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Menopause & Prolonged Sweating

Menopause, also known as the change of life, is the time in a woman's life right before she stops having a period or can no longer reproduce. It happens to every woman and hot flashes and night sweats are common symptoms. It was once believed that the two were interchangeable, but they are not. Some women will experience one or the other or both. They can last anywhere from 30 seconds to 30 minutes. Hot flashes and night sweats are bothersome but can be managed.

  1. Causes

    • The causes of excessive sweating, with hot flashes and night sweats, is not really known. The decrease in estrogen and the rise in FSH and LH hormones may be the cause of night sweats. The body can also get overwhelmed and throw the hormones in the body out of balance. Hot flashes have been related to changes in circulation as well.

    Hot flashes

    • Hot flashes occur in many women during menopause. These are momentary bursts of heat all over the body in which the face gets red and flushed. Hot flashes are also accompanied by excessive sweating. The blood vessels close to the skin's surface begin to dilate to try and cool the body off; sweating tries to act as a coolant as well.

    Night sweats

    • Night sweats are bursts of sweating during the night. It is so overwhelming that it wakes women from their sleep. Women wake up with sheets and clothes that are soaking wet. This can happen once during the night or several times.

    Treatments

    • To help lesson hot flashes and night sweats, eat a healthy diet, do low-impact exercises, wear lightweight clothes, keep the house cool, take slow, deep breaths and consider hormone replacement therapy. Herbal supplements such as dandelion, wild yam root, dong quai, yellow dock, red clover, and soy may also help. In addition, take healthy amounts of calcium and vitamins B, E and C.

    Prevention/Avoidance

    • There are some ways to prevent or avoid hot flashes or night sweats. Spicy or acidic foods, caffeine, hot drinks and alcohol act as triggers for both symptoms and should be avoided. Try to reduce stress and avoid hot tubs, anger, warm conditions and tobacco to keep you from developing a hot flash or night sweat.

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