Do you fall asleep only to awaken a short time later soaked in sweat? If you’re in perimenopause or menopause, you could be experiencing night sweats, a common symptom of hormonal fluctuation.
And if you’re waking up in the night drenched in sweat, chances are good that you’re suffering hot flashes during the daylight hours, too. Nearly two-thirds of women have hot flashes and night sweats during perimenopause and menopause.
The symptoms of menopause might not be life-threatening, but they do have the power to significantly affect your quality of life.
A. Michael Coppa, MD, and our OB/GYN team specialize in menopause care and finding treatment that’s right for you — whether it’s hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination of methods.
It’s time to find relief from night sweats and start getting more restful sleep, and we’re here to help.
You can’t stop the process that your body goes through during menopause, but you can control lifestyle habits that affect the severity of your symptoms.
Healthy habits like eating a nutritious diet and exercising regularly not only help you maintain a healthy weight, but they can also minimize menopausal symptoms.
Getting regular physical exercise might make you sweaty in the moment, but it can reduce episodes of night sweats and hot flashes. Consider practicing mindful activities, like yoga or tai chi, to manage stress and ease anxiety.
Avoiding certain foods and beverages can also help prevent night sweats. Eliminate spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol to get a better night’s sleep. If you smoke or use tobacco products, quitting can reduce night sweats and hot flashes.
If hot flashes are waking you up in the dead of night, making some changes to your bedtime routine may help keep you from overheating as you sleep.
Create a cooler sleeping environment to prevent the onset of night sweats. Turn the thermostat down before you head to bed and consider putting a fan in your bedroom. Wear loose, lightweight clothing to bed. Choose bed sheets made from breathable fabric like bamboo or cotton.
Some women find that lifestyle changes are enough to make their night sweats manageable. But if your symptoms are severe and they’re affecting your quality of life, hormone replacement therapy could be a treatment option for you.
Dr. Coppa offers hormone therapy to balance hormone levels and reduce menopausal symptoms. Your hormone therapy plan is tailored to your needs, and our team performs a comprehensive exam and reviews your symptoms before recommending treatment.
Hormone replacement therapy is available in a variety of forms, from oral tablets to topical creams. While this therapy can relieve night sweats, it can also be a good treatment option for other bothersome menopause symptoms like vaginal dryness and mood swings.
You don’t have to go through menopause without support. Partner with Dr. Coppa and our team to find relief from night sweats and hot flashes. Contact the office nearest you. We have locations in Providence, Cranston, and Smithfield, Rhode Island.
