Night sweats are episodes of excessive sweating that occur during the night. They are a common symptom that can have many different causes.
What causes night sweats?
- Menopause - Night sweats are one of the most common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. As estrogen levels drop during the menopausal transition, it can cause hot flashes that lead to sweating at night.
- Anxiety - Anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder can cause increased perspiration and night sweats. The sweating is often related to anxious thoughts or panic symptoms.
- Infections - Fevers that occur with infections like the cold or flu can break at night, leading to sweating. Night sweats can also be a sign of infections like tuberculosis, endocarditis, or HIV/AIDS.
- Cancers - Night sweats are a common symptom in people with lymphoma and leukemia. The sweating can drench sleepwear or sheets even when it's cool. Cancers like bone cancer or pelvic cancers can also lead to excessive night sweats.
- Hormone disorders - Conditions like hyperthyroidism and hypoglycemia can cause hormone fluctuations, hot flashes, and night sweats. Patients may need treatment to regulate hormones.
- Medications - Some medications like steroids, morphine, antidepressants, and NSAIDs are linked with night sweats as a side effect. Changing medication dosage or type can prevent these sweats.
- Obstructive sleep apnea - People with sleep apnea often get night sweats. The sweating occurs when breathing stops temporarily during sleep. Using a CPAP machine at night helps improve sleep apnea and reduce associated night sweats.
How are night sweats diagnosed?
To find the cause of night sweats, doctors begin with a medical history and physical exam. They look for signs of infection, feel for enlarged lymph nodes that might indicate cancers like lymphoma, and ask about other symptoms, family history, and medications being taken.
Doctors may run tests like blood counts, thyroid tests, and cultures to check for infections. Imaging like X-rays, CT scans, and PET scans help rule out cancers and other serious conditions. Tracking night sweats with a diary also helps identify triggers or patterns.
Can night sweats be treated?
The treatment for night sweats depends on the underlying cause. Lifestyle changes like keeping the bedroom cool and wearing light breathable pajamas can help manage sweating at night. Hormone therapy helps reduce menopausal night sweats. Treating infections, adjusting medications, and using CPAP machines for sleep apnea all help curb episodes of excessive nighttime sweating as well.
Some severe night sweats require prescription medications to reduce perspiration and hot flashes. Antidepressants, clonidine, and anticonvulsants may be prescribed off-label to treat heavy night sweating related to cancers, anxiety, or menopause. Talk to your doctor at Balance Hormone Clinic to discuss treatment options for disruptive night sweats. Our hormone specialists can help identify the cause and create an effective treatment plan. Call today to schedule a night sweats evaluation!
In summary, night sweats have numerous causes ranging from menopause and infections to hormone disorders and sleep apnea. Diagnosing the underlying reason through lab tests, imaging, and tracking symptom patterns is key. While some cases resolve on their own, severe night sweats often require treatment of the triggering condition, lifestyle modifications, medications, hormone therapy, or CPAP machines for restful sleep. Contact Balance Hormone Clinic to get expert care in diagnosing and managing your night sweats. Our compassionate providers are here to help you rest easy!