Menopause, the end of a woman's childbearing years, brings with it a host of uncomfortable physical symptoms. One of these is sweating in the form of a hot flash or night sweats during sleep. Sweating of this kind is often caused by the uneven levels of estrogen and progesterone in the menopausal woman's body. Hot flashes and night sweats can be controlled through dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments and medications.
Step 1
Keep your body cool. Wear layers that you can take off when you feel a hot flash coming on. Use light blankets at night and promote air circulation with a fan or air conditioning unit if you experience intense night sweats. Wear cotton nightclothes that allow your skin to breathe or clothing made from a wicking material that keeps the moisture from your sweating away from your skin.
Step 2
Alter your diet. According to the Mayo Clinic, spicy foods, caffeinated and alcoholic beverages and consuming hot drinks can all contribute to an increase in a menopausal woman's hot flashes. Boost your consumption of soy products in an effort to control your sweating. Soy contains isoflavones, a substance that is similar to estrogen in composition, and it may reduce your discomfort.
Step 3
Ask your doctor if you can safely take dietary supplements. The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) reports that 40 mg of black cohosh daily can cause a decrease in hot flashing in some women. Soy supplements and red clover may also be beneficial, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Step 4
Try using antidepressant medications. Some of these drugs including gabapentin, which is used to treat seizure disorders and may be an effective treatment for hot flashes. The medication is not FDA-approved for this purpose but may be prescribed off-label, according to NAMS.
Step 5
Consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if your night sweats are out of control and non-prescription remedies are not effective. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that most women who have recently reached menopause can safely undergo HRT for less than five years before health risks increase. The supplementation of estrogen may cause a decrease in your sweating.
