Treatments for Menopause Night Sweats

Night sweats occurring during perimenopause and menopause are one of the most difficult side effects to deal with. WomentoWomen.com states night sweats are the result of hormonal changes accompanying the cessation of the menstrual cycle. These changes lead to chemical imbalances that cause blood vessels to become dilated, heart rate to increase, and sweat glands to become activated. WomentoWomen.com also notes that night sweats and hot flashes stem from the same cause, and are relieved with the same treatment options.

Standard Treatment Options

• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states the hormone estrogen provides the most effective relief of night sweats and hot flashes whether taken by mouth, in nasal sprays, or with the application of transdermal patches. WomensHealth.gov suggests discussing menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), previously referred to as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), with your doctor. However, MHT is not recommended for all women because of an increased risk of blood clots, heart attack, stroke, and breast cancer. In addition, the side effects can be as annoying as the symptoms MHT is alleviating; they include vaginal bleeding, bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, mood changes, and nausea.

  Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) involves the use of manmade hormones that mimic natural hormones manufactured by your body. It has not been proven that these products are superior or safer to use than MHT, they are expensive and may not be covered by your insurance.

  Additional medication options are also available. Research conducted with anti-depressants and the anticonvulsant medication gabapentin has shown they are effective in relieving vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats), as stated by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Alternative Treatment Options

• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists disputes the effectiveness of herbal treatment alternatives. As per the report posted on their website, alternative treatment options utilizing wild yam, red clover, and black Cohosh, show little or no evidence of alleviating vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats). Some studies showed short-term relief of symptoms in participants taking soy isoflavones, while other studies showed no difference among participants taking soy and those taking a placebo.

  On September 17, 2008, the National Institute on Aging announced it would be leading a 5 year research project, "Menopause Strategies: Finding Lasting Answers for Symptoms and Health (MsFLASH)," in collaboration with the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and other groups to find safe and effective treatments for menopausal symptoms including hot flashes an night sweats. Concerns over the safety of menopausal hormone therapy prompted this project. Among the possible treatment options to be studied are relaxation techniques, yoga, exercise, and low-dose estradiol (a type of estrogen) in patches or gel form.

  On their website, WomentoWomen.com states the medical community now recognizes the link between stress, hot flashes, and night sweats. To reduce stress, they recommend meditation, biofeedback, deep breathing, and exercise. Meditation induces a state of tranquility as you clear your mind of all distractions by fixing your thoughts upon an object or sound.

  Biofeedback teaches you to control your body's response to stimuli with the use of an electronic monitor. One such device detects skin temperature via a band that is attached by a wire to a battery operated monitor. Depending upon the model chosen, changes in body temperature as you relax are displayed on a screen, or are detected by a series of sounds that change as you relax. Biofeedback monitors can be purchased on Amazon or eBay at prices ranging from $14.95 to $349 (as of August 2009).

  Deep breathing is simple to do, is free, and can be done anytime and anywhere. This form of breathing involves using your diaphragm as well as your lungs. Make yourself comfortable, place a hand on your stomach and slowly inhale allowing your stomach to extend outward as you use your diaphragm to pull the air deep down into the base of your lungs. Now allow your chest to rise as you continue filling your lungs. Relax for a moment, and then slowly and gently exhale. Continue breathing in this manner until your body is completely relaxed. On their website, Georgia Mason University describes a method you can use for deep breathing and total muscle relaxation.

  Exercise is another method proven to relieve stress by causing the brain to release endorphins into the bloodstream. Endorphins are the neurotransmitters known as the "feel good hormone." Exercise away your stress with any activity that keeps your body continually moving for 20 to 30 minutes at least three days per week.

Triggers

• Environmental heat contributes to night sweats. The National Institute on Aging suggests maintaining a cool temperature in the bedroom and using sheets and clothing made of natural materials such as cotton. This will enable your skin to breathe and help to alleviate your night sweats.

  WomensHealth.gov states avoiding caffeine, alcohol, hot or spicy food and drinks can help to minimize both hot flashes and night sweats. WomentoWomen.com lists sugar and carbohydrates, stress, anxiety, and activities that cause the body to generate heat as possible triggers of night sweats and hot flashes.

  Try recording your next experience with night sweats and make a note of the foods you ate and any stressful situation you may have encountered that day. Compare your notes with your next episode of night sweats and you may be able to discover additional triggers including ways to eliminate them and to alleviate your night sweats.