Night Sweats
Night Sweats: Why They Happen & How to Manage Them
Waking up drenched in sweat, throwing off the covers, and then shivering a few minutes later—sound familiar? Night sweats are a common and frustrating symptom of menopause, disrupting sleep and leaving you exhausted. But why do they happen, and more importantly, what can you do about them?
What Causes Night Sweats?
During menopause, declining estrogen levels throw off the brain’s temperature regulation system, specifically the hypothalamus. This makes your body think it’s overheating, triggering an intense sweating response to cool you down. Other factors, like stress, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions, can also contribute to night sweats.
How Long Do They Last?
Unfortunately, night sweats aren’t a short-term issue. For some women, they last several months, while for others, they persist for years. On average, menopausal symptoms, including night sweats, can last around seven years, but lifestyle and medical interventions can help.
How to Manage Night Sweats Effectively
- Balance Your Hormones – If night sweats are severe, consider speaking to a doctor about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or alternative treatments like bioidentical hormones.
- Support Your Body with Nutrition – Certain foods stabilize blood sugar and hormone levels, reducing night sweats. Try flaxseeds, soy, and magnesium-rich foods (like spinach and almonds) to support estrogen balance. Avoid processed sugar and excessive carbs, which can spike insulin and worsen symptoms.
- Try Mind-Body Techniques – Deep breathing, acupuncture, and mindfulness meditation have been shown to help regulate body temperature and reduce hot flashes and night sweats.
- Explore Alternative Therapies – herbal supplements like black cohosh, valerian root, or evening primrose oil—but always check with a healthcare provider first.
If night sweats are interfering with your sleep and daily life, don’t just endure them—reach out to a clinician for tailored solutions. A good night’s sleep is possible, even during menopause!
We Specialize In All Aspects Of Menopause
Sudden feelings of intense warmth, typically in the upper body, face, and neck. They can cause flushing, sweating, and rapid heartbeat, lasting from 30 seconds to a few minutes.
Sleep during menopause, often due to night sweats or anxiety. You might have trouble falling asleep, wake up frequently, or feel unrefreshed in the morning.
During perimenopause, menstrual cycles may become unpredictable. You might experience heavier or lighter periods, or go months without bleeding.
Many women experience weight gain, especially around the midsection, during menopause. This is partly due to hormonal changes affecting metabolism and fat distribution.
Menopause is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The protective effects of estrogen on the heart and blood vessels diminish, leading to changes in cholesterol levels.
Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density. As levels drop during menopause, bone loss accelerates, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Up to 20% of bone loss can occur during this time.
Fluctuating hormones can lead to mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression during menopause. You might feel more emotional or find it harder to cope with stress.
A common but often overlooked symptom of menopause. As estrogen levels decline, the vaginal tissues become thinner, less elastic, and produce less natural lubrication.
Estrogen is a “master regulator” of the brain, and when levels decline, our brains become literally fatigued. It can take time for the brain to adapt to the new normal—and (good news!) studies show it does adapt.
Talk To Our Team
If you have questions or are interested in personalized clinical advice and therapy options, please send our team a message and we will respond within 24 business hours or less. However, if you have a medical emergency, visit the nearest emergency room or contact your doctor immediately. Your health and safety are our top priorities.
Blog
Welcome to the Bravella Health Blog! Here, we provide insightful articles and resources to help you navigate topics about menopause.
Understanding Hormone Therapy: A Personalized Approach to Menopause Relief
Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman’s life, often accompanied by a range of physical and emotional symptoms that
Women’s Hair Loss: Understanding the Causes and Exploring Solutions
Have you noticed your hair looking a little thinner than before? Maybe you’ve seen more strands in your hairbrush or