Night Sweats

“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:

“Hot flushes and night sweats are also referred to as Vasomotor Symptoms (VMS)”.4

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:

“To get relief from night sweats (hot flashes that occur during sleep), try different strategies to stay cool while you sleep:

  • 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:

Night Sweats“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:

Health Topics A-Z

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.

  1. 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): 6. Myth – Complementary Medicines and Therapies Are As Effective As MHT and Safer
  2. 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): 7. Myth – Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Is Safer Than Conventional MHT
  3. Acupuncture for Hot Flashes [Video]
  4. Alcohol
  5. Being Positive About Sexual Wellbeing After Menopause
  6. Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  7. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  8. Caffeine and Menopause Symptoms: Is There A Link?
  9. Certain Characteristics Predispose Women To Different Hot Flush and Night Sweat Patterns
  10. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  11. Night Sweats Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  12. Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  13. Complementary/Alternative Therapies for Menopausal Women
  14. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  15. Early Menopause: Experiences and Perspectives of Women and Health Practitioners – Women’s Profiles
  16. Four Common Causes of Night Sweats
  17. HRT and Breast Cancer: Overall Risks and Benefits Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  18. HRT and the Risk of Breast Cancer Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  19. Heart Palpitations
  20. Hormone Help Desk: ET, EPT, and More
  21. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  22. Hot Flashes
  23. Hot Flashes: Manage Without Medication?
  24. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do?
  25. Hot Flashes? Night Sweats? Progesterone Can Help Reduce Symptoms of Menopause
  26. Hot Stuff: What’s New About Hot Flashes?
  27. How Long Does Menopause Last? – Ask Dr Jean
  28. Information About Menopause [Multiply Languages] [Videos]
  29. Lifestyle and Behaviour Changes for Menopausal Symptoms
  30. Lifestyle and Behavioural Modifications for Menopausal Symptoms
  31. MHT and Breast Cancer Risk
  32. Making Sense of Menopausal Hormone Therapy Means Understanding the Benefits As Well As the Risks
  33. Managing Menopause: Don’t Let Symptoms of Menopause Reduce Your Quality of Life
  34. Menopausal Hot Flushes and Night Sweats: Where Are We Now?
  35. Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  36. Menopause FAQs: Hormone Therapy for Menopause Symptoms
  37. Menopause FAQs: Hot Flashes
  38. Menopause What Are the Symptoms? Menopause FAQs: Menopause Symptoms
  39. Menopause Management: Healthy Living – Hot Flush Breathing Technique
  40. Menopause Management: Healthy Living – Tips for Dealing With Hot Flushes
  41. Menopause Matters
  42. Menopause Symptoms and Relief
  43. Menopause What Are the Symptoms?
  44. Menopause – Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (HRT) Safe? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  45. Menopause – Non-Hormonal Treatment Options [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  46. Menopause – What Are the Symptoms? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  47. Menopause – What Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (HRT)? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  48. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
  49. Menopause: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) [Video Interview Stories]
  50. Menopause: Hot Flushes
  51. Menopause: Hot Flushes and Sweats [Video Interview Stories]
  52. Menopause: Menopause Symptom Relief and Treatments
  53. Menopause: Non-HRT and Lifestyle Options [Video Interview Stories]
  54. Menopause: Non-Hormonal Treatment & Relief for Hot Flashes
  55. Menopause: Overview [Video Interview Stories]
  56. 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
  57. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 4 Things To Know About Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Practices
  58. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  59. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  60. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
  61. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms In Depth
  62. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Red Clover
  63. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Soy
  64. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Vitamins and Minerals
  65. Natural Therapies & Supplements
  66. Night Sweats
  67. Non-Hormonal Treatment Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  68. NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms: Hot Flashes and Night Sweats (Vasomotor Symptoms)
  69. Office of Dietary Supplements: Black Cohosh
  70. Paced Breathing: Can It Help With Hot Flashes?
  71. Perimenopause: Symptoms and Causes
  72. Phytoestrogens
  73. Practical Prescribing Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  74. Preparing for and Dealing With Hot Flashes
  75. Relaxation and Stress Reduction To Reduce Hot Flashes
  76. Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy
  77. Risks and Benefits of MHT/HRT
  78. Understanding Menopause [Booklet]
  79. Video Series-2019 – Advances In Our Understanding of the Etiology/Mechanisms of Hot Flashes
  80. Video Series-2020 – How To Talk To Your Primary Care Clinician About Your Overall Health
  81. Video Series-2020 – TSECs—A New Treatment Option for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  82. What Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) and Is It Safe?
  83. Women’s Wellness: Hot Flashes and Night Sweats Happen After Menopause
  84. Women’s Wellness: Menopause Misconceptions [+ Video]
  85. Women’s Wellness: Mindfulness May Ease Menopausal Symptoms
  86. 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

  1. 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: 10 July 2020
  2. 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: 10 July 2020
  3. 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: 10 July 2020
  4. 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: 10 July 2020
  5. 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: 10 July 2020
  6. 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: 10 July 2020
  7. 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: 10 July 2020
  8. Mental Health & Emotions – Depression, Anxiety & Menopause. Last Updated: 14 January 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/mental-health-emotions/ Accessed: 10 July 2020
  9. 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: 10 July 2020
  10. 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: 10 July 2020
  11. 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: 10 July 2020
  12. 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: 10 July 2020
  13. 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: 10 July 2020
  14. 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: 10 July 2020
  15. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 07 August 2017. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 10 July 2020

Topic Last Updated: 10 July 2020 – Topic Last Reviewed: 10 July 2020
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