“If night sweats are waking you throughout the night, HT may improve sleep and fatigue, mood, ability to concentrate, and overall quality of life”.1
Umbrella
What may the Night Sweats Umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:
- Hot Flashes/Flushes At Night
- Hot Flashes/Flushes That Occur During Sleeping
- Night Sweats
- Sweats
- Vasomotor Symptoms
Definition
What are night sweats?
DotS the definition of night sweats may vary. The North American Menopause Society’s (NAMS) definition is:
“Night sweats are hot flashes at night that interfere with sleep”.2
The Australasian Menopause Society’s (AMS) definition is:
“Night sweats are episodes of profuse sweating at night, either alone or just after a hot flush”.3
Vasomotor Symptoms
What are vasomotor symptoms?
The International Menopause Society’s (IMS) explain:
Severity
Is the severity of night sweats one-size-fits-all?
No. In NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms: Hot Flushes and Night Sweats (Vasomotor Symptoms) the AMS elaborate on:
“These symptoms range in severity from minor irritation to a major disruption in quality of life”.5
Quality of Life
Is there an association between night sweats and quality of life?
According to the IMS:
“Up to a quarter of women suffer a poorer quality of life because of hot flushes and night sweats associated with the menopause”.6
Irritability
Is there an association between irritability and night sweats?
In Menopause 101: A Primer for the Perimenopausal – Common Body Changes At Menopause: Night Sweats the NAMS elaborate on:
“While it’s a myth that menopause itself makes women irritable, the sleep disturbances that stem from hot flashes and night sweats can certainly make a woman irritable”.7
Mood
Is there an association between mood and night sweats?
In Mental Health & Emotions – Depression, Anxiety & Menopause the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health explain:
“In turn, the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flushes and night sweats, can affect mood and make some women feel depressed. Many women kept awake at night because of night sweats find they are exhausted, can’t think clearly and feel more negative because they have had poor quality sleep”.8
Strategies
What are some strategies to get relief from night sweats?
In Five Solutions for Menopause Symptoms – 3. Night Sweats the NAMS suggest:
- Dress in light nightclothes
- Use layered bedding that can easily be removed during the night
- Or, try wicking materials for both
- Cool down with an electric fan
- Sip cool water throughout the night
- Keep a frozen cold pack under your pillow and turn over the pillow often so that your head is always resting on a cool surface, or put a cold pack on your feet”.9
Treatment
What are some treatments for night sweats?
The NAM’s explain:
“Treatments for night sweats and hot flashes include lifestyle changes, nonprescription remedies, hormone therapy (with estrogen plus progestogen, or estrogen alone for women without a uterus), and nonhormonal prescription drugs”.10
Hormone Therapy
What may hormone therapy (HT) improve?
On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Benefits published in June 2017, the NAMS elaborate on:
“If night sweats are waking you throughout the night, HT may improve sleep and fatigue, mood, ability to concentrate, and overall quality of life. Treatment of bothersome hot flashes and night sweats is the principal reason women use HT”.11
On page two in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Hormone Therapy Options the NAMS also elaborate on:
“Each woman must make her own decision about HT with the help of her healthcare provider. If you decide to take HT, the next step is to choose between the many HT options available to find the best dose and route for you . With guidance from your health care provider, you can try different forms of HT until you find the type and dose that treats your symptoms with few side effects”.12
Revised Global Consensus Statement
What is one of the points of consensus about menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and vasomotor symptoms (VMS)?
In the Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Section A: Benefit/Risk Profile of MHT – endorsed by seven menopause-related organizations – published online 20 June 2016, one of the points of consensus is:
- “MHT, including tibolone and the combination of conjugated equine estrogens and bazedoxifene (CE/BZA), is the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms (VMS) associated with menopause at any age, but benefits are more likely to outweigh risks if initiated for symptomatic women before the age of 60 years or within 10 years after menopause”.13
What are VMS?
DotS the definition of VMS may vary. The IMS’s definition is:
“Hot flushes and night sweats are also referred to as Vasomotor Symptoms (VMS)”.14
Health Care Provider
What if I would like help with my night sweats?
If you would like help with your night sweats, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. In Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment the (United States) Mayo Clinic encourage us to seek help explaining:
“Before deciding on any form of treatment, talk with your doctor about your options and the risks and benefits involved with each. Review your options yearly, as your needs and treatment options may change”.15
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics related to Night Sweats?
In Health Topics A-Z you may find:
Links
Where may I find Links related to Night Sweats?
Your Country may have Links similar to:
Links
This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.- 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): 6. Myth – Complementary Medicines and Therapies Are As Effective As MHT and Safer
- 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): 7. Myth – Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Is Safer Than Conventional MHT
- Acupuncture for Hot Flashes [Video]
- Alcohol
- Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
- Caffeine and Menopause Symptoms: Is There A Link?
- Certain Characteristics Predispose Women To Different Hot Flush and Night Sweat Patterns
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
- Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Complementary/Alternative Therapies for Menopausal Women
- Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy [Video]
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
- Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Women’s Profiles
- Four Common Causes of Night Sweats
- HRT Benefits and Risks
- HRT and Breast Cancer: Overall Risks and Benefits Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- HRT and the Risk of Breast Cancer Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Heart Palpitations
- Hormone Help Desk: ET, EPT, and More
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
- Hot Flashes
- Hot Flashes: Manage Without Medication?
- Hot Flashes: What Can I Do?
- Hot Flashes? Night Sweats? Progesterone Can Help Reduce Symptoms of Menopause
- How Long Does Menopause Last? – Ask Dr Jean
- Information About Menopause [Multiply Languages] [Videos]
- Lifestyle and Behaviour Changes for Menopausal Symptoms
- Lifestyle and Behavioural Modifications for Menopausal Symptoms
- MHT and Breast Cancer Risk
- Making Sense of Menopausal Hormone Therapy Means Understanding the Benefits As Well As the Risks
- Managing Menopause: Don’t Let Symptoms of Menopause Reduce Your Quality of Life
- Menopausal Hot Flushes and Night Sweats: Where Are We Now?
- Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Menopause FAQs: Hormone Therapy for Menopause Symptoms
- Menopause FAQs: Hot Flashes
Menopause FAQs: Menopause Symptoms
- Menopause Hormone Therapy: Does It Cause Vaginal Bleeding?
- Menopause Hormone Therapy: Who Shouldn’t Take It?
- Menopause Management: Healthy Living – Hot Flush Breathing Technique
- Menopause Management: Healthy Living – Tips for Dealing With Hot Flushes
- Menopause Matters
- Menopause Symptoms and Relief
- Menopause What Are the Symptoms?
- Menopause – Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (HRT) Safe? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- Menopause – Non-Hormonal Treatment Options [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- Menopause – What Are the Symptoms? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- Menopause – What Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (HRT)? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- Menopause-Related Hot Flashes and Night Sweats Can Last for Years
- Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
- Menopause: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) [Video Interview Stories]
- Menopause: Hot Flushes
- Menopause: Hot Flushes and Sweats [Video Interview Stories]
- Menopause: Menopause Symptom Relief and Treatments
- Menopause: Non-HRT and Lifestyle Options [Video Interview Stories]
- Menopause: Non-Hormonal Treatment & Relief for Hot Flashes
- Menopause: Overview [Video Interview Stories]
- NAMS 2017 Position Statement Updates Guidelines for Hormone Therapy Use: Hormone Therapy Remains the Most Effective Treatment for Hot Flashes and Other Troublesome Menopause Symptoms, Regardless of A Woman’s Age
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 4 Things To Know About Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Practices
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms In Depth
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Red Clover
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Soy
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Vitamins and Minerals
- Natural Therapies & Supplements
- Night Sweats
- Non-Hormonal Treatment Options for Menopausal Symptoms
- NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms: Hot Flashes and Night Sweats (Vasomotor Symptoms)
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Black Cohosh
- Paced Breathing: Can It Help With Hot Flashes?
- Perimenopause: Symptoms and Causes
- Phytoestrogens
- Practical Prescribing Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Preparing for and Dealing With Hot Flashes
- Relaxation and Stress Reduction To Reduce Hot Flashes
- Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy
- Risks and Benefits of MHT/HRT
- Understanding Menopause [Booklet]
- Video Series-2019 – Advances In Our Understanding of the Etiology/Mechanisms of Hot Flashes
- Video Series-2020 – TSECs—A New Treatment Option for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
- Video Series-2021 – Treatment Options for Vaginal Dryness and Urinary Issues
- Video Series-2021 – What Women Need To Know About Hormone Therapies
- What Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) and Is It Safe?
- Women’s Wellness: Hot Flashes and Night Sweats Happen After Menopause
- Women’s Wellness: Menopause Misconceptions [+ Video]
- Women’s Wellness: Mindfulness May Ease Menopausal Symptoms
- Women’s Wellness: Treating Hot Flashes and Night Sweats Without Hormones [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Benefits. 2017:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/for-women/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2017.pdf Accessed: 04 February 2021
- Menopause 101: A Primer for the Perimenopausal – Common Body Changes At Menopause – Night Sweats. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/menopause-101-a-primer-for-the-perimenopausal Accessed: 04 February 2021
- NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms: Hot Flushes and Night Sweats (Vasomotor Symptoms). Content Updated: September 2018. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/600-nonhormonal-treatments-for-menopausal-symptoms Accessed: 04 February 2021
- Hot Flushes and Night Sweats – Background Information: What Are Hot Flushes and Night Sweats? October 2011:1. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/downloads/world_menopause_day_2011/wmd_media_backgrounder.pdf Accessed: 04 February 2021
- NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms: Hot Flushes and Night Sweats (Vasomotor Symptoms). Content Updated: September 2018. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/600-nonhormonal-treatments-for-menopausal-symptoms Accessed: 04 February 2021
- Menopausal Hot Flushes – New Report Shows Women Don’t Have To Suffer, Says International Menopause Society 18 October 2011:1. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/manage/images/pdf/60088448f943198a9291fe32b9b78fdb.pdf Accessed: 04 February 2021
- Menopause 101: A Primer for the Perimenopausal – Common Body Changes at Menopause: Night Sweats. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/menopause-101-a-primer-for-the-perimenopausal Accessed: 04 February 2021
- Mental Health & Emotions – Depression, Anxiety & Menopause. Last Updated: 22 October 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/mental-health-emotions/ Accessed: 04 February 2021
- Five Solutions for Menopause Symptoms – 3. Night Sweats. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/five-solutions-for-menopause-symptoms Accessed: 04 February 2021
- Menopause 101: A Primer for the Perimenopausal – Common Body Changes At Menopause – Night Sweats. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/menopause-101-a-primer-for-the-perimenopausal Accessed: 04 February 2021
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Benefits. 2017:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/for-women/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2017.pdf Accessed: 04 February 2021
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Hormone Therapy Options. 2017:2. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/for-women/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2017.pdf Accessed: 04 February 2021
- De Villiers, T. J., Hall, J. E., Pinkerton, J. V., Pérez, S. C., Rees, M., Yang, C. and Pierroz, D. D. Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Section A: Benefit/Risk Profile of MHT. Climacteric, 2016;19:4:313 https://www.imsociety.org/manage/images/pdf/ba6379e868044bec13015ac2b84f2753.pdf Accessed: 04 February 2021
- Hot Flushes and Night Sweats – Background Information: What Are Hot Flushes and Night Sweats? October 2011:1. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/downloads/world_menopause_day_2011/wmd_media_backgrounder.pdf Accessed: 04 February 2021
- Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 14 October 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 04 February 2021