Night Sweats In Women

Night sweats in women are mainly due to menopause.

Hot flashes are among the most uncomfortable symptoms that menopausal women complain aboutwhen they reach menopause stage

Menopause:

Menopause is a normal change in a woman’s life when her period stops. During menopause, a woman’s body slowly makes less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This often happens between the ages of 45 and 55 years old.

A woman reaches menopause when she has not had a period for 12 months in a row, and there are no other causes for this change. As she reaches menopause, she finds changes in the body. Many women wonder if these changes are normal, and many are confused about how to treat their symptoms.

Symptoms of Menopause

Every woman’s period will stop at menopause. Some women may not have any other symptoms of menopause. But as you near menopause, you may have these symptoms of menopause:

• Abnormal bleeding or “spotting." This is common as you near menopause. But if your periods have stopped for 12 months in a row, and you still have “spotting,” you should talk to your doctor to rule out serious causes, like cancer.
• Hot flashes (“hot flushes”). You get warm and sweating in the face, neck and chest.
• Changes in your period. The time between periods and the flow from month to month may be different.
• Night sweats and sleeping problem. These may lead to feeling tired, stressed, or nervous.
• Vaginal changes. The vagina may become dry and thin, and sex and vaginal exams may be painful. You also might get more vaginal infections.
• Thinning of your bones. This may lead to loss of height and bone breaks (osteoporosis).
• Mood changes. May include mood swings, sadness, and irritability.
• Urinary problems. You may have burning, leaking or pain when urinating, or leaking when sneezing, coughing, or laughing.
• Problems with concentration or memory.
• Less interest in sex and changes in sexual response.
• Weight gain or increase in body fat.

Many women in perimenopause and menopause also feel depressed and short-tempered. Some researchers believe that the decrease in estrogen triggers changes in your brain, causing depression.

Others think that other symptoms of menopause you're having, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep problems and fatigue cause these feelings. Or it could be a combination of hormone changes and symptoms of menopause.

But these symptoms also can have causes that are unrelated to menopause. If you are having these symptoms, and you think they are interfering with your quality of life, it is important to discuss them with your doctor.

Talk openly with your doctor about the other things going on in your life that might be adding to your feelings. Other things that could cause depression and/or anxiety include:

• Feeling negative about menopause and getting older
• Increased stress
• Having severe menopause symptoms
• Smoking
• Having depression during your lifetime before menopause
• Not being physically active
• Not being happy in your relationship or not being in a relationship
• Low self-esteem
• Not having the social support you need

If you need treatment for these symptoms of menopause, you and your doctor can work together to find a menopause treatment that is best for you.

Menopause Treatment:

As you near menopause, you may have symptoms from the changes your body is making. Here are some ways to relieve those symptoms.

• Hot Flashes. A hot environment, eating or drinking hot or spicy foods, alcohol, or caffeine, and stress can bring on hot flashes. Try to avoid these triggers. Dress in layers and keep a fan in your home or workplace. Regular exercise might also bring relief from hot flashes and other symptoms. Ask your doctor about taking an antidepressant medicine. There is proof that this can be helpful for some women.
• Mood swings. Try to get enough sleep and be physically active. Try some relaxation exercises by consulting your doctor. Ask your doctor about taking an antidepressant medicine. There is proof that this can be helpful. Think about going to a support group for women who are going through the same thing as you, or getting counseling to talk through your problems and fears.
• Vaginal Dryness. Use an over-the-counter vaginal lubricant. There are also prescription estrogen replacement creams that your doctor might give you. If you have spotting or bleeding while using estrogen creams, you should see your doctor.
• Problems Sleeping. One of the best ways to get a good night's sleep is to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. But avoid a lot of exercise close to bedtime. Also avoid alcohol, caffeine, large meals, and working right before bedtime. Drink something warm, such as herb tea or warm milk, before bedtime. Try to keep your bedroom at a comfortable temperature. Avoid napping during the day and try to go to bed and get up at the same times every day.
• Memory problems. Ask your doctor about mental exercises you can do to improve your memory. Try to get enough sleep and be physically active.