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?

DotS the definition of vasomotor symptoms may vary. The NAM’s definition is:

“Vasomotor symptoms. Also known as hot flashes and night sweats, common symptoms during perimenopause and early postmenopause”.4

Severity

Is the severity of night sweats one-size-fits-all?

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

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”.6

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”.7

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”.8

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”.9

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”.10

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”.11

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”.12

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”.13

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

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Links

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  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. BMS & WHC’s 2020 Recommendations on Hormone Replacement Therapy In Menopausal Women
  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. Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy [Video]
  15. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  16. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Women’s Profiles
  17. Fast Facts: HRT and Breast Cancer Risk
  18. Four Common Causes of Night Sweats
  19. HRT and the Risk of Breast Cancer Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  20. HRT: Benefits and Risks
  21. Heart Palpitations
  22. Hormone Help Desk: ET, EPT, and More
  23. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  24. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
  25. Hot Flashes
  26. Hot Flashes: Manage Without Medication?
  27. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do?
  28. Hot Flashes? Night Sweats? Progesterone Can Help Reduce Symptoms of Menopause
  29. How Long Does Menopause Last? – Ask Dr Jean
  30. Information About Menopause [Multiply Languages] [Videos]
  31. Lifestyle and Behaviour Changes for Menopausal Symptoms
  32. Lifestyle and Behavioural Modifications for Menopausal Symptoms
  33. MHT and Breast Cancer Risk
  34. Making Sense of Menopausal Hormone Therapy Means Understanding the Benefits As Well As the Risks
  35. Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  36. Mayo Clinic Minute: Lifestyle Changes To Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  37. Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  38. Menopause FAQs: Hormone Therapy for Menopause Symptoms
  39. Menopause FAQs: Hot Flashes
  40. Menopause What Are the Symptoms? Menopause FAQs: Menopause Symptoms
  41. Menopause Hormone Therapy: Does It Cause Vaginal Bleeding?
  42. Menopause Hormone Therapy: Who Shouldn’t Take It?
  43. Menopause Management: Healthy Living – Hot Flush Breathing Technique
  44. Menopause Management: Healthy Living – Tips for Dealing With Hot Flushes
  45. Menopause Matters
  46. Menopause Symptoms and Relief
  47. Menopause What Are the Symptoms?
  48. Menopause – Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (HRT) Safe? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  49. Menopause – Non-Hormonal Treatment Options [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  50. Menopause – What Are the Symptoms? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  51. Menopause – What Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (HRT)? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  52. Menopause-Related Hot Flashes and Night Sweats Can Last for Years
  53. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
  54. Menopause: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) [Video Interview Stories]
  55. Menopause: Hot Flushes
  56. Menopause: Hot Flushes and Sweats [Video Interview Stories]
  57. Menopause: Menopause Symptom Relief and Treatments
  58. Menopause: Non-HRT and Lifestyle Options [Video Interview Stories]
  59. Menopause: Non-Hormonal Treatment & Relief for Hot Flashes
  60. Menopause: Overview [Video Interview Stories]
  61. 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
  62. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 4 Things To Know About Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Practices
  63. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  64. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  65. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
  66. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms In Depth
  67. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Red Clover
  68. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Soy
  69. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Vitamins and Minerals
  70. Natural Remedies To Help Manage Perimenopause Symptoms
  71. Natural Therapies & Supplements
  72. Night Sweats
  73. Night Sweats and Women’s Health
  74. Non-Hormonal Treatment Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  75. NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms: Hot Flashes and Night Sweats (Vasomotor Symptoms)
  76. Office of Dietary Supplements: Black Cohosh
  77. Paced Breathing: Can It Help With Hot Flashes?
  78. Perimenopause: Symptoms and Causes
  79. Phytoestrogens
  80. Preparing for and Dealing With Hot Flashes
  81. Relaxation and Stress Reduction To Reduce Hot Flashes
  82. Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy
  83. Risks and Benefits of MHT
  84. Study IDs Non-Hormonal Options for Menopause Symptoms
  85. Supporting Women Through Menopause – Fact Sheet
  86. Understanding Menopause [Booklet]
  87. Video Series-2019 – Advances In Our Understanding of the Etiology/Mechanisms of Hot Flashes
  88. Video Series-2020 – TSECs—A New Treatment Option for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  89. Video Series-2021 – Common Issues Surrounding Sexuality and Menopause
  90. Video Series-2021 – How Menopause Symptoms Can Affect Your Quality of Life
  91. Video Series-2021 – Treatment Options for Vaginal Dryness and Urinary Issues
  92. Video Series-2021 – What Women Need To Know About Hormone Therapies
  93. Webinars: Other Webinars – Clinician Readiness for New Therapies for Vasomotor Symptoms
  94. Webinars: Other Webinars – Progestogen, Progestin, Progesterone: Why All the Confusion?
  95. Webinars: Other Webinars – What To Offer for Vasomotor Symptoms When MHT Is Contraindicated [Menopausal Hormone Therapy]
  96. What Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) and Is It Safe?
  97. Women’s Wellness: Hot Flashes and Night Sweats Happen After Menopause
  98. Women’s Wellness: Menopause Misconceptions [+ Video]
  99. Women’s Wellness: Mindfulness May Ease Menopausal Symptoms
  100. 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: 16 August 2021
  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: 16 August 2021
  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: 16 August 2021
  4. Glossary: V – Vasomotor Symptoms. North American Menopause Society http://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-glossary#V Accessed: 16 August 2021
  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: 16 August 2021
  6. 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: 16 August 2021
  7. Mental Health & Emotions – Depression, Anxiety & Menopause. Last Updated: 25 March 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/mental-health-emotions/ Accessed: 16 August 2021
  8. 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: 16 August 2021
  9. 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: 16 August 2021
  10. 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: 16 August 2021
  11. 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: 16 August 2021
  12. 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/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/global-consensus-hrt-2016-06.pdf Accessed: 16 August 2021
  13. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 14 October 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 16 August 2021

Topic Last Updated: 16 August 2021 – Topic Last Reviewed: 16 August 2021
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