Women and Night Sweats
Night sweats in women can be the result of severe hot flashes that occur while women are sleeping. Hot flashes are followed by profuse sweating and usually produce soaking-wet bedding and clothing.
These can be caused by unusual shifts in hormones, when estrogen levels begin to fluctuate during menopause, pregnancy or perimenopause. Menopause night sweats may occur when hormone levels begin a steady decline and permanent reduction. Estrogen levels affect an area of a womens brain that regulates body temperature and this results in physical reactions of hot flashes.
Women may feel exceptionally tired after many restless nights of trying to sleep. Night sweats in women can be very frustrating and usually disrupt sleep on a regular basis. Hot flashes can also occur during the day time and are often followed by headaches, irregular or rapid heartbeat or nausea. Often women who are overweight or suffer from high anxiety levels will experience night sweats.
Each individual woman can try a variety of methods for preventing night sweats. Suggested solutions include, lifestyle changes, diet improvements, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, stress reduction and avoiding hot weather. Staying away from certain foods may work for some women, such as spicy foods, white sugar, caffeine, acidic foods and hot drinks. Menopause night sweats may be improved with hormone replacement therapy for some individuals. This therapy works to correct the hormonal imbalances, which could help to alleviate night sweats in women.
Another option for treating night sweats in women is to use home remedies. Herbals teas brewed with red clover, sage and black cohosh are popular remedies. Soy products contain a natural hormone called phytoestrogen, which is found in soy milk and tofu. Evening primrose oil is a compound that helps to alleviate night sweating. It contains a rich naturally-occurring substance called gamma linoleic acid, which can be beneficial.
Whether you suffer from night sweats because of a hormone imbalance or need a lifestyle adjustment making a few changes should improve your situation.