Night Sweats

[octopusrus]

I am getting really depressed about having night sweats. I have to change the sheets every day.

I'm 36 and been having them since I had DD 3 years ago. Didn't have any after previous DS a few years earlier.

GP is pretty unhelpful - I can't carry on like this though, it's horrible to wake up soaking constantly and having to wash my hair and bedclothes every morning is getting too much.

DH is put off to say the least, can't say I blame him, it stinks!

Does anyone have any advice?

[PollyPerky]

Are your periods regular still? If they are not, or are coming lighter or heavier you could be having premature menopause. Take this seriously as there are long term health implications, regardless of fertility.

see Daisy Network which is a charity with a forum and support side for women.

If you think this is you, go back to your GP and insist on referral to a gynae.

The only other reason for night sweats is sometimes post-viral.

[octopusrus]

Hi Polly. Yes they are regular. I was fitted with a coil about 9 months ago but this hasn't made any difference either way.

I did wonder about early menopause but seeing as they've been happening for 3 years I didn't think that could be it, especially as my periods seem ok.

[Cinnamon2013]

I've had these for a month, post-natally, last birth had them for a year. It's crap, I really sympathise! I can't do much as breastfeeding so even herbal is out, but I've heard sage pills can help? Also lots on the web about Apple vinegar. No idea if either works but worth a go maybe? You've probably tried already but sleeping only in cotton and on a towel (under a towel too if you can face it) really helps, and saves on all that laundry. Hope it resolves itself soon.

[octopusrus]

Not heard about either of those Cinnamon so thank you, will look them up. Don't wear PJs and the sheets are 100% cotton.

Thank you, hope yours go soon as well. Guessing it's hormonal if it's following the birth too, but she's bloody 3 now!!

[PollyPerky]

Please don't bother with supplements- they don't work. I'm a bit of an expert on menopause, am post meno and have done a lot of research on it for professional reasons.
Sage is used by some menopausal women for hot flushes but no research shows it works.
If you are menopausal at 36 then you need proper appropriate medical support and treatment. Having periods is no sure sign all is ok. I really advise you to see your GP again or another one who is clued up and have some blood tests done on the right times of your cycle, so see what's going on.

[MatildaTheCat]

Just ask your GP for blood tests for your hormone levels. I was /am peri menopausal with awful night sweats and, after a while, hot flushes. A very low dose of HRT has completely sorted it. Like a light switch being turned on. At 36 there could be more complex reasons but please see your GP and get the tests done. Sweating through the sheets every night is not normal.

[octopusrus]

Ok thanks will go back to GP, maybe see someone different.

[Jules125]

I had the same problem aged 34/35. I am now almost 45 and still no signs of menopause -- so it really might not be this!

I did have a helpful GP who ran lots of blood tests and found several endocrine (hormonal) abnormalities, which eventually went away as mysteriously as they came. I would see another GP if you have not had this done!

[octopusrus]

Interesting Jules - so they went away? This is promising! I am planning on calling docs on Mon for an appointment. Could they treat any of the abnormalities?

[Jules125]

Yes, it did eventually get better for me, and it is possible [if they find an endocrine disorder] there might be a treatment.

I hope you get over this - I used to have to change all bedding twice a night and it was awful

[elizabeth27]

Hi
I had them about two years ago and still get the occasional one now - had blood tests etc and thyroid - the only thing I was low in was vitamin d - so took vitamins and it went away - I think it may have helped - also I was worrying about it which definitely made it worse - it I am ever a bit stressed that's when I have a sweaty night!