, meditation, or talking to a therapist, as stress can exacerbate symptoms.
- Avoid triggers like spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and warm environments. Pay attention to what seems to make your sweating worse.
Medical Options
Several medical options are available if lifestyle adjustments aren't providing enough relief:
- Prescription hormone therapy - Systemic estrogen or progesterone therapy may help regulate hormones and reduce sweating. Discuss risks/benefits with your doctor.
- Antidepressants - Low doses of certain antidepressants can minimize hot flashes. These include SSRIs like Paroxetine and SNRIs like Venlafaxine.
- Gabapentin - This anticonvulsant medication has been shown to effectively reduce hot flash frequency and severity for some women.
- Clonidine - This blood pressure medication may also lessen menopause sweating when used off-label in low doses.
At Vitality Renewal Clinic, our physicians specialize in hormonal issues related to
perimenopause, menopause and
postmenopause. We provide individualized care including bioidentical hormone therapy to help patients find relief from symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
Alternative Medicine
Some women find the following natural options help lessen sweating:
- Soy isoflavones - Dietary supplements containing soy have had good results for some women, likely due to the estrogen-like effects of soy.
- Black Cohosh - Multiple studies show this herbal supplement can reduce hot flash frequency. It should not be taken by those with liver issues.
- Evening primrose - This oil is thought to help balance hormonal systems and so may aid in managing menopausal symptoms.
- Acupuncture - Acupuncture tailored to menopausal symptoms has promising evidence for decreasing sweating severity. Weekly treatments are often most effective.
Be patient as you determine what sweating remedies work best for your body. It make take some trial and error. Most women do find solutions that provide adequate relief, so keep working with your doctor to navigate this transition. With the right treatment plan, you can manage menopausal sweating and stay comfortable.
