Night Sweating and Menopause

Night Sweating and Menopause

Night sweats and hot flashes are probably the most disruptive of all the menopausal symptoms that women have to go through. There are different methods to relieve them, but some of these methods work better than others.

The area of the brain that controls body heat also triggers the mechanisms to lower it. Blood vessels dilate, heart rate increases, and sweat glands open to release heat and lower temperature. In illness, symptoms often begin with a headache and chills. Menopause sweats mostly begin with a flushing face, prickly skin and perspiration from the undearms and groin. Symptoms of the menopause night sweats are different in that the brain is ‘tricked’ into thinking the body is too hot. It feels like an interior burner radiating heat all through the body. This results in a massive rush of heat and perspiration that immediately drenches, and a pounding heart. Other symptoms include dizziness, nausea, headache, weakness, flushed or blotchy skin, a crawling sensation, restlessness, and anxiety. The sweats can last anything between a few minutes to half an hour.

Menopause remedies concentrate on maintaining a healthy lifestyle to restore the body’s hormone balance. They consist of a healthy diet, sensible dietary support, stress management, and hormone- specific remedies. A sensible diet is specific to each individual. It is important to learn the basics of proper nutrition, or work with a healthcare professional to establish a healthy diet. Some substances are known triggers of night sweats, and include sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine; as well as being overweight. Sensitivity to certain foods, such as peppers and hot spices, are also triggers. Supplement diet with a quality multivitamin. Many women need extra iron, especially through child-bearing years. It is helpful to look for supplements that provide endocrine and immune support.

Stress management is key, combating the biggest culprit hormonal imbalance. Begin with regular exercise that provides at least sixty minutes of movement per day. Get plenty of sleep. During times of high stress, try such reducers as yoga, aromatherapy, massage, or simple deep breathing exercises. Hormone-specific therapies help many women combat menopause symptoms. Physicians sometimes prescribe hormone replacement therapies, but these should be a last resort. If chosen, look for natural products to use. First, look for herbal supplements like flax seed, black cohosh, red clover, and others. Since herbal supplements can be as potent as any medicine, research them thoroughly or consult a nutritionist for guidance. Find out any side effects, substances they interact with, or individual health conditions they may interfere with. A healthy lifestyle allows the body to maintain its hormonal balance and lowers symptoms dramatically. When menopause symptoms occur, common sense and careful research will help manage them.