How to Identify Menopausal Night Sweats
Think you’ve come down with a serious case of the fatal night sweats? Well, you’re wrong. Though you may be experiencing night sweats, they are nowhere near deadly, and are in fact rarely a sign of any serious medical problem.
When you are going through menopause, your body’s estrogen levels are reduced, which can trigger a flux in the production of other hormones. This is why you experience symptoms like night sweats. Night sweats are not only uncomfortable; they can lead to other problems like insomnia, irritability, and higher stress levels. The following is a list of questions to determine weather or not your bad sleep is the result of menopausal night sweats.
Five Questions to Identify Menopausal Night Sweats
Do you wake up in the middle of the night drenched with sweat?
The name might make this sign a dead giveaway. However, some women may not consider they are experiencing menopause until the appearance of symptoms. Try wearing pajamas made from a breathable material like cotton or other natural fibers.
Do you suffer from any other medical problem that could cause night sweats?
Menopause is not the only cause of night sweats. Some other possible triggers could be; HIV/AIDs, certain types of cancer, endocarditis, stroke, hypoglycemia, or tuberculosis. If you are certain your night sweats are the result of menopausal hormone fluctuation, you will be more successful in your search for treatment.
Are you under a lot of stress or anxiety?
Menopause causes chemical imbalances which can lead to stress. Stress can trigger many other problems including sleepless nights, irritability, and night sweats. Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and balance hormones at the same time.
Do you have a night sweat inducing-lifestyle?
Do you eat spicy food right before you put on your thick, flannel night gown and crawl under your heavy, down comforter? Do you smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, take diet pills, or drugs? All of these behaviors can lead to night sweats during menopause. Remember that your lifestyle has an enormous impact on your health.
What kind of medications do you take?
Antidepressants and hormone therapy medicine have been known to trigger night sweats. Talk with your doctor about the side effects of your presriptions. If your medicine is the source of your night sweats, your doctor may be able to recommend an alternative treatment.
Recommendations for night sweat relief
If you have determined that you are suffering from night sweats in the menopausal transition, it may be necessary to change your lifestyle to include more exercise and healthier food. Alternative and herbal medications can also be a solution. However, more serious treatments, like hormone replacement therapy, should not be used lightly and only at the approval of you doctor.
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