Hot flashes and night sweats are commonly associated with the drop in estrogen levels a woman experiences during menopause. However, these symptoms can also occur with other medical and psychological conditions. A primary care physician proves best qualified to help determine the causes. Only by understanding the cause of these symptoms, can physicians appropriately address and potentially eliminate them.
Menopause
This is a time during a woman's life where her body begins to undergo changes that signal the end of childbearing years. Estrogen and progesterone levels begin to drop and her eggs are no longer viable. Many other internal and external changes also begin to occur, not the least of which are hot flashes and night sweats. According to the Cleveland Clinic, approximately 75% of women will experience hot flashes and night sweats that last at least five years. These symptoms can cause considerable changes to a woman's lifestyle and daily choices.
Infections
Mycoplasm pneumonia, also called walking pneumonia, is a viral infection that normally resolves after 45 to 60 days without treatment. It can frequently cause night sweats, even when the sufferer does not have a fever. According to American Family Physician, tuberculosis proves another type of infection whose hallmark symptom is night sweats. Human Immunodeficiency Virus, mononucleosis and endocarditis are other infections on the list that also cause these symptoms.
Anxiety
According to Dr. John Wolfe, Associate Professor of Family Medicine at Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, high levels of anxiety can also cause night sweats and hot flashes. Chronic and high anxiety increases hormonal levels and changes the optimal function of the adrenal gland. This in turn can trigger night sweats and hot flashes by changing the body temperature 'set point' used to maintain a steady temperature state.
Medications
Most medications have a degree of side effects felt in the body. For some, the degree of side effects proves minor, while others may experience significant changes that impact their daily lives. According to the American Family Physician, medications that can trigger night sweats include anti-fever medicines, drugs used to treat high blood pressure, phenothiazines and substances used for abuse, such as alcohol and heroin.
Cancer
According to American Family Physician, another cause of night sweats and hot flashes is carcinoma. Cancers of the lymph glands, ovaries, leukemia and cancer of other endocrine glands can all cause significant changes in the hormonal balance in the body which affects the temperature control mechanism in the pituitary gland. These changes, plus the effects of chemotherapy and radiation on the endocrine glands, can cause a significant challenge to the ability of the body to maintain a steady temperature state.
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