What are night sweats?
Night sweats refer to episodes of extreme sweating during sleep. They occur when your body overheats and tries to cool itself down by releasing sweat.
Night sweats can soak your bedding and sleepwear and may make it difficult to get a good night's rest. They can occur due to various reasons. Some common causes include:
- Menopause - Hormonal changes and hot flashes are common culprits. If you're going through menopause, talk to your doctor about treatment options. The experts at Balance Hormone Solutions can provide customized hormone therapy to help regulate hormones and relieve uncomfortable menopause symptoms.
- Infections - Fevers caused by illnesses like the flu, urinary tract infections, or skin infections can lead to excessive sweating at night. See your doctor if you suspect an infection.
- Medications - Certain prescription drugs, like antidepressants or diabetes medications, list night sweats as a potential side effect. Check with your pharmacist or doctor if you start experiencing them after beginning a new medication.
- Cancers - In rare cases, night sweats can signal lymphoma or leukemia. Make an appointment with your doctor right away if you have unexplained, repeated bouts of severe sweating at night along with unintentional weight loss and fevers.
- Hypoglycemia - For people with diabetes, low nighttime blood sugar can trigger cold sweats. Check your glucose levels if you wake up damp.
- Hormone disorders - Conditions like hyperthyroidism, hypoglycemia, or low testosterone may disrupt temperature regulation, leading to excessive sweating. Blood tests can reveal any hormone abnormalities. The endocrinologists at Balance Hormone Solutions specialize in diagnosing and treating hormone imbalances through methods like bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
- Idiopathic hyperhidrosis - Some people sweat excessively without any identifiable medical cause. Try making adjustments to the bedroom temperature, using moisture-wicking bedding, wearing lightweight pajamas, etc.
Night sweats can be annoying and disruptive. Pay attention to any accompanying symptoms and see your doctor if they happen frequently to determine the cause and best treatment approach. Lifestyle measures like staying hydrated, dressing in breathable fabrics, and keeping the bedroom cool may also provide some relief. For perimenopausal or menopausal women struggling with hormonal shifts, the experts at Balance Hormone Solutions provide safe and effective bioidentical hormone therapy tailored to your needs. Contact them today for a consultation!