Are night sweats after menopause normal. What causes night sweats in postmenopausal women. How can you manage post-menopausal night sweats. When should you be concerned about night sweats after menopause.

Understanding Post-Menopausal Night Sweats

Many women experience night sweats long after menopause, leading to confusion and concern. While hot flashes are commonly associated with the menopausal transition, night sweats can persist for years afterward. This article explores the causes, symptoms, and potential solutions for post-menopausal night sweats, helping you understand whether your experiences are normal or require medical attention.

The Science Behind Night Sweats: Circadian Rhythms and Temperature Regulation

To understand night sweats, it’s crucial to grasp the concept of circadian rhythms and how they affect our body temperature throughout the day. Our internal temperature fluctuates naturally, reaching its lowest point in the morning and peaking in the evening before bedtime. This variation means that our bodies must shed approximately one degree of heat during sleep.

How does the body eliminate excess heat during sleep? The process involves vasodilation, where blood vessels near the skin’s surface expand, allowing heat to dissipate. In some cases, sweating may occur to further cool the body. This natural cooling mechanism happens while we sleep, and most people remain unaware of it.

REM Sleep and Temperature Regulation

During Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, our ability to regulate body temperature is somewhat compromised. This can lead to more noticeable temperature fluctuations and potential night sweats. As we age, our sleep patterns often become lighter and more fragmented, making us more likely to notice these temperature changes and wake up feeling sweaty or overheated.

Distinguishing Between Normal Night Sweats and Menopausal Hot Flashes

Is there a difference between typical night sweats and menopausal hot flashes? Indeed, there is. Hot flashes, which are common during menopause, are characterized by their intensity and short duration. A typical hot flash lasts about three to four minutes and is often accompanied by a sudden feeling of intense heat, particularly around the chest area. Some women may experience profuse sweating during these episodes, followed by a chilled sensation as the body attempts to recalibrate its temperature.

In contrast, normal night sweats are generally less intense and may last longer. They often result from environmental factors or natural body temperature fluctuations rather than hormonal changes associated with menopause.

Duration of Menopausal Hot Flashes

How long do menopausal hot flashes typically last? While every woman’s experience is unique, hot flashes often begin during the perimenopause period and can persist for several years after menopause. Some women may experience hot flashes for five to seven years or even longer. However, it’s important to note that the frequency and intensity of hot flashes generally decrease over time.

Common Causes of Post-Menopausal Night Sweats

While hormonal changes are a primary cause of night sweats during and immediately after menopause, several other factors can contribute to night sweats in post-menopausal women:

• Environmental factors (e.g., warm bedroom, heavy bedding)
• Medications (certain antidepressants, hormone therapies)
• Alcohol or caffeine consumption
• Spicy foods
• Stress and anxiety
• Infections or underlying health conditions

Understanding these potential triggers can help you identify and address the root cause of your night sweats.

When to Be Concerned: Red Flags for Post-Menopausal Night Sweats

While occasional night sweats are often harmless, certain symptoms may indicate a need for medical attention. When should you consult a healthcare provider about your night sweats?

• Night sweats accompanied by unexplained weight loss
• Severe night sweats that disrupt sleep and daily life
• Night sweats accompanied by fever or other signs of infection
• Sudden onset of night sweats with no apparent cause
• Night sweats accompanied by other unusual symptoms

In rare cases, night sweats can be a symptom of more serious conditions such as tuberculosis, certain cancers (particularly lymphomas), or endocrine disorders. If you experience any of these red flags, it’s essential to seek medical advice promptly.

Managing Post-Menopausal Night Sweats: Practical Tips and Strategies

Fortunately, there are several strategies you can employ to manage post-menopausal night sweats and improve your sleep quality:

1. Optimize your sleep environment: Keep your bedroom cool and well-ventilated. Use breathable, moisture-wicking bedding and sleepwear.
2. Practice good sleep hygiene: Establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine.
3. Avoid triggers: Limit alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods, especially in the evening.
4. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, but limit fluid intake close to bedtime.
5. Exercise regularly: Engage in moderate physical activity, but avoid intense workouts close to bedtime.
6. Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
7. Consider hormone therapy: Discuss the potential benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy with your healthcare provider.

By implementing these strategies, many women find significant relief from post-menopausal night sweats and improved overall sleep quality.

Alternative Therapies for Post-Menopausal Night Sweats

In addition to lifestyle changes and conventional treatments, some women find relief from post-menopausal night sweats through alternative therapies. What are some alternative approaches to managing night sweats?

• Acupuncture: Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and night sweats.
• Herbal remedies: Certain herbs, such as black cohosh and red clover, have been traditionally used to alleviate menopausal symptoms. However, scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness is mixed.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This form of psychotherapy can help women develop coping strategies for managing night sweats and other menopausal symptoms.
• Mindfulness practices: Techniques such as mindfulness meditation may help reduce the distress associated with night sweats and improve overall well-being.

It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any alternative therapies, as some may interact with medications or have potential side effects.

The Role of Hormones in Post-Menopausal Night Sweats

Understanding the hormonal changes that occur during and after menopause can provide insight into the persistence of night sweats in some post-menopausal women. How do hormonal fluctuations contribute to night sweats?

During menopause, the body’s production of estrogen and progesterone decreases significantly. These hormones play a crucial role in regulating body temperature. As hormone levels decline, the hypothalamus (the body’s thermostat) becomes more sensitive to slight temperature changes, potentially triggering night sweats and hot flashes.

While hormone levels stabilize after menopause, some women may continue to experience temperature regulation issues. This can be due to several factors:

• Individual variations in hormone sensitivity
• Residual effects of long-term hormonal changes
• Interactions with other age-related physiological changes

For some women, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be an effective treatment for persistent post-menopausal night sweats. However, the decision to use HRT should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, considering the potential benefits and risks for each individual.

Non-Hormonal Medications for Night Sweats

In cases where hormone therapy is not recommended or preferred, several non-hormonal medications may help alleviate post-menopausal night sweats. These include:

• Low-dose antidepressants (e.g., venlafaxine, paroxetine)
• Gabapentin (an anti-seizure medication)
• Oxybutynin (typically used for overactive bladder)
• Clonidine (a blood pressure medication)

Each of these medications works differently and may have varying levels of effectiveness for different individuals. A healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate treatment option based on your specific symptoms and medical history.

The Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Post-Menopausal Night Sweats

While hormonal changes play a significant role in post-menopausal night sweats, lifestyle factors can also have a substantial impact on their frequency and severity. How do diet, exercise, and stress affect night sweats?

Diet and Nutrition

Certain foods and beverages can trigger or exacerbate night sweats in some women. Common culprits include:

• Spicy foods
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Hot drinks
• Sugar and refined carbohydrates

Keeping a food diary can help identify potential triggers specific to your body. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support overall health and potentially reduce the frequency of night sweats.

Exercise and Physical Activity

Regular exercise has numerous benefits for post-menopausal women, including potentially reducing the frequency and intensity of night sweats. However, the timing of exercise is crucial. Engaging in vigorous physical activity too close to bedtime can raise body temperature and potentially trigger night sweats. Aim to complete intense workouts at least three hours before bedtime, allowing your body temperature to normalize before sleep.

Stress Management

Chronic stress can exacerbate many menopausal symptoms, including night sweats. Implementing effective stress management techniques can help reduce the frequency and severity of night sweats. Consider incorporating the following practices into your daily routine:

• Mindfulness meditation
• Deep breathing exercises
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Yoga or tai chi
• Regular leisure activities or hobbies

By addressing these lifestyle factors, many women find significant improvement in their post-menopausal night sweats and overall quality of life.

The Psychological Impact of Post-Menopausal Night Sweats

While the physical discomfort of night sweats is often the primary concern, it’s important to acknowledge the psychological impact these symptoms can have on post-menopausal women. How do persistent night sweats affect mental health and well-being?

Night sweats can significantly disrupt sleep patterns, leading to chronic sleep deprivation. This, in turn, can contribute to a range of psychological issues, including:

• Irritability and mood swings
• Anxiety and depression
• Difficulty concentrating
• Decreased cognitive function
• Reduced quality of life

Additionally, the unpredictability of night sweats can cause anxiety and embarrassment, particularly in social situations or when sharing a bed with a partner. This can lead to social withdrawal and strain on relationships.

Coping Strategies for the Psychological Impact

Addressing the psychological aspects of post-menopausal night sweats is crucial for overall well-being. Consider the following strategies:

1. Seek support: Talk to friends, family, or join a support group for women experiencing similar symptoms.
2. Practice self-compassion: Remember that night sweats are a common and normal experience for many post-menopausal women.
3. Educate your partner: Help your partner understand what you’re experiencing to foster empathy and support.
4. Consider counseling: A mental health professional can provide valuable coping strategies and support.
5. Focus on self-care: Engage in activities that promote relaxation and joy in your daily life.

By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of post-menopausal night sweats, women can develop a comprehensive approach to managing their symptoms and improving their overall quality of life.

Future Directions in Post-Menopausal Night Sweat Research and Treatment

As our understanding of menopause and its long-term effects continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new avenues for managing post-menopausal night sweats. What are some promising areas of research in this field?

Personalized Medicine Approaches

Advances in genetic research and biomarker identification may lead to more personalized treatment approaches for post-menopausal night sweats. By understanding individual genetic predispositions and hormone sensitivities, healthcare providers may be able to tailor treatments more effectively to each woman’s unique physiology.

Novel Non-Hormonal Therapies

Researchers are investigating new non-hormonal treatments that target the specific mechanisms underlying night sweats. These may include medications that act on neurotransmitters involved in temperature regulation or innovative cooling technologies that can be worn discreetly.

Integrative Medicine Approaches

There is growing interest in integrative medicine approaches that combine conventional treatments with complementary therapies. Future research may provide more robust evidence for the effectiveness of treatments such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, and mind-body practices in managing post-menopausal night sweats.

Wearable Technology and Smart Home Solutions

Advancements in wearable technology and smart home devices may offer new ways to monitor and manage night sweats. For example, smart bedding that can adjust temperature in real-time or wearable devices that predict and preemptively cool the body before a night sweat occurs.

As research in these areas progresses, post-menopausal women may have access to an increasingly diverse range of effective treatments and management strategies for night sweats.

I Have Night Sweats After Menopause – Am I Normal? | University of Utah Health

So menopause for you was 10 years ago, but now you’re getting hot at night. Are you normal? This is Dr. Kirtly Jones from Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of Utah Health, and this is “The Seven Domains of Women’s Health” on The Scope.

Well, it turns out that, first of all, we have to talk a little bit about normal circadian rhythms. That’s one of my favorite topics. This is where throughout the day, your temperature is not exactly the same. It’s at its lowest in the morning and at its highest in the evening before bedtime. Now, that means your body has to get rid of about 1 degree of heat from the time you go to bed until you wake up. And how do you get rid of heat? Well, your body gets rid of heat by vasodilating, meaning making your skin get warm so you can make the heat go off and sometimes sweating. And this happens while you’re asleep. There’s some other very important things that happen during REM sleep where your ability to regulate your temperature isn’t quite as good.

So this is a perfectly normal phenomenon that happens to most people. If you’re a really great sleeper, then you actually sleep through this. If you can remember, this happens to babies and grownups, when you put your little babies to bed, you’ve wrapped them up in probably too many blankets and you check them if you’re totally compulsive sometime about 1 or 2 in the morning and they were totally sweaty, sleeping through it if you’re lucky.

Now, as you get older, you may not sleep through this as well. So, when you get a little hot and sweaty, maybe you also have to go to the bathroom or maybe you’ve got a joint that’s uncomfortable and you’re rolling over and you notice that you have too many covers on and you’re just too warm. So this is a normal biological phenomenon that happens to everyone, but if you’re not such a great sleeper anymore, you may not sleep through this.

Number two is certainly at menopause, women have hot flushes which can be very difficult during the middle of the night. Now, this is a very short event. So a hot flush can wake people up or the process of waking up may trigger a hot flush where you feel very sweaty often around your chest. Some people soak their sheets. It lasts three to four minutes and then you kind of get chilled.

So this is a flash. When people talk about hot flashes or flushes, this is a short episode. It’s not being, “I’m not hot all night.” That is not hot flushes and it’s not menopause. Although at menopause, there are lots of things to think about which may keep you from being the good sleeper that you used to be. So hot flushes can be but remember they’re short, and are often quite intense, and then they go away, and often people get a little chilled because at that point, they’ve given off too much heat and their body has to recalibrate.

So, first of all, yes, it’s normal to get a little hot in the middle of the night or quite warm. Stick a leg out, throw your covers off and that can happen. The hot flushes means that you wake up multiple times a night throwing your covers off and then you chill and throw them back on. So that’s something that happens around the beginning of menopause the early years but can last for as much as five to seven years in some women or longer.

So it turns out there are some other oddball things that can cause night sweats which are more troublesome and that includes infectious diseases like tuberculosis, believe it or not, can cause nights sweats, some other infectious diseases, which are kind of chronic, not an acute infection, although anything that makes your temperature go up, any fever or infection makes it go up and it’s at its highest at bedtime, and then you often have your fever break when you’re sleeping. So that certainly can be a sign of infection.

Uncommon though, there are also some cancers which may certainly cause night sweats, but it’s mostly, blood cancers like lymphomas, but those are also quite rare and those cause night sweats. So, for a 70-year-old saying, “Gee, I just seem like I’m so hot at night,” number one, we’re getting into summer and your bedroom may not be as cool as it should be. Maybe you haven’t put your big quilt away, which I just did yesterday so that I don’t have to have so many warm things on me all night long. It could be that you’re not sleeping through that normal drop in temperature as well as you should be, but that’s pretty common for people in the post-menopause. They could be hot flushes, but remember those are short episodes and very unlikely and not normal would be tuberculosis, conditions like some kinds of cancer, some kinds of diabetes where your blood sugar drops in the middle of the night and you get sweaty when your blood sugar drops. Those are not normal.

But if this process ends up being very disturbing for you or you really are feeling that it’s interfering with your sleep and you’re not feeling otherwise well, then you should talk to your clinician about it. If you’re otherwise just thinking that this is because you’re not sleeping through the night that well, this is summertime coming. Get into your skinny nighties, get down to your skinny blankets, and get a good night’s sleep. And thanks for joining us on The Scope.

7 Surprising Facts About Menopausal Night Sweats

You go to bed feeling fine, maybe even a little chilly, but pretty soon you are waking up burning hot, drenched in sweat, kicking the covers off and tearing off your pajamas. You may be so soaked you have to change clothes and your sheets.

What Are Menopausal Night Sweats?

Hello, night sweats, one of the more unpleasant side effects of menopause. Night sweats are vasomotor symptoms (VMS): sudden, intense feelings of heat that happen when blood vessels expand, which increases blood flow, and then the vessels then contract. You sweat, your skin turns red, and your heartbeat may speed up. They can often feel similar to a panic attack, and can last a few moments or longer. Afterwards, you might feel a little chilled.

Did You Know?

1. Some Women Can Experience Night Sweats for More Than 10 Years

It has been reported that around 75 percent of menopausal women go through hot flashes and night sweats; however, they can also start years before your last menstrual period. “The mean duration of hot flashes and night sweats is seven to nine years, and about one-third of women will flash for a decade or more. I have had women in their eighties in my office who still have them,” says Stephanie Faubion, MD, North American Menopause Society (NAMS) medical director, and a NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner.

2. Night Sweats and Hot Flashes May Not Be the Same Things

New research presented at the 2022 Annual meeting of the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) showed that night sweats caused a higher level of stress compared with hot flashes alone, whether during the day or night. Also, women who had more hot flashes at night rather than the day were at greater risk for depression. Night sweats also last much longer and produce much more sweating.

3. Some Women Are More Predisposed to Night Sweats

A study published in Women’s Midlife Health found that night sweats tend to happen earlier and more intensely for Black women compared with white women. “It may not be genetic. It may be sociocultural, and more difficult life circumstances such as financial stress and racism. That hasn’t been sorted out completely,” says Dr. Faubion. Another study, published in 2021 in Menopause, suggested that “same genetic variants that help to predict reproductive aging are associated with frequency and severity of hot flashes.” On the other hand, women living in China, per one study, and in Japan, per other research, experience fewer and less intense hot flashes compared with women in the United States. This is possibly due to their larger intake of soy in their diets or other sociocultural factors, per research (PDF).

4. No One Knows the Exact Trigger for Menopausal Sweating

Night sweats are caused by declining estrogen levels but the actual mechanism isn’t fully known, says Faubion. “We think it’s like a faulty thermostat in the brain’s hypothalamus, which is your temperature control center.” The theory is when your ovaries stop producing estrogen, your follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) increases, setting off brain neurons that control the body’s temperature setpoint. Whatever the trigger, the consequence is menopausal sleep deprivation.

5. Night Sweats Aren’t Always Caused by Menopause

There are many diseases that can also cause night sweats: Tuberculosis, HIV, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, lupus, some cancers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and others, notes Cleveland Clinic. Night sweats can also be side effects of therapies such as aromatase inhibitors, tamoxifen, opioids, steroids, antidepressants, high blood pressure drugs, diabetes medications and more. If you are experiencing night sweats, see a healthcare provider to establish the exact cause.

6. Slow Breathing Can Help Ease the Frequency and Intensity of Episodes

Try six to eight breaths per minute for 15 minutes twice per day and applied at the onset of hot flashes. NAMS (PDF) reports that “this can be helpful for healthy peri- and postmenopausal women in decreasing both the number and severity of this bothersome menopausal symptom. ”

7. Not All Treatments for Night Sweats Are Hormonal 

The most effective way to deal with disruptive night sweats is hormone therapy (HT). However, not every woman wants to or can take it. Brisdelle (paroxetine), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is currently the only nonhormonal medication available that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use for hot flashes, but other nonhormonal drugs, such as antidepressants, can help treat menopausal symptoms. More are under development; stay tuned. Ask your doctor about any new options.

RELATED: Foot Massage Can Help Ease Sleep Trouble, Other Menopausal Symptoms

You Don’t Have to Sweat It Out!

Faubion urges women to look for solutions to night sweats and menopausal sleep problems. “There are safe and effective treatments out there that are underutilized. I think women and their providers need to be better educated on when and how to use them. There is no need to suffer.”

If you need help finding a physician who can help you, NAMS has a list of NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioners around the country.

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Excessive sweating in women with menopause

What is the female menopause?

Female menopause is a physiological process. This is the same natural period of a woman’s life as, for example, puberty. Menopause or menopause is the time when there is a gradual age-related decrease and stop of sexual function in women. The transition from the reproductive period (when reproduction is possible) to the non-reproductive period is the result of a genetically planned decrease in the production of sex hormones by the ovaries. Usually this transition does not occur abruptly, but gradually, over several years, being a natural component of the aging of the body.

The average age of menopause for most women is about 50 years. Early menopause can occur at 35-40 years old, late – at 55-65 years old. The menopause lasts from several months to several years. For the diagnosis of menopause, the very fact of the cessation of menstruation in a woman at the age of about 50 is often enough. The diagnosis can be confirmed by hormone studies – the level of estradiol in the blood decreases and the level of follicle-stimulating hormone increases.

The restructuring of the body during menopause proceeds differently for each woman – some do not even notice its onset, while others suffer from various symptoms: unexpected hot flashes, when it throws “sometimes hot, then cold”, sleep disturbances, irritability, fatigue, forgetfulness, depression, muscle and joint pain, wrinkles. It depends on many factors – on the blood supply to the pelvic organs (primarily the ovaries), on the health of the spine, on the general physical and mental state of the body.

One of the most unpleasant symptoms of menopause is excessive sweating. Clinically, this is manifested by a picture of a sudden flush of heat, accompanied by hyperhidrosis, especially at night. Hot flashes in the postmenopausal period occur in 90%, hyperhidrosis – in 80% of cases. As a rule, excessive sweating goes hand in hand with irritability and fatigue, all this “set of charms” seriously complicates both personal relationships and the work process, interferes with the physical, mental and social well-being of a woman.

Despite all the difficulties of the menopause, how difficult this transition period will be depends, for the most part, on the woman herself, because the symptoms of menopause can be effectively “managed” by analyzing the attacks that occur, highlighting the main provoking factors in order to subsequently avoid them, choosing for yourself the most effective ways to alleviate menopausal manifestations.

Hot flashes are the visiting card of menopause.

Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms that occur during menopause: 80-90% of women experience them during menopause. Hot flashes in menopause are considered its main criterion, and their treatment depends on the severity and frequency of occurrence. The onset, duration, frequency, and severity of hot flashes varies from person to person—they may appear a year or two before menopause, and last from 6 months to 15 years. In women who have undergone early or artificial menopause, hot flashes, as a rule, are more severe and protracted.

It is almost impossible to confuse this menopause symptom with any other. The picture of hot flashes is a sudden sharp sensation of a rush of warmth to the face and upper half of the body (the skin of the face, neck, chest turns red) followed by profuse sweating, often in combination with palpitations, nausea, dizziness, anxiety, headache, weakness, or a feeling of suffocation. The duration of the hot flashes is different for each woman and is a few seconds or a few minutes. Some women experience an “aura” before a hot flush, a sign of a premonitory hot flush. After a flush of heat, perspiration and redness of the skin usually appear. In this case, sweating can be so intense that it becomes necessary to change clothes or even take a shower. There may also be chills at the end of the attack. Hot flashes can cause a woman to catch colds more often.

65% of women experience hot flashes of varying severity at the approach of menopause and during the first two years after the end of the menstrual cycle. Between 20 and 50% of women experience them for many years. Over time, the severity of the tides decreases.

Menopausal night sweats is the “sister” of hot flashes, but night sweats are more intense.

Causes of hot flashes.

The main cause of hot flashes in menopause is a natural change in the hormonal background of a woman, mainly reduced production of estrogens, which have a direct effect on the thermoregulatory center, which is located in the hypothalamus (part of the brain). This center controls all the processes of conservation and release of heat by the body. With a deficiency of estrogen, the hypothalamus receives false signals that the body is overheating, as a result of which the mechanisms for dumping excess heat are connected – heart palpitations, peripheral vasodilation (perceived as a hot flash) and sweating.

This mechanism of heat release helps to protect the body from overheating in hot weather, such as in summer, but in this case it is caused precisely by a decrease in the level of estrogen in the blood. The most annoying thing is that hot flashes can occur at the most unexpected moments – while working, meeting with friends and colleagues, or in the middle of the night.

In addition, the intake of certain medications and lifestyle can also cause hot flashes. So, in women who smoke, there is a violation of microcirculation in the capillaries, which leads to a more pronounced intensity of the manifestations of hot flashes.

According to the frequency of hot flashes, the following severity of menopause is distinguished:

1. Up to 10 hot flashes per day – mild menopause;

2. From 10 to 20 hot flashes per day – moderate menopause;

3. More than 20 hot flashes per day – severe menopause.

Almost half of women (51%) suffer from a severe form of menopausal syndrome, in which there are more than 20 hot flashes per day, every third (32%) has a moderate severity (10-20 hot flashes per day), and only 17% have it proceeds in a mild form (up to 10 flushes per day). The duration of manifestations of menopausal syndrome can be different – from 1 year (in 18% of women), up to 5 years (in 35% – 56%) and even longer (in 26%).

Hot flashes usually occur at certain times of the day – from 6 to 7 in the morning and from 7 to 10 in the evening. Also, the frequency of hot flashes is influenced by various factors – anxiety, excitement, depression, extragenital diseases, climate change, stress, and so on. It should be noted that hot flashes occur not only with age, but also after gynecological operations, in particular, after bilateral oophorectomy.

Tide trigger.

Hot flashes are usually caused by certain factors, avoiding which a woman can significantly reduce the frequency of this unpleasant symptom. These factors include – increased ambient temperature (for example, heat outside, hot room, sauna or shower), heat sources (for example, fireplaces, hair dryers, heaters), emotional states (stress, anxiety), hot and spicy food, hot drinks, excessive consumption of caffeine, alcohol and sugar, smoking.

Hot flashes reduce a woman’s quality of life.

Hot flashes can cause mild discomfort or significantly reduce a woman’s quality of life. The frequency with which they occur varies from several times to 20-30 per day, duration – from 30 seconds to several minutes. During an attack, a woman feels a sudden, strong surge of heat to her face, neck, arms, torso. This is accompanied by a rapid and irregular heartbeat, redness of the face and neck. After the flush, a cold sweat comes out, which can be so profuse that the woman has to change clothes, followed by chills. Excessive sweating leads to the rapid development of an unpleasant sweat odor. Hot flashes are sometimes accompanied by nausea, dizziness, restlessness, and headache. All this causes a woman to feel anxiety, self-doubt, confusion, which leads to psychological problems.

Hot flashes that occur during sleep are called night sweats, because the woman often does not notice the heat attack during sleep, but wakes up feeling cold due to cold sweat. Frequent nocturnal attacks lead to sleep disturbances, contribute to insomnia and related disorders – memory impairment, decreased concentration, irritability, fatigue, stress. This entails a decrease in immunity, an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes and depression. If sweat during sleep can at least be hidden from society, then working women suffer in earnest when, in broad daylight, they suddenly begin to sweat profusely and redden their skin.

Sleep problems during menopause.

Sex hormones affect the parts of the brain responsible for sleep, therefore, very often menopause is accompanied by insufficiently deep sleep with frequent awakenings, difficulty falling asleep, and waking up too early. The lack of a full night’s sleep leads to the fact that during the day a woman feels overwhelmed, tired and constantly wants to sleep. The deterioration in the quality of sleep causes nervousness, physical and psychological exhaustion. Chronic sleep disorders increase the likelihood of depressive disorders and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. This symptom should never be ignored.

Following the recommendations below helps to improve the quality of sleep and prevent complications associated with its violation:

, but you should avoid physical exertion before bedtime, they excite the nervous system and interfere with sleep.

2. Before going to bed, try not to overeat, do not smoke, and do not finish the work that you did not have time to do during the day. After noon, do not drink drinks containing caffeine and alcohol.

3. Drinking a cup of warm herbal tea or a glass of milk before going to bed has a beneficial effect.

4. The air in the bedroom should be fresh and cool – a decrease in ambient temperature is a signal that it is time for the body to rest. It is desirable that the bedroom is used only for relaxation, sleep and sex. The presence of a TV, computer or other devices that make noise in the bedroom worsens the quality of sleep. Watching TV, working at a computer excite the nervous system and interfere with peaceful sleep, so it is better to complete all business at least an hour before bedtime.

5. Keep a routine – try not to sleep during the day, go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.

6. If you wake up at night and can’t get back to sleep, then get up and start doing what is usually good for relaxing – take a bath, drink warm tea with soothing herbs.

7. Seek medical attention if you experience sleep disturbances – today there are many drugs that help normalize sleep.

Lifestyle adjustment in menopause.

In addition to eliminating the factors that cause hot flashes, the following recommendations can help reduce their frequency:

1. Get physically active.

– Physical activity does not directly affect hot flashes, but it helps to get rid of stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, fatigue, mood changes that provoke hot flashes. Physical exercise increases the level of endorphins – the “internal painkillers” of the human body. Low physical activity increases the likelihood of menopausal symptoms and its long-term consequences. Even 30 minutes of physical exercise a day significantly improves the psychological state of a woman, in addition, they help prevent the development of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. If it is not possible to visit the pool or do fitness, you can replace them with physical exercises at home and long walks (preferably in a park or forest).

2. Eat right.

– Eating foods rich in calcium, magnesium and fiber, fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains improve general condition and help reduce hot flashes. Scientists have noticed that in vegetarians with menopause, hot flashes are either absent or mild. The vegetables and fruits they eat contain natural phytoestrogens, which alleviate the effects of a deficiency of their own estrogen in the body, thus reducing the intensity of hot flashes. Japanese women and Mayan women are classic examples, rarely suffering from hot flashes. Apparently, there is a direct connection with the nature of their diet, rich in natural phytoestrogens. Vegetable food is a source of vitamins, minerals, substances that have an antioxidant, immunomodulatory effect. They contain a large amount of coarse fibers that can not only improve the functioning of the digestive tract, but also cleanse the body of foreign hormones and other toxic substances coming from outside.

– Don’t forget dairy products – they are a valuable source of calcium.

– Eliminate (or at least limit) from your diet fatty, spicy, salty foods, which provoke the excitability of the nervous system, followed by profuse sweating.

– Do not drink strong tea, or drinks containing alcohol or caffeine (caffeine increases anxiety and triggers hot flashes). It is advisable to replace these drinks with green tea, which not only performs a detoxifying function, but also contains vitamins and microelements.

– During menopause, a woman’s body depletes the supply of such vitamins as vitamin C, B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, so you should consult your doctor who will select the optimal multivitamin complex. Additionally, you need to take vitamin A and E. They not only have an antioxidant and immunomodulatory effect, but also have a beneficial effect on the skin, nails and hair.

– Drinking plenty of water is important for menopausal women – experts recommend drinking about 1.5-2 liters per day. Water replenishes the fluid lost from excessive sweating during hot flashes and helps reduce their frequency.

3. Watch your weight.

If you are overweight, start losing weight. This will help fight hot flashes.

4. Wear natural fabrics.

– Give preference to natural fabrics – cotton, linen, viscose. This also applies to bed linen. Synthetic fabrics impair heat transfer and impair ventilation, which contributes to overheating and an increase in the frequency of hot flashes. In addition, synthetic clothing absorbs moisture worse and accelerates the appearance of an unpleasant sweat odor.

– Avoid wearing warm woolen clothes with a collar under the throat, it is better to leave the neck open.

– Do not overheat. Wear layered outfits so that when you feel the approaching tide, you can remove the top layer (jacket, jacket). At night, cover in layers so that you can remove one layer at a time.

5. Maintain personal hygiene.

The bad smell that comes from excessive sweating worries many women. In order to prevent its occurrence regularly (twice a day) take a shower, use antiperspirants and deodorants. Since the unpleasant odor of sweat is caused by bacteria, it can be reduced by using an antibacterial soap when taking a shower.

6. Don’t overexert yourself.

Tension, stress, fatigue provoke the appearance of hot flashes, so a woman during menopause should not take on too many responsibilities. Do not try to do everything at once, alternate work with rest, pay attention to your health. A good night’s sleep is important, it significantly reduces stress levels and helps to reduce the frequency of hot flashes. Learn how to relax properly, for this you can start doing yoga and meditation.

7. Don’t delay your visit to the doctor.

If hot flashes are interfering with your life, see your doctor. To date, there are effective methods of treatment that can significantly reduce the manifestations of menopause.

How to deal with hot flashes in stressful situations?

Stress is one of the main triggers for hot flashes. But even knowing this, it is often impossible to avoid stressful situations: conflicts at work, being late, important meetings, public speaking – it is very difficult to remain calm in these situations. These tips will help you learn how to manage hot flashes in stressful situations:

1. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths in and out when you feel the tide coming on – deep diaphragmatic breathing will help calm the nervous system and avoid the tide.

2. A few sips of cold water can prevent hot flashes, so it’s a good idea to have a bottle of water with you at all times.

3. The severity of the tide can be reduced by blowing air around yourself. To do this, you can use a fan or a fan.

4. Try not to be late. If you do not have time for a meeting – do not rush, but warn the person waiting for you about it, so you will be less worried.

5. When speaking in front of an audience, try not to be nervous, if you feel a rush – do not focus your attention on it, try to focus on the report. The fact that you have a tide is probably known only to you, and the rest, if you maintain confidence in yourself, will not even guess.

Folk remedies for the treatment of hot flashes.

Herbs also have a beneficial effect on the body of a woman during menopause. First of all, it should be noted cimicifuga. The preparations in which it is included are klimaktoplan, klimadinon, klimakt-hel, etc.

Reduces the regularity and intensity of hot flashes by taking herbal preparations based on sacred vitex (another name is Abraham’s tree).

Pollen helps some women. It is taken in the morning, 1 teaspoon, 10-15 minutes before breakfast, with water.

Homeopathic remedies such as sepia, pulsatilla, lachesis improve well-being.

Sometimes taking a course of sedatives such as valerian, motherwort, corvalol helps.

Medical treatment of hot flashes.

In the event that the above measures do not help reduce the severity of hot flashes, there is a need for more radical measures – drug therapy. Any medication for the treatment of hot flashes should be prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the condition of the woman and the presence of concomitant pathology.

Hot flushes are treated with:

1. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This is the most effective treatment for menopausal hot flashes. These products contain sex hormones, in particular estrogens, which compensate for the deficiency of hormones in the body, which helps to reduce hot flashes and night sweats. In addition, HRT relieves the psycho-emotional manifestations of menopause – mood instability, irritability, depression, fatigue, memory and sleep disorders. Preparations and the regimen for the use of HRT is selected individually, so you can take these funds only after a doctor’s prescription. The course of such hormonal therapy can last a maximum of several months, gradually reducing the dose over the last month.

2. Antihypertensive drugs. These drugs lower blood pressure. These include clonidine (clonidine). The principle of their action in the regulation of the severity of hot flashes is that they affect the ability of blood vessels to expand. Often, hot flashes are accompanied by a sharp increase in blood pressure, in which case these drugs are prescribed to lower it. It is impossible to take them on their own or change their dose without the direction of a doctor.

3. Antidepressants. Low doses of antidepressants act on the nervous system to reduce hot flashes. More often they are prescribed for the treatment of hot flashes, accompanied by the presence of depressive disorders.

4. Light sedatives. These drugs have a calming and inhibitory effect on the nervous system, thereby helping to reduce the frequency of hot flashes.

Use of Etiaxil antiperspirants.

When menopause occurs, a woman cannot do without skin care products such as long-acting antiperspirants ETIAXIL produced in Denmark. These sweat and odor products reliably protect a woman throughout her life, not to mention such a delicate period. Etiaxil antiperspirants are able to effectively solve the problem of copious hot flashes, when using them, the danger of suddenly getting wet “from head to toe” disappears.

Depending on skin type, Etiaxil antiperspirants are recommended for either sensitive skin or normal skin. They differ from each other in different active substance content and are characterized by minimizing the irritation commonly associated with other antiperspirants based on aluminum chloride.

Etiaxil Antiperspirants are night-acting roll-on antiperspirants that provide effective and long-lasting protection against normal (moderate) and excessive (hyperhidrosis) and underarm sweating and odor. After 1 application, Etiaxil’s patented formula guarantees sweat and odor protection for 3-5 days and shows a 65% reduction in perspiration for at least 72 hours after each application. In accordance with the international classification of antiperspirants, Etiaxil belongs to the class of “extra-effective”.

The uniqueness of Etiaxil antiperspirants lies in the fact that they do not fight, like conventional cosmetics, only with the effects of sweat, do not mask the unpleasant smell of sweat, but prevent its appearance by narrowing the ducts of the sweat glands in the armpits as a result of the interaction of aluminum chloride with cell proteins sweat duct, as a result of which sweat is redirected through the blood vessels to other areas of the skin or kidneys, where it is excreted. Etiaxil components do not accumulate and do not dissolve in cells, do not have a systemic effect on the body, so these antiperspirants are safe and effective for long-term use.

Use Etiaxil antiperspirants only at night on completely dry and non-irritated skin. 1 bottle of 12.5 ml is enough for 4-6 months, depending on the degree of sweating. Etiaxil is suitable for both women and men, is a safe, non-toxic product, does not disrupt the function of the sweat glands, normalizes their work, is odorless, has a colorless gel base, dries quickly, does not leave marks on linen. It is enough to use Etiaxil 1 or 2 times a week or less often as needed, depending on the individual properties of the body’s perspiration.

The manufacturer of Etiaxil antiperspirants is the well-known Danish company Riemann A/S, which has been developing and selling quality body products under the trademarks ETIAXIL and PERSPIREX for more than 30 years (since 1979).

Menopausal sweating: how to deal with the problem

Menopause is the period in a woman’s life when her periods naturally stop. Some women experience some unpleasant symptoms and slight discomfort during menopause. Most experience elevated body temperature, flushes, cold sweats, night sweats, and occasional excessive daytime sweating.

What are flushes of sweat?

Approximately 70% of women experience “sweat flushes” and excessive sweating during menopause. The “tide” can last from 30 seconds to 30 minutes. This is due to a change in estrogen levels, which affects the body’s ability to thermoregulate.

Menopause occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. Symptoms of menopause can vary in intensity from moderate to very severe (in some cases). In terms of duration, symptoms can last from several months to several years. Sweating during menopause can significantly affect daily life and cause discomfort and self-doubt. But there are tips to help you deal with excessive sweating during menopause, and give you a feeling of confidence and comfort.

How to deal with sweating during menopause?

• Shower regularly.
• Use antiperspirant every day after showering or several times a day if needed.
• Wear loose clothing and choose natural fabrics that allow your skin to “breathe” – cotton underwear and clothes made from linen, cotton and wool.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods and nicotine. They can cause a flush of sweat.
• Go in for sports. Exercise has been shown to reduce the possibility of sudden flushes of sweat.
• Try to keep yourself in shape. Being overweight causes excessive sweating.
• Stay hydrated and carry a bottle of water with you at all times.
• If you often experience flushes of sweat at night, make sure that your bedroom is cool enough, open a window for ventilation, change bed linen for linen made from light natural fabrics – cotton, linen.
• If you constantly sweat profusely, try using a stronger antiperspirant, such as Rexona Clinical Protection. 3X more protection than base antiperspirant*. The unique Defense+ technology forms a microfilm on the surface of the skin, providing 96 hours of continuous protection against sweat and odor.