Some people who menstruate experience night sweats during their periods. They are usually harmless and are, in fact, treatable.
This article will cover night sweats during menstruation, including why they happen and how to manage them, as well as other potential causes and when to see a healthcare provider.
Night Sweats and Your Period
Night sweats during your period are typically normal and harmless. Night sweats occur due to regular hormonal changes that happen during your monthly menstrual cycle.
These hormones include estrogen and progesterone. As progesterone levels increase, estrogen decreases. This hormonal fluctuation can affect the hypothalamus, which is responsible for regulating internal body temperature.
How to Manage Night Sweats
There are a number of home remedies that can help manage night sweats during your period, including:
Lower your bedroom temperature: Your sleeping environment can make night sweats worse. Simple changes, such as lowering your bedroom temperature, sleeping with a window open, or using a fan, can make a big difference. Switch out your bedding: Opt for lightweight, breathable material, such as cotton. Exercise earlier in the day: Exercising too close to bedtime can spike your body temperature and make night sweats worse. Limit triggers: This includes alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods before bed.
Alternative Treatments
Alternative treatments for night sweats may include supplements you can find in the drugstore. However, remember that supplements do not go through Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. Talk to your healthcare provider before adding any supplements to your regimen.
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
While night sweats during your period are usually a direct result of hormonal shifts, there are times when night sweats could be the sign of other conditions, such as primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). POI is a condition in which your ovaries stop functioning normally prior to age 40.
Symptoms of POI include:
Hot flashes (sudden feeling of warmth over your upper body, especially the face, neck, and chest) Night sweats Irritability Trouble with focus Painful sex Decreased libido (sex drive) Vaginal dryness Fertility issues
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Night sweats are normally not a cause for concern, especially if they only occur right before or during your period. Night sweats during your period can happen at any age, but they are most common in your late 30s to early 40s.
However, if you experience night sweats more frequently and have other unusual or concerning symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss or a rash, it may be a good idea to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to rule out other possible causes, such as POI.
Summary
Night sweats during your period can be normal and occur because of hormonal changes in estrogen and progesterone levels. Night sweats before or during menstruation are usually not a cause for concern unless other symptoms are present, such as unexplained weight loss or a fever. This could signal another health issue.
Choosing cooler pajamas and bedding, and lowering the temperature in your bedroom, are some ways to help manage night sweats during your period.
A Word From Verywell
Night sweats, while typically not a cause for alarm, can be frustrating to deal with. If you’re experiencing night sweats during your monthly menstrual cycle, reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss your situation and how you might be able to find relief.
It is important to keep in mind that if night sweats during your period affect your quality of life in any way, such as by interrupting your sleep, be sure to bring up your concerns to your healthcare provider.
